The Church regards Lent as a highly significant period for preparing oneself for the Pascal mystery. Christians are encouraged to observe sacrifice and fasting during this time. The Seminary Community undertook various initiatives to derive spiritual benefits from Lent.
The Seminary’s daily program was dedicated to prayer, with special attention given to Mid Day prayer, the Via Crucis, and the Via Matris. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the community skipped lunch to exercise fasting. On Fridays, a lengthy adoration took place after dinner, which included a reflection by the rector and the adoration of the Cross. During daily mass, Seminary formators shared a reflection on the day’s Liturgy of the Word.
On Thursday 30th March, the community prayed the Via Crucis and celebrated mass on the iconic Ta’ Għammar hill. The Liturgical and Missionary Group organized a charity collection for Gozo’s secondary schools and the community itself to help the Missionary Fr Mario Curmi in Guatemala build a football ground for the children of his parish. This was done in collaboration with Encounter Guatemala, who will visit Fr Mario this Summer. A penitential celebration was held on Monday 27th March, and a fraternal correction was held at the Manresa Retreat House on Wednesday 29th March.
On Sunday 2nd April, the Community began its yearly spiritual retreat during the first days of Holy Week, led by Fr Kevin Schembri. In the meantime, seminarians Matthew Borg and Franklin Micallef had their ordination retreat led by Fr Christopher Caruana O.P. at the Fransiskan Community in Rabat, Malta. The Community will return to the Seminary on Monday 17th April, after having a week of holidays.
