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 18th February with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, held at the Cathedral and presided over by Bishop Anton Teuma. This solemn liturgy invited us to enter into the spirit of Lent with humility and openness to conversion.
Throughout the weeks that followed, we had various opportunities to encounter and accompany the residents of OASI. These meetings included talks by Mr. Noel Xerri on the realities and struggles of drug addiction, as well as moments of sharing between residents and seminarians. These encounters, together with other fraternal meetings, were enriching experiences that fostered empathy, understanding, and fraternity within our community.
During Lent, we also gathered for moments of prayer and pastoral outreach. On Thursday 12th March, we led the Way of the Cross at Ta’ Għammar Hill for the Form 2 students of the Minor Seminary, entering more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s passion. Additionally, on Tuesday 17th March, we celebrated Mass at Casa Giuseppe together with the elderly residents, sharing with them not only the Eucharist but also moments of closeness and joy.
Two evenings of Eucharistic Adoration were organised for altar servers aged 12 and over, held at the seminary on Tuesday 12th and Tuesday 24th March. These moments of prayer were followed by a time of fellowship, strengthening bonds through a shared meal.
On Thursday 26th March, the community gathered once again at Ta’ Għammar Hill for the Way of the Cross in the morning, followed later in the day by a communal Mass. In the evening, we held a moment of fraternal correction together with a penitential celebration, offering an opportunity for reconciliation and spiritual growth.
Finally, from the evening of Sunday 29th March until Wednesday 1st April, we participated in a Lenten retreat together with the Maltese seminarians. The retreat took place at Tal-Virtù Seminary and was led by Reverend Sandro Vella O. Carm. These days of prayer, silence, and reflection helped us prepare more intensely for the celebration of Holy Week.
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.
