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.
