From Crowne Plaza manager to Jesuit

As a young man, I did not think about religious life. I was very ambitious. I was interested in the tourism
sector. Malta is an island and work in this field is easy to find. At twenty-two I already had a good job as
marketing manager of a five-star hotel. I travelled a great deal and negotiated contracts with many agencies.
Yet, once I had reached the goal I had dreamed of, I realised that something was missing. I was not truly
happy. Through a friend, I therefore began my spiritual journey in a group.

Rediscovering true freedom

A period of vocational discernment began. I did not know exactly which road he was asking me to follow.
The only certainty I felt was that he wanted me for himself. I had a great deal of work to do. I had to free
myself of many things: the job that had become my idol because it gave me an identity, a flat I had bought
while thinking of a future with a family, the car and other things I had acquired along the way. As he gave me
the courage to face the inner freedom necessary to embrace consecrated life, I began to ask myself at which
door I should knock for my future religious life.

The burning heart

I went to Mass with the Carmelites, but nobody ever asked whether I was interested. I did not know how
these journeys worked; I truly had to entrust myself to the guidance of the Spirit. I therefore went to speak
with the rector of the major seminary, but life in the seminary did not attract me. That Jesuit priest had
advised me to read the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. At the end of the book was the first draft of the
Constitutions which Ignatius had presented to the Pope to request the establishment of a new religious order.
This really was the beginning of something deeper. I felt something in my heart: that I too was there, that
with my character I could be of great help for the salvation of souls by living the call as a Jesuit. I remember
clearly that it said that “he was to teach poor children and be of help to them”.

In the Society

And so I decided to begin the journey with them. I had spoken with the Provincial and had experiences with
several communities. In this way I encountered the living God—not the one described in a book or taught to
me, but a God who knew me and loved me.

The strongest experience took place in Italy during a camp. In July, in the midst of nature, I was meditating
on a passage of Scripture while looking at the trees and their leaves of different colours. I began to perceive
that God existed, that he was real and was telling me: “Go and preach my Word.”

My father was delighted and very much wanted this for me. My mother was a little less so at first. She knew
that I would have to move away from home for formation and that there was no guarantee I would ever be
able to return to Malta.

The stages of formation

I entered the novitiate in Genoa in 1995. Together with ten other companions, we began walking together.
Two wonderful years full of many graces—a time I shall never forget. Then in 1997 I returned to Malta for a
year to take a course at the University of Malta in preparation for philosophy studies in Padua, from 1998 to
2000. I then returned to Malta for regency: two years at St Aloysius College, a blessing for me and a
confirmation of my vocation. I felt very much at ease with young people, and there I truly experienced the
joy of serving with creativity.

Formation then continued in England: three years of theology during which I studied and saw many musicals
in London’s West End. In 2005, after ordination to the diaconate, I was sent to Toronto to study Pastoral
Counselling. I was ordained a priest in 2006, and in 2008 began my first pastoral ministry as a young priest,
serving as chaplain at the University of Malta. Those nine years saw my faith grow as I learnt that the Lord
provides for everything and everyone and formed friendships that still remain a source of courage for my
choice of religious life.

I have two married sisters, a brother and five nieces and nephews. They too, together with my parents, are
now happy about my journey. My happiness is proof to them that it was the right choice.

At service of my brothers

Then, in 2017, a new adventure arrived: the mission of Delegate for Malta. As often happens in the Society
of Jesus, just when you think you have finally understood where to place your feet… the Lord changes your
path! And so, at the beginning of 2018, Romania was added too.

It was a very different service from that of a chaplain. I was no longer simply alongside young people or
people in a particular place, but alongside my Jesuit brothers in their needs, questions, struggles and hopes. It
was a journey made up of encounters, listening and discernment… and also many coffees and last-minute
phone calls! Within me, the same question often returned to the Lord: “Where are you leading us? And what
are you asking of us now?” Little by little I learnt that the Lord loves to lead us out of our comfort zone. He
does not leave us too comfortable! As soon as we settle down… snap… another call arrives.

In 2021, when Romania was fully incorporated into the EUM Province, the Provincial at the time, Fr
Roberto Del Riccio SJ, considered it more appropriate for Romania to pass directly under his responsibility.
And I honestly thought: “Good… perhaps now I shall have a little more free time!”

An illusion that lasted very little.

After just a few weeks, one fine afternoon, I received a Zoom call—one of those calls that begins with a
smile but which you already know will change your life—and was asked to take on the role of Delegate for
Formation. It is a mission I still carry out today.

I must tell the truth: formation has always been very close to my heart. I often prayed—indeed, almost every
day—for young Jesuits and for all of us, that the Lord might grant us the courage needed to be faithful in the
small and great things the Society entrusts to us for the service of souls.

They have been wonderful years. Not easy, of course. Challenges have not been lacking. But accompanying
my brothers on their human, spiritual and apostolic journey is truly an immense gift. It is one of those things
that tire you… yet fill your heart.

And then, as though that were not enough, in September 2025 the current Provincial, Fr Ronny Alessio SJ,
asked me also to assume the role of Chair of the Board of Governors of St Aloysius College in Malta.

It is another mission I feel deeply in my heart. For a school is one of those places where souls are truly
helped to seek and find God in all things—even among tests, noisy corridors, endless meetings and printers
that stop working at precisely the least convenient moment!

School keeps your feet on the ground and your hands soiled with real life. It is an immense field of work, full
of responsibilities but also of enormous satisfaction. Every day you encounter stories, dreams, frailties and
talents. And you understand that educating does not merely mean teaching subjects, but accompanying
people as they become men and women for others.

And looking back… all I can really say is: thank you.

Grateful. Happy. Content.

Thirty-one years that passed like a breath of air.

Thank you, Lord.