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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.

During this Lent the seminarians organised meetings for the altar boy groups of the various churches of the Diocese. Since they are many in number, not all groups were invited at once, but the invitations were spread on four different meetings.

The meetings started at 7.15pm, with a moment of prayer, reflection and adoration at the Seminary Chapel. During the first part of the meeting, the altar servers and the seminarians prayed together by reciting some psalms, and by making prayers of intercession. In the following part, the passage of the institution of the Eucharist according to St Luke was proclaimed. Then the Vice-Rector Rev. Gabriel Gauci delivered a reflection about the Holy Eucharist, as this year’s Diocesan Pastoral Plan focuses on this Sacrament. During the final part of the meeting, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for some time of adoration and the Eucharistic benediction was given.

Afterwards, the altar boys were invited to the Seminary Hall for dinner and some time of fraternity.

The Diocese of Gozo recently experienced a deeply enriching spiritual gathering, as the Seminarians, in collaboration with the KDŻG, organized a special activity for the Diocese’s adolescents. This event took place on the momentous occasion of the visit of the miraculous cross, ‘Il-Kurċifiss ta’ Ġieżu’, a significant part of the Jubilee Year celebrations in the Diocese. The visit of the cross drew people from various communities, offering a profound opportunity to reflect on faith and hope.

The activity was thoughtfully structured into two key moments, ensuring that each participant had an opportunity to engage with the cross and deepen their spiritual understanding. The first moment was dedicated to catechesis on the cross, featuring a brief historical note on the miraculous cross and a reflection on the presence of miracles in everyday life and how the cross serves as a beacon of hope, even in the darkest of times. The Seminarians encouraged the adolescents to see the cross as a source of strength and reassurance, guiding them through moments of difficulty and uncertainty.

The second moment was a more intimate and prayerful experience. Adolescents were given the sacred space and time to present their personal prayers before the miraculous cross and the Blessed Sacrament. This silent and reflective moment allowed them to pour their hearts out, seek divine guidance, and embrace the serenity that comes with prayer. The participants were divided into two groups, alternating between the catechetical session and the prayerful moment to ensure that each young individual could fully engage with both aspects of the activity.

Throughout the weekend, the cross remained exposed for veneration at the Church of St. Anthony of Padova in Għajnsielem. This provided the faithful with ample opportunities to visit, pray, and reflect on the miraculous presence of the cross. The culmination of the visit was marked by a deeply moving Diocesan pilgrimage, where the faithful processed with the cross from the Church of St. Anthony of Padova to the Għajnsielem parish church. The sight of the community walking in unison, led by faith and devotion, was a powerful testament to the spiritual significance of the event.

As the Jubilee Year celebrations continue, the visit of ‘Il-Kurċifiss ta’ Ġieżu’ will remain a cherished moment in the hearts of the faithful, reminding them of the ever-present love and mercy of God, especially in the trials of life.

On Sunday, January 26, the Church in Gozo marked the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God with a significant milestone for two seminarians. Anthony Joe Borg and Fabio Cini, both in their sixth year of formation, were instituted as lectors by H.L. Mgr. Anton Teuma, Bishop of Gozo.

The two seminarians hail from different parishes – Anthony Joe Borg from the Parish of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Xagħra and Fabio Cini from the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady in Żebbuġ. The institution ceremony took place during a solemn Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Church of Żebbuġ.

During the liturgy, Bishop Teuma prayed over the candidates and formally presented them with the Sacred Scriptures, symbolising their new role in the service of the Word of God. Several priests, including seminary formators, concelebrated the Mass, which was attended by the families and friends of the newly instituted lectors, as well as members of the Żebbuġ parish community.

As lectors, the seminarians have been entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God in the liturgical assembly. Their ministry also involves instructing both children and adults in the faith and preparing them to receive the sacraments worthily. Additionally, they are called to share the message of salvation with those who have not yet encountered it, guiding people towards a deeper knowledge of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

The institution of lectors is a crucial step in the seminarians’ journey toward priesthood, reinforcing their commitment to serving the Church and its faithful through the Word of God.

The month of December is filled with the joy of the celebrations commemorating the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem. During the time of Advent and Christmas the Church not only reflects on the coming of our Lord in the event of the incarnation, but also on his glorious coming at the end of time. This season in the Church’s year is also a special time for the Seminary where our premises reflect the joy in our hearts by the various Christmas decorations. The community’s daily program is slightly altered. During Advent, the seminarians and their formators meet in the Chapel earlier in the mornings, at 6.10am, to pray together the Office of Readings. From 15 December onwards, the community celebrated the Novena in preparation for Christmas. Each day during mass, one of the seminarians shared a reflection about the profound relation between the crib of Bethlehem with its various elements and the mystery of the Eucharist. This theme was chosen by our community in the light of this pastoral year’s motto “So he went in to stay with them.” (Lk 24:29) During advent the Seminary community also organised a vocational meeting for both the vocational groups and the altar servers above age 13. This moment of prayer and adoration took place on Thursday 12 December. Those who attended were then invited to dinner at the Seminary. The community shared their festive joy on Thursday 19 December, where they had the opportunity to exchange greetings and gifts. The first term at the Seminary came to closure on the 20 December. In the evening, at 6.00p.m., the Rector Fr. Joseph Bajada celebrated mass at the Seminary chapel, together with the formators, the seminarians and their families, the Franciscan sisters, and the members of the association ‘Aħwa-Ħbieb tas-Seminarju’. After mass, all present gathered for a reception in the refectory to exchange their wishes for this festive season. Later in the evening, the seminarians went home with their families for two weeks of Christmas holidays. They will return back to the Seminary on Monday, 6 January 2024, to commence the second term.