During Lent, the Sacred Heart Major Seminary organised a special series of meetings focusing on addiction. These sessions were delivered in collaboration with the Oasi Foundation and aimed to deepen the seminarians’ understanding of addiction and the path to healing.
The series began with an introductory session on understanding addiction and the “twelve steps to healing,” led by Mr Noel Xerri, Chief Executive of the Oasi Foundation. This was followed by a visit to the Foundation premises, where the seminarians participated in a sharing session with the current residents and shared a meal with them.
In two reciprocal visits, the current clients of Oasi came to the seminary. During one of these encounters, an hour of prayer was held before the Blessed Sacrament. Another visit included the celebration of Mass by the Vice-Rector, during which a special homily on Zacchaeus was delivered, highlighting themes of life conversions and healing. On both occasions, dinner was shared in the seminary refectory, followed by a tour around the seminary premises.
The final meeting took place in the Seminary Conference Room, where two close relatives of individuals who in the past struggled with their addiction shared their personal experiences. Their testimonies offered valuable insight into the challenges faced by families, helping the seminarians to grow in awareness and equipping them to offer more compassionate and effective support in their future pastoral ministry, while also conveying a message of hope.