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. There are 36 Jesuits.
At present there are 36 Jesuits in Malta: 9 in Birkirkara at St Aloysius College (6 priests 3 scholastics), 8 in Mosta at Mount St Joseph retreat house, 4 in Msida at Dar P. Manwel Magri SJ, 15 in Naxxar at Loyola House (11 priests and 4 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 secondary to sixth form in 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.
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.
