Gozo seminary celebrates chapel’s 40th anniversary
Chapel was part of a women’s hospital in the past
The chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus seminary in Victoria is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, seminary rector, Fr Joseph Bajada, celebrated a solemn mass with the participation of seminarians.
In his homily, Fr Bajada pointed out that the number 40 is significant, since in the Bible this number is often associated with a period of formation and learning.
He recalled that, just as the seminary had formed many priests over the years, they too should open their hearts and allow this place to continue transforming and forming them.
Fr Bajada said the chapel was the place where seminarians gathered every day for prayer and, in recent years, people also came here daily to open their hearts before God through personal prayer. “This place continues to be a space of encounter in silence where many find comfort and direction,” he said.
The chapel was part of a women’s hospital, St Julian’s Hospital, built in 1783. The hospital was converted into a seminary in 1866. Since then, the place has welcomed generations of seminarians and priests.
In 1986, the chapel was re-dedicated to the Immaculate Conception after renovations were carried out according to the norms issued by the Second Vatican Council.
The chapel is open every day, between October and June, Monday to Friday from 8am to noon. Every second Thursday of the month, the chapel is open for an hour of Eucharistic adoration for priestly vocations between 7pm and 8pm.