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On Friday 23rd May, Fr Matthew Borg was solemnly ordained to the priesthood during a moving celebration held at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria, Gozo. The ordination Mass was presided over by H.E. Mgr Anton Teuma, Bishop of Gozo, who laid hands on Fr Matthew and prayed the rite of ordination, marking a significant milestone in his spiritual journey.

The Cathedral was filled with the presence of Fr Matthew’s family and friends, as well as numerous priests and lay faithful, particularly from Xagħra, his native parish. Adding to the joy of the occasion was a special delegation of around 30 Italians from the Parish of Sancti Proto-Martiri Romani in Rome, where Fr Matthew has served as a deacon over the past nine months. Their parish priest also attended, as Fr Matthew will be returning to this community for his first years of priestly ministry.

In spiritual preparation for the ordination, a night prayer vigil was held the evening before. This vigil also anticipated the upcoming diaconate ordination of Marlon and Samuel, set to take place in June. The vigil was followed by a night of Eucharistic adoration in the chapel of the Sacred Heart Major Seminary, open to the public throughout the night and concluding at 7:00am with Morning Prayer.

The celebration of Fr Matthew’s ordination marked a powerful witness of faith, dedication, and the continuing fruitfulness of vocations within the Diocese of Gozo. His commitment to priestly service, both in his homeland and abroad, was joyfully affirmed by all present.

Festa Abbatini 2025: A Joyful Vocational Gathering for Gozo’s Altar Servers Inspired by King David

On Sunday, 18th May, the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Gozo hosted its much-anticipated annual event, Festa Abbatini — a vibrant vocational activity designed for all altar servers of the Diocese of Gozo and their families. This year’s edition took place on the scenic parvis of the National Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, bringing together young participants, their families, and seminary staff in a moment of formation, enjoyment, and fellowship.

With a strong focus on vocations, the event was themed around King David, the iconic figure from the Old Testament known for his profound faith and human complexity. The gathering began with a general catechesis introducing the life and character of David, presented to all altar servers. This served as a springboard into a more interactive experience, as the servers were then divided into three rotating groups, each engaging in thematic stations prepared by the seminarians.

Each station reflected on a pivotal moment from David’s life:

• David’s call, highlighting his humble beginnings and divine anointing;
• David’s battle with Goliath, emphasising courage and trust in God;
• David’s sin, focusing on human frailty and the importance of repentance.

These catechetical moments were made interactive and engaging, helping the young altar servers to connect David’s journey with their own spiritual path and their service at the altar.

Meanwhile, the parents of the altar servers were offered a parallel catechesis led by the Seminary formators, who reflected on the challenges and beauty of faith and family life through the lens of King David’s story. This allowed parents to deepen their understanding of their own spiritual responsibilities and to better support their children’s vocational development.

After the formative part of the programme, the event shifted to a time of community enjoyment and games, with laughter and teamwork filling the air. Altar servers bonded through various activities designed to foster friendship and unity. Food and drink stalls offered refreshments, contributing to a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all in attendance.

On the morning of Thursday 15th May, the Sacred Heart Major Seminary community gathered at the National Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu for a significant spiritual moment in preparation for upcoming ordinations.

During a solemn liturgical celebration held in the context of Morning Lauds, and following the prayer of the Rosary, Deacon Matthew Borg and seminarians Samuel Aquilina and Marlon Victor Bajada made their public profession of faith and took the oath of obedience. These acts mark an essential step in their final preparation for ordination – Matthew to the priesthood, and Samuel and Marlon to the diaconate, in the coming weeks.

The event was attended by the entire seminary community, including fellow seminarians and Seminary formators, who gathered in prayerful support and fraternal encouragement. The sanctuary, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, offered a fitting setting for this moment of dedication and commitment, under the maternal gaze of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.

The season of Lent at our seminary is always a special time of reflection, renewal, and preparation. This year, the Lenten period was marked by a series of meaningful activities that helped us deepen our relationship with Christ and with one another.

Our Lenten journey began on 4th March 2025 with the Lenten Proclamation, held in the seminary chapel. This moment invited us to enter into the spirit of Lent with hearts open to conversion and service.

Throughout the weeks that followed, seminarians took part in pastoral visits to elderly priests, either in their homes or in caring facilities. One particularly moving moment was the celebration of Mass at ‘Dar San Ġużepp’, where the joy was evident in the smiles and gratitude of the residents.

In the spirit of solidarity, a joint initiative with the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary was launched to collect funds in aid of the ‘Laboratorju tal-Paċi’ in Ħal Far, which supports migrants taking refuge in Malta. This collaboration reminded us that almsgiving is not only a personal act but also a communal witness to Christ’s love.

On 7th April, our community gathered for a Penitential Service, a profound opportunity to experience God’s mercy and prepare our hearts for Holy Week.

Our Lenten pilgrimage also included the Way of the Cross on Ta’ Għammar Hill, followed by Mass—a powerful moment of contemplation amidst the natural beauty of Gozo, echoing Christ’s journey toward Calvary.

Finally, during the days between Palm Sunday and the Wednesday of Holy Week, we held a Lenten Retreat together with the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Malta. Led by Dun Noel Debono, the retreat took place at Lourdes Home in Għajnsielem. These days of silence, prayer, and fraternity offered a space to encounter the Lord more intimately and to walk together in faith.

As we now move forward into the Easter season, we carry with us the fruits of this Lenten journey—gratitude, compassion, and a renewed commitment to our calling.