The Seminary community marked Mission Week with a series of prayerful and formative activities aimed at deepening our missionary spirit and solidarity with the universal Church.
The week began on Monday with a viewing of Of Gods and Men, a powerful film recounting the witness of a community of Trappist monks in Algeria who lived and died in fidelity to their faith and their mission. On Tuesday, the community gathered for a time of Eucharistic Adoration centred on the theme of mission, praying for all those who preach and be witnesses of the Gospel throughout the world.
On Wednesday, a special session was held for the Form 3 students of the Minor Seminary, reflecting on the Holy Father’s message to be missionaries of hope in today’s world. A bookmark with a missionary prayer was distributed as a reminder of this call.
Thursday featured a virtual talk by Fr Damien Veniyil OFM Conv, who shared about the history of the Catholic Church in India, the challenges faced by Christians there, and his pastoral work among the Indian community in Malta.
Throughout the week, daily prayers were offered for countries where Christians face persecution, uniting the Seminary community in intercession and solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters in faith.
Mission Week was a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal—a reminder that every Christian is called to bear witness to the hope of Christ in the world.
On Monday, 29th September 2025, the Sacred Heart Major Seminary officially began a new year of formation. The day opened with the seminarians attending their first lectures, marking the start of another year dedicated to prayer, study, and growth in vocation. In the afternoon, the Prefect of Studies held an introductory meeting with the seminarians, followed by a session with the academic staff to outline the year’s programme and objectives.
In the evening, the community gathered for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr Giovanni Curmi, the Vicar General. The Mass brought together seminarians, their families, the formation team, several lecturers, the Franciscan Sisters, as well as the seminary’s employees and volunteers.
At the conclusion of the celebration, the Veni Creator Spiritus was sung, invoking the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the year ahead. The evening continued with a reception, shared in a spirit of joy and fraternity.
On 22nd September 2025, the Sacred Heart Major Seminary community gathered to thank Fr Tony Calleja SJ for his dedicated service as Spiritual Director over the past five years (2020–2025). A thanksgiving Mass was celebrated in the seminary chapel with the formation team and seminarians in attendance.
During his time at the seminary, Fr Tony faithfully accompanied many seminarians through their journey of discernment, offering guidance inspired by Ignatian spirituality. His wisdom, gentle presence, and deep attentiveness to God’s voice left a lasting impact on the community.
After the Mass, the community came together for a fraternal lunch, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Fr Tony’s ministry and friendship. The seminary also welcomed Fr Joseph Farrugia as the new Spiritual Director, as the community continues its journey of faith and formation with renewed hope and gratitude.
As is tradition at the start of every new formation year, the seminarians began their journey with a spiritual silent retreat. This year’s retreat took place at Lourdes Home in Għajnsielem from the 23rd to the 27th of September, 2025. The meditations were led by Fr Joseph Curmi, who guided the participants in moments of prayer, silence, and reflection.
Fr Joseph’s reflections were inspired by the biblical passage of Luke 5:1–11, which recounts the call of the first disciples. Through this passage, he invited the seminarians to trust in God’s guidance and to “put out into the deep,” renewing their openness to the Lord’s call in their lives.
The retreat offered a precious opportunity for the seminary community to pause, listen, and draw closer to God. It served as a moment of grace, setting a spiritual foundation for the year ahead through prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
The Seminary community from Malta has returned from a profoundly spiritual and enriching experience in Rome, where they took part in the Jubilee of Hope for Seminarians, Priests, and Bishops, celebrated between Monday 23rd and Friday 27th June as part of the Church’s wider Jubilee Year.
The pilgrimage began on Monday, as the seminarians departed Malta to join thousands of others from around the world. That evening, they participated in the official opening ceremony at the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura, which included a moment of prayer and a moving concert by the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, under the direction of Monsignor Marco Frisina.
On Tuesday morning, the seminarians joined an international community of their peers in a pilgrimage along Via della Conciliazione, leading to St Peter’s Basilica. There, they attended a catechesis delivered by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged them to be joyful witnesses of hope and faithful stewards of Christ’s mission. In the evening, they celebrated Holy Mass with other English-speaking seminarians at the Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina, strengthening bonds of fraternity and shared vocation. On Thursday evening, the seminarians returned to St Peter’s Basilica for a reflective vocational vigil.
The culmination of the Jubilee came on Friday morning with a Solemn Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Basilica. During this liturgy, the Holy Father ordained 32 new priests from around the world, offering a powerful testimony to the ongoing vitality of vocations in the Church.
Beyond the official Jubilee events, the Maltese seminarians were blessed with several other spiritually and intellectually enriching experiences. They visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where they prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his leadership and legacy. The community also enjoyed a moment of fellowship with Gozitan priests currently serving in Rome, and visited the General Secretariat of the Synod, where they were welcomed by Cardinal Mario Grech for a moment of sharing and reflection on the life of the Church.
The seminarians also made pilgrimages to the rooms of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, and the rooms of St Philip Neri, the joyful Apostle of Rome. These visits provided personal and inspiring encounters with the lives of two great saints who model holiness, mission, and pastoral charity.
In addition, the seminarians visited the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas – Angelicum, one of the Church’s leading centres of theological and philosophical study. There, they explored the university’s Dominican heritage and its ongoing contribution to the formation of future priests and leaders in the Church.
The Seminary community returns to Malta spiritually renewed, intellectually enriched, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience the universality, unity, and joy of the Church in the heart of Rome.
On Friday, 20th June, a significant milestone in the journey toward priesthood was reached by Seminarians Samuel Aquilina and Marlon Victor Bajada, who were solemnly ordained to the diaconate by H. E. Mgr Anton Teuma, Bishop of Gozo. The ordination took place at the Gozo Cathedral.
Samuel Aquilina hails from the parish of St George Martyr in Victoria, while Marlon Victor Bajada is a native of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St Gregory the Great in Kerċem. Surrounded by a spirit of joy and reverence, the ordination liturgy drew together a large and diverse congregation. Among those present were numerous priests, members of the seminary community, representatives and faithful from both seminarians’ home parishes, as well as their families, friends, and other members of the wider Christian community.
The celebration of the Rite of Ordination marked a pivotal moment in the lives of these two men, as they publicly committed themselves to a life of service to the Church. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, they were entrusted with the responsibilities of the diaconate, including proclaiming the Gospel, assisting at the altar, and ministering to the needs of the faithful.
Thursday, 19th June marked the conclusion of another enriching year of formation at the Seminary. The final academic milestone was reached on Tuesday, 17th June, when the seminarians completed their last exam. That evening, the community came together for a relaxing barbecue at Marsalforn beach, enjoying fellowship and some time to unwind.
The following day, Wednesday 18th, began with the final meetings of the year, during which the Seminary community carried out its annual evaluation. In the evening, the seminarians attended a formative seminar focused on the proclamation of the Word of God during liturgical celebrations. Delivered by Mr Joseph Bartolo, the session provided valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance their delivery and deepen their appreciation of the act of proclaiming the Word of God.
The academic year concluded on Thursday, 19th June, with a solemn Mass celebrated by H. E. Mons. Anton Teuma, Bishop of Gozo, in the Seminary chapel. The celebration brought together seminarians, their families, the Franciscan Sisters from the Seminary convent, staff, volunteers, and members of the ‘Aħwa-Ħbieb tas-Seminarju’ association. Following the Mass, a joyful reception was held in the Seminary’s entrance courtyard.
Looking ahead, the seminarians will travel to Rome to take part in the Jubilee for Seminarians. During the summer holidays, they will participate in various voluntary experiences abroad and assist with parish activities back home.
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.
During March and April, Sacred Heart Major Seminary organized a special series of four lectures for its seminarians, focusing on the intricate relationship between the Church and politics in Malta. The sessions, delivered by prominent Maltese scholars, aimed to deepen the future priests’ understanding of the historical, cultural, and current political landscape in which the Church operates.
The series began with a talk by Professor Edward Warrington on The Church and the Political Culture. Prof. Warrington explored how Malta’s Catholic identity has shaped political attitudes and structures throughout the island’s history.
The second lecture was delivered by Professor Joseph Pirotta, who examined the Political-Religious History of the 20th Century. His detailed account covered pivotal moments of collaboration and conflict between Church and State, providing vital context for understanding the present-day situation.
Professor Andrew Azzopardi led the third session, focusing on the Psychosociological Aspects of Maltese Politics. Prof. Azzopardi discussed how emotional, social, and cultural factors influence political affiliation and behavior in Malta, offering important insights into the deep-rooted polarization that often characterizes the Maltese political scene.
The series concluded with Professor Ranier Fsadni’s lecture on the Present Situation of the Main Political Parties. Prof. Fsadni analyzed the current political environment, highlighting key trends and challenges, and reflecting on the role of the Church in today’s political discourse.
Organized exclusively for seminarians, the initiative sought to equip future priests with a deeper awareness of the societal context in which they will minister. Seminary officials praised the series for fostering critical thinking and encouraging a well-informed, pastoral approach to issues at the intersection of faith and public life.
