LIFT

Sexuality - God's gift to humanity

2009-07-06T22:31:00.011+02:00

On Friday the 29th of May - LIFT organised LIFT - "The Gathering 5". This activity was addressed by Fr Mark Montebello and the topic was about "Sexuality". The speaker gave a very good overview of Sexuality and the audience participated thoroughly - This activity was a follow up activity of LIFT - "The Gathering 4"- that was addressed by Fr Ray Francalanza (earlier in Feb 2009).

Hereunder please find points prepared by Fr Mark himself about this topic.

Concepts of sexuality

1. Concepts of sexuality and norms of sexuality, though logically distinguishable, are mutually related and influence each other.

2. Our moral evaluations of sexual activity are bound to be affected by what we view the nature of the sexual impulse, or of sexual desire, to be in human beings.

3. The particular sort of metaphysics of sex one believes in will influence one’s subsequent judgments about the value and role of sexuality in the good or virtuous life and about what sexual activities are morally wrong and which ones are morally permissible:

Metaphysical pessimists think that sexuality, unless it is rigorously constrained by social norms that have become internalized, will tend to be governed by vulgar Eros.
Metaphysical optimists think that sexuality, by itself, does not lead to or become vulgar, that by its nature it can easily be and often is heavenly.

The Catholic view

4. The Catholic view of sexuality is seen in the light of Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Deus caritas est (2006), where he makes the following main points:

Erotic love and altruistic love are two sides of the same coin, i.e. of authentic love.
From the erotic aspect, all authentic love involves possession and passion.
From the altruistic aspect, all authentic love involves donation and sacrifice.
All authentic love begins on the erotic level but then matures and is fulfilled on the altruistic level.

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Whilst thanking Fr Mark Montebello for his support to LIFT and participation on our Blog, we would like to invite you to send your comments and ideas about the topic.

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about subject itself and this activity.

A FRIDAY ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL MIND

2009-06-22T15:53:00.004+02:00

This film Night was Joseph Farrugia's idea and on Friday 22nd May Joseph addressed the audience. This activity hosted about 30 people at the Multi-Purpose Room and this was the last indoor activity for its genre after winter 09. The focus of the event was entirely dedicated to the Film itself; 'A beautiful mind’. After the film a 30 minute discussion took place and many interesting points were put forward.

Joseph's thoughts about the Film;

Real-life mathematician, John Nash (Russell Crowe) was branded at an early age as a genius. After winning a prestigious scholarship to Princeton University, he develops his ultimate theory "Governing Dynamics." This earns him a professorship/research position at MIT. There he meets his future wife, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly) who is not only both bright and beautiful, but who loves him deeply. Meanwhile, he is called upon to serve his country in a secret mission, but the task takes an emotional toll on him.

Nash is not in touch with reality and is very suspicious about people around him. His college roommate(Paul Bettany), his roommate's niece, and the Defense Department agent(Ed Harris) were all imagined. Nash is hospitalized, and undergoes intense experimental treatment with mixed results. In his later years, he's able to control his illness and goes on to win a Nobel Prize for his economic theories

In this film that are some remarks that are important for people whom are in touch with people who are diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

Imagine if you suddenly learn that the people, the places, the moments most important to you were not gone, not dead, but worse, had never been. What kind of hell would that be?

A personal note on this condition and beyond:

If you are suspecting that a person is ill with this condition the best thing to do is to check with a psychiatrist, which will diagnose accordingly. If the person is diagnosed it is important that the pills given will be taken on a daily basis according to the psychiatrist prescription. Taking medication is very important so that the condition will be controlled. Fortunately this condition can be controlled due to a number of medicines that are available.

Nevertheless a lot of support and encouragement must be given from people that cared about him / her. After a lot of suffering caused by the condition, there will be greater happiness when the person will be healthy once again.

Also it is important that when you are talking about people that have this condition, it is important that you do not depict the picture as they are mad, since you must never judge the person without knowing him. As good Christians we must keep in mind that our comment must be appropriate to the person in front of us not to hurt his feelings.

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.

What if this is as good as it REALLY gets?

2009-06-16T01:32:00.008+02:00

On Sunday the 10th of May, 2009 - LIFT Film Night headlined with another spectacle that left all those who attended well satisfied...

Ray de Bono shares his views on ‘As Good as it Gets’ (released in 1997). The plot is based in New York City with Melvin Udall (stared by Jack Nicholsons). Melvin is a cranky, obsessive-compulsive writer, who finds his life turned upside down when neighboring gay artist Simon is hospitalized and his dog is entrusted to his care. In addition, Carol, the only waitress who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast. Sounds pretty basic and dull, eh? But it’s anything but…

Jack Nicholson's role as Melvin Udall, a successful author of love stories is well chiseled. With gusto we see the unraveling of this obsessive convulsive disorder (OCD) ridden elderly gentlemen as he engages with his neighbours, and acquaintances. Engaging? And what engaging that was...

Love him or hate him Melvin is the centre of the attraction in the film. His walk, his peculiar washing habits, his freaky obsession with cleanliness - like using his plastic utensils at the restaurant table - are not easy to forget.

The film can be summarily described as a love story, though you may disagree at this over-simplification

Carol, a lonely waitress, single mum of a sick child meets Melvin, and tolerates him. This tolerance moves to closeness, and these otherwise impossible-to-bond individuals, well, just fall slowly for each other... But hey, this fall is anything but typical. Prepare yourselves for a couple of laughs, and if you are sensitive, or the touchy type, even sighs.

Melvin's character inherits many stereotypical ideas. His explicit racism, homophobia and funny (if not brutal) chauvinism combine to make him practically unbearable to undure in real life if not for the film audience, who are but willing observers. I cannot see Melvin's demanding role being played by anyone but Jack Nickolson. Cannot fathom how John Travolta, having been the first approached for Melvin's role by the producers, would have fitted anywhere close in this challenging post. Jack Nickolson makes the film.

If Melvin's words were blades, the film will end in a blood orgy.

Savor these...

Receptionist: How do you write women so well?

Melvin Udall: Easy. I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability...

Simon Bishop (gay neighbor): I love you, Melvin.

Melvin Udall: I tell you, buddy, I'd be the luckiest man alive if that's what did it for me.

Melvin Udall: It's not true. Some have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you're that pissed that so many others had it good.

Melvin Udall: Never, never, interrupt me, okay? Not if there's a fire, not even if you hear the sound of a thud from my home and one week later there's a smell coming from there that can only be a decaying human body and you have to hold a hanky to your face because the stench is so thick that you think you're going to faint. Even then, don't come knocking. Or, if it's election night, and you're excited and you wanna celebrate because some fudgepacker that you date has been elected the first queer president of the United States and he's going to have you down to Camp David, and you want someone to share the moment with. Even then, don't knock. Not on this door. Not for ANY reason. Do you get me, sweetheart?

Speechless. That is how I felt seeing this film. It is a remarkable combination of good acting, settings that are not far from our everyday settings, and a script to rival Faulty Towers or Black Adder at their very best.

Some friends seeing the film with me the last time criticized the fact the film appears to ridicule OCD, and makes mental health appear in a funny or disrespectful light. I find such insinuations utterly ridiculous. I dare ask, are we, erm... am I normal ?? What defines normal?? Is it IQ, is it physical well being, is it social postioning, appearance?

I frankly don't think the film attempts to or even can be accused of addressing this age old notion. Love it or hate it, mental health issues are portrayed in a burlesque fashion, and are but cherries on the cake, acting simply as the cheer leading-props supporting the ultimate plot, so no one should be offended after all.

The film's music is also outstanding. It uses a recording by Art Garfunkel of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life", a Monty Python song from Life of Brian (1979). The original lyric, "Life's a piece of shit..." was changed to "Life's a counterfeit..." so that no one is offended : )

I recommend this as a 'must see' film. I have seen it at least 5 times. And will see it again and again in good company. It is worth every minute of it.

I was invited to share with the readers of this blog what hit me as a good message in this movie. I believe the film is a 'good feel' one. I doubt the producers did have any subtle meaning intended. They wanted a good film, and what a bloody good film it came out to be! But, thinking again, the best message I see is that love is able to grow in the most difficult of terrains, and where least expected. It only needs one ingredient: two people in need of acceptance and understanding.

(Sneak Preview…see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOfoeOsvYmU )

‘…You make me wanna be a better man…’ Melvin Udall’s opening up to Carol… (my favorite quote)

Enjoy!
Ray de Bono

LIFT WEEKEND 3 (2009)

2009-05-12T16:56:00.008+02:00

From Friday the 1st May to Sunday the 3rd of May LIFT organised the third weekend for 2009. Joseph Farrugia (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 3) took the initiative to share his personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.

Joseph in his own words...

It was a difficult decision to take whether to attend or not since I knew that at times I would experience severe low mood moments. I do not regret attending the weekend at all, since it was a very positive experience for me to talk with mature people whom I did not know at a personal level. The weekend was my very first experience of attending a live-in, and since it had a spiritual element it was even more special.

LIFT weekend 3 succeeded in its aims mainly because it helped to...

build new friendships and strengthening old ones
share and discuss different ideals
explore common life values
give us an opportunity to go in the country side
work as a team in cooking and cleaning together
have a spiritual moment together to reflect on our life wrong doings. By doing so we will be always regaining strenght to continue practicing our main goal - thus being good Christians who actually practice faith through every single action of our lives.

It was a very meaningful experience since I have learned how to socialize myself better, be grateful that one is accepted as part of a group, enjoy my self and create a happy atmosphere around me. Hearing different life experiences made me stronger and helped me in the continuous struggle in my life (though it is not easy to do so).

Actually working as a team helped us to serve each other and socialize ourselves at the same time. Teamwork helped us to feel each other's positive presence which made the whole weekend a unique experience.

I wish to thank all the participants who took part into this weekend since (thanks to all of them) this unique positive experience will last forever.

Joseph Farrugia

Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Joseph's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 3 is the third (and last) from a series of 3. The first weekend was in Feb 2009 and the second weekend was be in March 2009.

LIFT WEEKEND 2 (2009)

2009-04-26T12:08:00.021+02:00

From Friday the 20th March to Sunday the 22nd of March LIFT organised the second weekend from a series of three weekends. Pierre Azzopardi (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 2) took the initiative to share his personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.

LIFT weekend 2

The second LIFT weekend was truly a LIFT weekend. It was a 'Living In Friendship Together' weekend. I am here sharing my personal experience about this weekend based in these 4 words that captures all of what is LIFT about.

LIVING

In this weekend we practised the tools of LIVING.
1) Body Doing aerobics, going for a walk
2) Mind Training by playing board games in the evening
3) Spirit Attending Mass

IN

We entered IN deep sharing on Saturday.

FRIENDSHIP

1) I was given a lift back home.
2) Everyone respected each other.
3) Compliments were showed throughout the weekend.

TOGETHER

1) This weekend was a success because everyone worked TOGETHER, washing, cooking, etc.
2) TOGETHER with God, This weekend was wonderful.

Thanks a lot !
Pierre

Pierre is not a new writer in our blog and his writing style has always been innovative in his way of presenting his thoughts and comments. He is rather concise in his views but he always depicts his own experience in a strong and effective way.

Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Pierre's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 2 is the second from a series of 3. The first weekend was in Feb 2009 and the third weekend will be in May 2009.

2009-03-28T19:51:00.004+01:00

On Sunday 8th March, LIFT opted to show the film ‘Butterfly on a wheel’ also known as ‘Shattered’. Ray Bartolo and Katya Lautier prepared this post and wanted to share some views about the film itself.

The story in a nut shell:

Neil and Abby a couple having the perfect marriage. Enjoying all the perks that a successful corporate executive gets himself entitled to, Neil is on the brink of a huge promotion. For this purpose he was engaged on a travel trip. It all seemed that this couple had a worry-free life until their young daughter goes missing at the same time that they are hijacked by a strange gunman named Ryan who showed up and claimed that he has their daughter. Clearly masterminding the kidnapping, Ryan insists the couple perform various tasks for him in order to protect their child from any harm. Ryan starts to act madly and each time they perform a given task he asks them to do something else. The situation deteriorates over time and becomes a race against time to do his bidding, with tasks designed around humiliation, desperation and confronting one's fears
At some point in time, Ryan drove to the place where the travel trip should have happened and ordered Neil to kill the person inside. This is a very twisting scene where one understands why Ryan went to extremes and why did Abby looked as if she was collaborating with him. Neil was having an affair with Ryan’s wife, who happened to be his work colleague. Abby and Ryan teamed up to give a lesson to Neil and make him feel how difficult it is to know that you are being betrayed.

Some thoughts and remarks that make us think:

The name Butterfly on a wheel was first used by the British poet, Alexander Pope in a context meaning ‘someone puts a massive effort into achieving something minor’. Why did Ryan and Abba go through all this extreme when they could have easily left their partners, without endangering Neil’s life? Was it correct to pay back in that manner? Abba had aleady forgiven Neil for betraying her in the past. Why did she give Neil the second chance? How many chances shall you give when you are betrayed? Or one shall always forgive and forget in an attempt to save a relationship especially when there are kids?

Though there are no single-correct answers to the questions posed above, it may still be concluded that:

1. Wrong doings are likely to be discovered (in Maltese ‘Iz-Zejt jitla f’wicc l-ilma).

2. Sometimes, when you are sorry is too late.

3. Do not look for the things in life that are owned by others.

4. If we act dishonestly, sometimes the only options that are left to choose from all have a sour taste.

5. Once bitten twice shy

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.

LIFT WEEKEND 1 (2009)

2009-02-25T17:18:00.005+01:00

From Friday the 30th January to Sunday the 1st of February LIFT organised the first weekend from a series of three weekends. Eleanor Grech (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 1) took the initiative to share her personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.

It was a last minute decision to come to the Lift Live-in weekend and I truly do not regret it. I honestly believe that this weekend has left a profound impact on me. Initially I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision, I was a bit scarred, but now that I’ve been part of this experience, I feel that I am already reaping the benefits.

We truly had a good time together and that is what this weekend was all about – building up new friendship and strengthening old ones, the sharing and discussion of different ideals, exploring common life values, exercise, team work - cooking and cleaning together, laughter, prayer and a long walk! All in an atmosphere of friendship, acceptance and openness to each other. And that is what struck me the most. I

t was a meaningful experience for me because first and foremost I had to stretch out and be open to a new encounter with you and make myself available for others. Another thing, I had to be involved in doing something for others (i.e. cooking and cleaning), and serve you as required. Practically knowing only a few of you, it was not easy for me to stretch myself that much. Moreover, I have to say that, I am pretty much used to going on spiritual retreats and usually you find everything prepared, planned and ready for you. You pretty much know what’s going to happen. All that is required of me is to sit and listen, eat and sleep.

I feel that in this Live-in the spiritual element was pretty much translated into practice, because the actual doing, sharing and living together as a group, has brought about a sense of unity, friendship and communion. Moreover I feel that I’ve made new and precious friends during this weekend. Indeed I honestly believe that it was a character building experience for me. And for this wonderful experience I have had with you guys I am truly grateful.

Thanks a lot.

Eleanor

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Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Eleanor's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 1 is the first from a series of 3. The second weekend will be on March 2009 and the third weekend in May 2009.

LIFT Gathering III - 23/01/2009

2009-02-03T17:09:00.015+01:00

This activity took place at the multi-purpose room (WoW) and was addressed by Fr Ray Francalanza. The main topic was about Communications and the different styles of it.

This activity was also possible thanks to the participation and direct involvement of other LIFT members including; Anne, Noel, Pierre and Jackie.

LIFT Gathering 3 - A Small brief
prepared by Pierre Azzopardi

What is good communication? What are types and styles of communications? These questions were addressed by Fr.Ray Francalanza in the 3rd LIFT gathering.

First we started with an ice breaker (forming a web). Jackie prepared some questions which were answered by those who were present. These questions helped us know each other. After answering the question, the person had to pass the string ball to another one. And this continued and a web was formed. The web repesented all those who attended - all with their own personal individualistic attributes and characteristics but all forming ONE group. One Team.

After this Ice Breaker Fr Ray delivered a talk about the subject itself. It was about negative and positive experiences. Difficulties in communications, and types of communications, such as overfunctioning and underfunctioning - all of which forming different styles of characters.

This talk raised different points from those attending. Many shared their views and a short discussion started.

After the discussion those who prepared their prayers shared prayers and others just addressed their spontaneous prayers.

This gathering was prepare by me Pierre, Noel, Ann and Jackie. Hope others will follow and give there time to Lift.

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Whilst thanking Pierre for his consisting support and comments in LIFT BLOG, we would like to invite all those who attended this event to comment and share their views about the subject.

Let us remind you that you can also write suggestions to LIFT - eg: suggesting a topic to discuss etc

Many thanks

LIFT TEAM

Film Night – "Amadeus"

2009-01-26T22:13:00.031+01:00

On Sunday 18^thJanuary, LIFT organised another Film Night. Once again this activity was a great success marking the greatest crowd ever gathering at the Multi-Purpose Room to watch the film for the night; “Amadeus”, a 1984 drama directed by Miloš Forman and written by Peter Shaffer. Based on Shaffer's stage play Amadeus, the film is based very loosely on the lives of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, two composers who lived in Vienna, Austria, during the later half of the 18^th century.

The film was nominated for 53 awards and received 40, including 8 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), 4 BAFTA Awards, 4 Golden Globes and a DGA Award. In 1998 Amadeus was ranked the 53rd best American movie by the american Film Institute on its AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies list.

Unfortunately this time round due to the length of the film it was not possible to have a short discussion around the main themes of the film. As a matter of fact LIFT invites you to share a discussion on this film by sending comments to this post.

Something about the plot itself:

It is a cold winter evening and two housemen attempt to rouse their master, former glorified Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri. Being unsuccessful from their knocking, they force Salieri's bedroom door open and find him on the floor, bleeding from a knife wound to the neck. They carry him to a mental hospital, where his wound is bound up, and a priest comes to see him the next day. The priest attempts to get him to explain why he would try to take his own life and the movie flashes back. The film deals with the last few months of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life, told in flashbacks by this old, washed-up musician named Antonio Salieri. Salieri tells of the genius, the ingenuity, and the insanity of the young musician who died mysteriously at the age of 35. Salieri's jealousy may have led him to kill the young composer, but that is something that will never be known. Amadeus is an interesting commentary that tries to fill holes in history and succeeds amazingly. By mixing fact and probable fiction, the film-makers succeeded in creating a truly remarkable motion picture that is easily one of the best of the 1980s.

'Amadeus' is a deep, thought-provoking and exceptional film. The following are some reflections and thoughts we would like to share:

What are the real intentions behind the prayers we put forward to God? Are they sincerely set to strengthen ourselves to be able to glorify Him or instead to glorify ourselves?

Are there moments in our lives, when as Salieri did, we try to be in the limelight to glorify God?

Do we sometimes ask God why it seems that He prefers others rather than us by giving them things which we wish we had? We should rather be grateful and pray to get the light to appreciate the things we have and be able to seek the good within us.

Aided with his genius, Mozart was a non-conformist musician who always took the chance to be different to the norm. His way of writing music enriched with a lot of notes and unbound from general rules in style, language and content. He was able to illuminate others to the change. Are we ready to act differently against the trends of our times? Why should we wait for the judgement of others to be fulfilled with what with do?

Salieri's father was definitely obscuring his dream. In a way although Mozart's father encouraged his son to enrich his talent, Mozart was never totally free, not even after the death of his father. Why should we leave others to destroy or hook our dreams? Why should we blame others for not being able to follow our dreams as Salieri did in many occassions?

Are we ready to be generous and love others irrespective of the circumstances as the wife of Mozart did?

Why should we concentrate our energy to seek how others compare to us rather than being grateful for what we are irrespective of what we do?

Are we ready to except the fact that there must be a time in our lives when someone more able than us takes the limelight sometimes at the expense of being forgotten in history?

The film shows us that Amadeus performed in front of two different audiences: the noble and the peasant audience. In which audience do we fit: the noble audience who is glad to keep stuck to old habits and traditions or the peasant audience who is willing to except changes and be inspired by the enlightened ones?

Although Mozart held a great talent he was never able to provide a quality life to those around him. Are we using our talents in the right way in the benefit of the others around us?

Mozart was all the time haunted by many ghosts of the past. Are we ready to revive ourselves by leaving to our backs bad experiences we went through whilst learning from our mistakes?

Prepared by Owen Casha & Anton Debono

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.

Goodbye to 2008 and a BIG Welcome to 2009!!

2009-01-14T19:26:00.015+01:00

First of all LIFT would like to thank all the readers of this blog particularly those who send their comments and share their views. Basically the aim behind all this is to expand our interaction - reaching a cyber communication - This Blog is a very strong tool for all to use and exploit. This blog will continue to be updated in 2009 and yet will be even stronger than ever.

Our Blog is yours to discover. It’s another link to communicate with us... it’s not just a 2 way communication but an interactive tool to communicate beyond...

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Lets take a look at what happened in the last months of 2008

LIFT NYE PARTY - 31st December, 2008

This time we opted for Tarxien Hall - In fact this 'new' venue gave us all we actually needed... including a big hall for our dance-floor and DJs, bar-area, relax-area, ample parking space and most of all plenty of people enjoying the night!

This was also a LIFT record for attendance. In fact a staggering crowd of 100 people filled the place - We should note that we also received a lot of positive feedback from those who attended. Thanks to all of you!!!

LIFT should primarily thank the Augustinian Friars at Tarxien for their kind permission, Stefan for providing us with a professional sound system including CD decks and large speakers, Cedric for providing us with professional disco lighting, Annabelle and 'uncle Alex' for providing us with loads of draperies, 'ideas' and other decorative staff, Joséf for providing us with extra fridges and large carpets, Conrad Dimech for designing our promotional e-flyers and all the staff from James Caterers.

All special thanks go to all those who provided us with give-aways for our guests including Stefan (providing us with wines and spirits), Eman Pulis (bacio chocolates at the door) and Chemimart for our give-aways including also perfume samples for all attending.

Special thanks goes also to our local DJs; Stefan, Anton, Cedric and Ray.

This was also a core team effort and this event could have never been possible without Katya, Stephania, Ray, Jeremy, Fr Ray, Daniela, Anton and Maria.

Please follow this link to see photos of NYE Party 2008:
http://www.mclift.org/RunScript.asp?Page=112&p=ASP\Pg112.asp

THE LIFT GATHERING - 5th December 2008

This is the 2nd LIFT GATHERING event - This activity took place at the Auditorium. It was addressed by Fr Ray Francalanza and then each member of the core team took a small group of people to discuss certain issues in a focus group level. A person who attended this event wanted to share with us his experience of this event:

First we started with an icebreaker where from it we discovered something about all the members who came that day. Then we were divided in small groups. In each group we had some questions, where from them we discovered something about ourselves.

After the small groups we met all of us and answered the question what we will save in case of a fire in our house. After we had a fellowship, and then went out for a drink.

THE LIFT HIKE - 30 Th November 2008

This was another typical LIFT Hike. This time the group headed to Buskett (Malta's small forest) - well joking apart :) This was another successful hike. A person who attended this hike wanted to share with us the below mentioned points.

1) The hike was well planned. We must plan our lives.

2) In the hike we followed James who led the way. In our live we must follow Jesus who leads our way.

3) In our hike we rested twice. In our hectic life we must rest.

4) In our hike we walked sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill. In our life we sometimes walk sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill.

LIFT would like to thank Pierre Azzopardi for sharing the above points related to the Formation Meeting and the Hike with our readers.

Please follow this link to see photos of this LIFT Hike;
http://www.mclift.org/RunScript.asp?Page=109&p=ASP\Pg109.aspRegards

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the NYE PARTY 2008, The Hike at Buskett and also LIFT Gathering. Thanks for your support.

"The Bucket List" - a film about living a life...

2008-10-29T23:07:00.014+01:00

On Sunday 26^thOctober, LIFT organised another Film Night. Around 40 people gathered at the Multi-Purpose Room to watch the film for the night; “The Bucket List” (2007). This film written by Justin Zackham and directed by Rob Reiner tells the story of two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.

As usual, after the projection of the film a discussion took place from which various interesting points were brought out.

Something about the plot itself:

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. The quiet mechanic Carter Chambers is a man with a great general culture; has been married for forty-five years with his beloved wife Virginia and has two sons - one lawyer the other engineer - and a violinist daughter. The caustic and bitter billionaire Edward Cole owns many hospitals, has many divorces and one missing daughter. Following the policy of Edward, his hospital makes no exception giving a private room to him and he has to share the same room as Carter. Along the days, they become close to each other and when Edward finds in the garbage the bucket list that Carter had prepared, listing all he wanted to do before dying, he includes his own items and invites Carter to a journey of friendship, discoveries and redemption.

A pro-life movie …

Apart from having an interesting and enjoyable trail, this movie comes along with a good deal of positive messages towards life. It highlights the importance of friendship and the support of the loved ones in discovering better one’s self and the others around us. It indicates the importance of feeling joy and love, and making others feel the same in our company: a message very related to the one we heard in the scriptures during last Saturday’s mass:

“Love God with all your might and love your neighbour as yourself”.

The movie emphasises the fact that unfortunately in many circumstances we really start appreciating the beauty of those around us, at somewhat a late stage in life. No one should be taken for granted. Another important message that this movie promotes is that what really matters in life are generally the small simple things: a kiss, a hug, a good word …

Once Albert Einstein said:

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts”.

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.

LIFT participates in the FARE Action Week by organising a 5 A-Side Football League

2008-10-29T22:51:00.005+01:00

Football Against Racism in Europe - FARE - fights through football all forms of discrimination in football: in the stadiums, on the pitches, in the changing rooms, at the training grounds, in the offices and classrooms; by fans, players, managers, coaches, administrators or educators. Everyone should be free to play, watch and discuss freely, without any fear.

Living In Friendship Together (LIFT) has taken the opportunity, thanks to the FARE Action Week, to organise a morning 5 a-side football league on the 26th of October 2008. Five teams participated. The teams consisted of four Maltese teams and one refugee team residing at Dar Liedna, Fgura. The league started at 09:30hrs and ended at 12:30hrs, where each team played against each other.

The team players, who ranked first, second, and third were rewarded a trophy denoting their rank in the league. It was a joyful experience for all the players. LIFT assigned two referees from the Malta Football Association (MFA) to monitor the matches. One could note that all the teams played professionally and fair.

LIFT, being an Augustinian organisation within the Millennium Chapel, believes in fighting racism of every kind. This was a good opportunity to enhance intercultural relationships through the biggest sport in the world.

LIFT would like to take the opportunity to thank all the persons involved to make this event happen. Special thanks go to Conrad Dimech who was the main organiser from LIFT. Readers are all invited to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about this event.

A Special Formation Meeting by LIFT

2008-10-29T22:37:00.003+01:00

On Friday 24th October 2008, LIFT organised another formation meeting. However, this meeting had a different format....a different aim all in itself. Over the last two years of its foundation, LIFT, was feeling the need to invest more in the idea of a community. This initiative took birth from a dream...that of sharing unforgettable moments of true friendship, of getting to know each other more, and to feel a sense of belonging.

For this purpose, last Friday’s meeting, called all those interested in starting this adventure. Many were those who answered for the call! The multi-purpose room in the Millennium Chapel was full of enthusiastic people, all ready to share their ideas and invest their energies in this dream. The meeting started with a power point presentation portraying the possible views and ideas on which our community may be based.

Fr.Ray carried out the explanation in a very pleasant and understandable way. Everyone seemed interested and paid attention to what it was being said. After this presentation, the people present were divided into seven groups. Each group was led by one of the members of the core team. During the thirty minutes allocated for these focus groups, everyone had the opportunity to express his/her ideas. Each idea was written down and then a spokesperson was chosen to give a brief of what was said in each group in front of everyone.

There was a big wave of enthusiasm from those present and everyone showed a great interest in seeing this dream flourish. The main idea of building up a community was very much welcomed as it showed from the ideas that were shared after the groups.

In a nutshell, it was concluded that this idea is very much needed, that there is the need of knowing more each other and to create a sense of belonging, that different people, not just the core team, will contribute in organising activities, that there may be a fixed day dedicated for the community. It was also agreed that another meeting will be held were all those interested in giving their contribution in the organisation of activities will attend.

LIFT would like to take this opportunity to invite everyperson reading this post to send his or her comments and suggestions. The concept of a community should be a group effort and LIFT is ready to take it on-board even further. Thanks for your support. Your comments are very much appreciated!

LIFT TEAM

LIFT FILM NIGHT presents; 'The Mission'

2008-10-25T15:12:00.018+02:00

This LIFT activity of Sunday the 28th of September hosted about 30 people at the Multi-Purpose Room and this was the first indoor activity for its type after summer 08. The limelight of the event was entirely dedicated to the Film itself; 'The Mission'. This is a 1986 British film about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in eighteenth century South America.

After the film a 30 minute discussion took place and many interesting points were put forward.

Something about the plot itself:

Jeremy Irons (Fr Gabriel) plays a Spanish Jesuit who goes into the South American wilderness to build a mission in the hope to bring Christianity to the natives. Fr Gabriel succeeds and brings a golden age among them. Robert DeNiro (Mendoza) plays a slave hunter who is converted and joins Fr Gabriel in his mission. When Spain sells the colony to Portugal, they are forced to defend all they have built against the Portugese aggressors. The church, under pressure, cedes the land to the Portuguese which will allow slavers in again. Mendoza breaks his vows and organizes the natives to resist while Gabriel warns him to help them as a priest.

A must see for every one…

Rarely does a film have all the elements in film making all come together so perfectly. A very powerful film and also comes with some exceptional music by Ennio Morricone. The Mission won a number of awards and still remains a landmark in its genre. The film is based on real events based on the Jesuit Missionaries of the 18th Century in South America. The film is all about the strength of actual believing and faith in God. Life is always about choices and way back to the 18th century many believers suffered for their faith. In actual fact in some ways this is still the case. There were many martyrs for their faith and The Mission brings this sad history in a very realistic way – based on what had happened this Film will make you realize that at the end it’s only the faith in God that truly makes up for all our sins.

‘So, your Holiness, now your priests are dead, and I am left alive. But in truth it is I who am dead, and they who live. For as always, your Holiness, the spirit of the dead will survive in the memory of the living’.

This quote is taken from some of the last lines of the Film. Ironically these are the words of the bishop himself (Altamirano).

LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.

LIFT presents a €1000 donation to Puttinu Cares.

2008-10-20T23:50:00.015+02:00

The first word that comes to mind when starting to write this article is THANKS. Thanks to all those people who donated, sponsored and helped in this activity organised by LIFT. It was held on Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st September and its main aim was to raise funds for Puttinu Cares, a foundation that constantly helps children with cancer.

The subgroup LIFT Voluntary organises various activities in order to be of help to others. This time we opted to organise an activity to raise funds for charity and at the same time bring a smile upon the faces of those people less privileged. The activity, LIFT Car Wash, was organised in Qawra, at Ta Fra Ben. Number of young adults, some of them members of LIFT Voluntary themselves, gave their very best in these two days so that this event be a success. Consequently car owners were being asked to donate €5.00, but the renowned generous heart of us Maltese came forth once again when most of them gave more than requested. Furthermore, some of LIFT members were present along the promenade of Bugibba, collecting money from passers-by. This too helped us to pull together the lovely sum of €1000.

LIFT Car Wash demanded a lot of support and assistance from both the members of LIFT themselves and also from agencies which promptly offered their help. In fact we cannot but thank the company Ignazio Anastasi Ltd for providing us all the products necessary to wash cars such as the Zip Wax washing liquid of Turtle Wax brand, car chamois and sponges. A big thank you also goes to Farsons for freely lending us two big umbrellas and a chest freezer. A special thank you goes to the Local Council of St. Paul’s Bay which cooperated immensely so that this activity was positive. Besides, the site was also equipped with a sound system and a generator that certainly aided to create a bright and breezy atmosphere. For these two equipments a heartfelt thank you goes to two of LIFT members, Cedric and Louis, for every time we solicit help they are the first to come forward. Thanks to you all for your support!

This was the first endeavour put on by LIFT in order to raise funds for Puttinu Cares. It was a positive experience for us all and we take this opportunity to encourage other youth groups to organize such events for good causes. It definitely enriches the spirit.

For more information about LIFT Voluntary visit our website www.mclift.org or send an email addressed to Stephania or Katya on info@mclift.org.

Send your comments to this post and share your ideas, suggestions and opinions about this activity or related activities. Give us your feedback :)

LIFT - Towards End of Summer 2008

2008-09-10T20:26:00.036+02:00

Following the bliss of the Summer Bash Party - LIFT has embarked itself on other activities. Some of them linked to a social encounter and others linked to both social and spiritual settings. Take a look at some of LIFT past weeks' activities...

LIFT Karaoke - This was another successful activity and most of us took the stage and tried to deliver some of their favourite songs. That was real fun! We were nearly 30 people and this Karaoke Club had everything we needed, including the widest selection of songs ever, good food, nice atmosphere and moderate prices. This activity was a social activity and it took place at Bugibba on the 22nd August.

LIFT BBQ No.3 – A typical LIFT BBQ in a very new environment characterises this activity. This is the first ever BBQ for LIFT to be organised in the South of Malta. Some said that this was the best bbq ever! This time the BBQ took place at St Thomas Bay on a flat cemented area close to the sea. Another first for LIFT! Many always suggested that we should organise a BBQ in the South and not on the sand... well BBQ No.3 has all the answers.

But this is not all. This BBQ delivered exceptional food and fun to everyone! (45 people were present for this BBQ). Our friend Louis catered for a festun and a generator... Well it clearly seems that LIFT BBQs will be going to a next level...

A Half day at Delimara - Another first for LIFT :) Many of us enjoyed jumping from high levels... Over and over again!! Others opted for sun bathing. Well it was fun!! We were just about 18 people and that Sunday the 31st of August marked the end of that month in style...

Prayer Night – This activity was addressed by Jeremy and Daniela and it dealt with the topic of perseverance. The Prayer Night took place on Friday the 5th of September. Instead of using the Millennium Chapel’s premises, Jeremy and Daniela decided to settle this activity outside... this activity took place near Hilton, on the rocks...

After this activity many followed to Qormi where a Wine & Art Festival took place.

Please be free to post your views and comments in this post. Let us remind you that you can always send us comments with suggestions. Thanks for blogging with LIFT :)

Thanks
LIFT TEAM

LIFT SUMMER BASH PARTY 08/08/08

2008-08-11T00:56:00.013+02:00

On Friday 8th August 2008, LIFT organised its Summer Bash Party. The party was held in a private house with an open terrace overlooking the sea at Marsascala. LIFT’s main aim after weeks of solid preparation came to fruition with everyone enjoying the fantastic atmosphere created. Everyone was in the party mood and this was the ultimate satisfaction of the night, creating a friendly social encounter for all LIFT members!

The Summer Bash Party hosted everyone in style starting with a welcome drink to all, exceptional food throughout the night and a good variety of drinks at the bar. Four DJ’s characterized the event with their different music genres. All these ingredients together with the friendly attitude emitted in many faces made the party a night to remember. Many LIFT members including also some new faces attended the party…

This is the first party following the NYE (31/12/2007) event, that LIFT has organised and all tickets like the latter mentioned were literally sold out!

A night to remember…

This party also being a fund raising activity for LIFT (Millennium Chapel) gave exposure to different genres of music to satisfy each person's taste. Cedric opened up the event with some retro music and pop songs from the late 70's and 80's era... Anton followed with some Hard Rock and Rock classics... the third session DJ was Conrad who played some Latino and 90's dance hits and then the fourth and last DJ was Ray who delivered some of the best from the contemporary ‘dance’ music field...

Thanks to all of you that made this superb event happen! It was a real night to remember.

LIFT SUMMER BASH PARTY would not have been possible without the support of our dear friends Josèf Fenech and Maria Attard for their constant support in making this event happen! Further appreciation goes to Stefan of ‘A Sound’ for providing us the sound system. Other thanks go to all the LIFT core-team for their ongoing dedication, Cedric, Annabelle + Antoine, the Millennium Chapel and many others. Their service and support cannot be more underlined.

Share your comments and views about LIFT SUMMER BASH PARTY – 08/08/08 – Post a comment!

Thanks for your support
LIFT TEAM

LIFT VOLUNTARY ACTIVITY - Gozo with the Refugees (13/07/2008)

2008-08-04T17:15:00.006+02:00

Malta is divided on the illegal immigration issue

Some argue that the Maltese government is doing nothing to solve the problem of the rapid increase in illegal immigrants that are coming towards Malta, on average 25/50, every single day.

Others complain that Malta has the worst detention centres in the world. And again the government is at fault.

But few are those people who factually try to tackle this issue of irregular immigration, rather than putting the ball in the government’s feet.

Sunday 13th July was a historical day for LIFT voluntary, who together with Caritas, organised a day in Gozo with a group of refugees, residing at Dar il-Liedna in Fgura. 18 LIFT members together with 11 refugees left to Gozo in the early morning. We headed to Aurora club, where a ham and cheese toast and a bottle of water were offered to the Refugees. There we played some billiard and chatted for a few minutes. Then we headed towards Cittadella to show the refugees Gozo’s beautiful scenery that this closed city can offer. Right afterwards we took the bus for Marsalforn and spent two hours swimming and playing football.

At first glance, this seems to be a normal Gozo swimming trip that the majority of us Maltese plan each year. But when you experience such an activity you get to know that there are several hindsight’s that ‘a prima facie’ one don’t even think about them.

1. Refugees were afraid to catch the boat to Gozo because they risked their life on a boat.

2. For the majority of the refugees this was the first time that they swam.

3. We couldn’t take any photos of this experience since the refugees are wanted people in their country hence they are afraid that photos uploaded on websites can help their government to identify where they are located.

4. These refugees were all under 18 years of age – too young to spend a good period of time in a detention centre.

5. The majority of them can speak good Maltese.

6. They have a job and pay a fee to stay in a home like ‘Dar il-Liedna’.

So think before you judge! Refugees are humans and they deserve the right to have a life!

2008-07-14T00:50:00.010+02:00

LIFT Formation Meeting 11/07/08

Irregular immigrants in Malta.. Are they making a plea for Freedom?

Once again, the "WoW" multi-purpose room at the Millennium Chapel hosted another activity that would generate greater awareness about events and circumstances that could influence us.

This activity was a follow-on to a previous seminar delivered by Dr, Damian Spiteri, a social worker with Caritas Malta, wherein he had explored different aspects of intercultural communication. Dr. Spiteri was also present for this activity and introduced Dr.Neil Falzon, a lawyer by profession, the Head of The United Nations High Commission for Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Malta. Dr. Falzon explored the issue of irregular migrants with all those present, including members of LIFT and Tesfa Michael, an Eritrean, who was respresenting the JRS (the Jesuit Refugee Service, that is another international organization with an office in Malta). As guests, there were three unaccompanied minor asylum seekers one of whom was from Togo and the other two were from Nigeria.

Dr. Falzon gave a historical tour of how and why migration took place over the centuries. The reasons why people leave their own homeland are highly diverse and extremely complex. A major happening in Europe was during and after the Second World War when people were either forcibly removed from their homelands or otherwise discriminated against during the war, or when, after the war, countries have different borders than they had previously. The 1951 Refugee Convention was made nascent as a response to this.

The 1951 convention was the first truly international agreement to give protection to refugees. It spelled out a set of basic human rights which, roughly, should be at least equivalent to freedoms enjoyed by foreign nationals living legally in a given country. It recognized the international scope of refugee crises and the need for international cooperation, including burden sharing among states, to tackle the problem.

How are we handling the situation.. Is it for their better?

Since 2002, Malta experienced an influx of Illegal immigrants coming to Malta from North Africa. So what do the Maltese say?

Some Maltese are concerned about the ever-growing numbers, others are concerned about Malta’s ‘future’ bearing in mind the population density, others are simply worried about losing the identity and others prefer to keep silent.. Stating this, the issue of migration in such numbers is a big problem for a small island like ours. Our strategic position, a footnote, between Sicily and North Africa, makes us inevitably the closest land to reach from certain points in North Africa.

A question that can be asked is, as Maltese, do we have all the needed resources to host (randomly) hundreds of irregular migrants that flock to our shores in search of a better future, most probably targeting mainland Europe?

Every person in the world has the right for asylum (protection). Each arrival's story bears witness to a traumatized past but also to a remarkable will to survive against all the odds.

Malta is an Old Catholic country having roots that dates back since 60AD (some 2000 years old circa) and there are still some people who debate whether morality comes into the picture.

A common method of transportation which is used in such cases is normally a medium sized boat. Some people die in the desert as they cross Africa overland or others die at sea when on the last phase of their journey. Other refugees come to Malta through the usual routes, namely by ship or by plane. Still all illegal immigrants (when caught) are detained for months. Judging by reports in the local press, Malta can be easily said to have the worst detention centers in the EU.

Is this tolerable for a developed country like Malta? Are illegal immigrants actual criminals?

Are we depriving these people of respect for their human rights? Are we helping these people to move on with their troubled lives?

Please comment on the issue and share your opinions.

LIFT TEAM

LIFT BBQ NO.1 :: Summer 2008

2008-06-28T12:17:00.005+02:00

Friday the 27th June, 2008 marks the head start for LIFT BBQs. This very first BBQ for summer 2008 was held at Ghadira bay and kicked off at 7pm. It attracted a staggering attendance of more than 50 people... At one time there were 3 BBQs on! Many helped out in anything that was needed; being cooking, preparations, setting and unsetting BBQ sets and more.

Plenty of drinks and a good selection of delicious food savored the audience throughout the night... There were people who opted to play some beach volley, others who preferred a dip in Malta's largest beach, and others who simply sat down and sang spontaneous songs to the guitar riffs :)

Thanks to all who helped by playing the guitar and to all who made it happen. Special thanks go to all who brought their own BBQ sets, tables and lights!!

LIFT would like to thank each and every person that attended and most of all helped out to make this activity a big event!!

You are the best!
LIFT TEAM

PS: Photos taken during the event will soon be displayed on our Gallery at our website www.mclift.org
_________________________

A life-LIFTing Experience!

2008-06-23T23:28:00.008+02:00

Inspiring. Thrilling. A life changing experience.
We all value life as we know it. But what if we had to be challenged? What if our status quo is no longer there?

It’s about separating boys from men, without sounding sexist. Life requires strength. But strength alone is seldom enough. We need to believe, an inner determination to succeed.

This film is an energizer. It entertains and educates, it’s an experience which we shared during the LIFT film night last Sunday, that got us all intrigued, involved and I believe, changed for the better…

A BIG thank you to all those who attended and an enthusiastic invitation to the many others who missed it.

I encourage all those who have seen the film to come along here on this blog, and express themselves freely, as to HOW it touched them…

That’s what a blog is for - after all.
Looking forward to hearing from you…

Anton
LIFT

Read more about this film http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaceful_Warrior

LIFT

2008-06-15T14:53:00.010+02:00

LIFT...Living In Friendship Together

LIFT is a Youth organisation established in Malta since August 2006. Its main objective is to provide an opportunity for friendship to ALL youths regardless of who you are or what your background is. One doesn't need a username and password to join us. All you need to have is positive energy towards Living in Friendship!

All activities of LIFT are featured on our website: http://www.mclift.org/

Log on for more information and learn more about LIFT.

Today 22th June, LIFT has lengthened its cyber interactivity by providing you with a Blog of its own. This blog will be the place for all who wants to share ideas and comments. It will be a direct online aid where all discussions concerning our Film Nights, Formation Meetings, Prayer Nights and all other activities will be set.. thus all ideas and comments re the mentioned activities wont stop with the ending time of the activity but will (and can) be enriched after through our Blog!

Please be free to post your comments in English and/or Maltese.

LIFT Blog is supported by LIFT

http://www.mclift.org/