Father General in Malta
Fr Sosa returns to visit the Euro-Mediterranean Province (EUM).After a visit to the Centro Astalli in Palermo in 2017, and in Trieste in 2018, a frontier of migration and reconciliation, and other places in Italy in the following years, the visit to the other countries of the EUM Province begins with the sojourn in Malta from 9 to 12 May. “A renewed attention to the territories of our reality, born in 2017”, the Provincial, Fr Roberto Del Riccio SJ, highlights. “A precious opportunity to get to know first-hand the needs and solutions to current difficulties, to support the journey that is in progress and the future steps to be taken.”
“The journey sees all of us moving forward with determination in mission, keeping in mind the Universal Apostolic Preferences advocated by the Society at the global level”, Fr Michael Bugeja, EUM Delegate for Formation, adds. “Fr Sosa’s presence is a guide and inspiration at a crucial time of reflection and discernment on our common future. The purpose of the visit is multifaceted, mainly to foster closer ties with the Jesuits present, the network of Ignatian collaborators, friends and the local church community. It is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the Society in the territories of our Province by visiting the various apostolic works and communities.”
The stages of the visit
Fr Arturo Sosa SJ visited the Paulo Freire Institute in Zejtun on 9 May, followed by a meeting with Maltese Jesuits at Loyola House in Naxxar. On 10 May he will be at St Aloysius College. On 11 May, he will meet the Archbishop, make a stop at the Jesuit Refugee Service and visit the University chaplaincy and residence. On 12 May, he will travel to Gozo, to the Jesuit Retreat House. The encounter with the different realities of the apostolic work will be a precious opportunity to deepen one’s direct knowledge and to reflect on current and future challenges.
The Jesuits in Malta
Strategically located between Europe and Africa, Malta has a rich history of Jesuit presence. The first date back to the time of St Ignatius, who saw the island as an important bridge between the continents. In 1592 the Jesuits opened the ‘Collegium Melitense’ (later the University of Malta), a church and a novitiate, while also serving the poor, preaching and founding Marian congregations.
More than 170 years ago, the Jesuits returned to Malta after the suppression of the order. Today there are four main areas of involvement: youth, education, spirituality and migrants.
At present there are 36 Jesuits in Malta: nine in Birkirkara at St Aloysius College (six priests and three scholastics), eight in Mosta at Mount St Joseph retreat house, four in Msida at Dar P. Manwel Magri SJ Residence, 15 in Naxxar at Loyola House (eleven priests and four brothers). In addition to the major Jesuit works in Malta, the Jesuits are also involved in pastoral work, assisting parishes and various lay communities, and accompanying individuals and groups.
The Works
The University of Malta has a chaplaincy entrusted to the Jesuits. It welcomes students throughout the year and offers accompaniment and volunteering opportunities. Dar Manwel Magri, the Jesuit residence next to the University, is a hub of activity for young people, a meeting place for studying, recreation, formation and meetings of the Christian Life communities (CLC) and other groups. The Jesuits who live there accompany the young people and are engaged in pastoral work and in spiritual, intellectual and social apostolates.
Education has always been at the heart of the Jesuit mission. The excellent support provided by the Jesuit management team, staff and community at St Aloysius College enables it to cater for some 1,524 students, from primary through the end of high school and the preparation for university. The Jesuits who live in the college community work in the school and in other areas including pastoral care, education and publishing.
Pastoral care, hospitality and spiritual support remain a priority for the communities of Mount St Joseph and Manresa Retreat House in Gozo.
Father General at the Paulo Freire Institute in Zejtun.
The Paulo Freire Institute in Zejtun continues to offer support to the most vulnerable in the local community.
The Jesuit Refugee Service in Malta plays a leading role in advocacy, support and awareness-raising for asylum seekers arriving on its shores.
Members of the Loyola House community in Naxxar are involved in prayer ministry, while those in need of special care reside in the infirmary.
The challenges are many but they are faced with energy and dedication by the Jesuits in Malta together with dozens of lay people who share the mission of the Society of Jesus.
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