Maltese priests reflect on communion, community and collaboration

Priests and religious of Malta gathered for an in-service course at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Rabat from May 25 to 27, where they reflected on communion in preparation for the implementation phase of the pastoral plan of the Maltese archdiocese, which was issued on Pentecost.

The theme was chosen in view of the challenges the diocese is facing, as well as in the light of Pope Leo XIV’s frequent reference to the value of communion as a sign of the Church, including on February 19, 2026, when he urged parishes “to work together more, especially between neighbouring parishes, pooling our charisms and potential, planning together and avoiding overlapping initiatives. Greater coordination is needed which, far from being a pastoral expedient, is intended to express our priestly communion.”

In his reflection, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi emphasised communion with God and with one another, saying: “We priests stand at the heart of this mystery. We were not ordained simply to perform a function, but to be servants and builders of communion. Every sacrament we celebrate, every homily we preach, and every pastoral decision we make is ultimately aimed at gathering the people of God into unity with him and with one another.”

Priests and religious participants during the course.

The three-day in-service course focused on the themes of communion in priestly life, fraternity, the challenges of individualism in society and in the Church, and relational dynamics within the community. Human aspects of pastoral life were also addressed, including emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and how the Church in Malta lives out communion in practice.

Several guest speakers also shared reflections from different perspectives.

Fr Noel Debono from the Gozo diocese focused on the biblical and spiritual dimension, examining the figure of the prophet Elijah and how priests can be open to communion, explaining that its absence is often linked to idolatry.

In a more community-oriented context, Fr Mark Grima, a religious member of the Missionary Society of Saint Paul (MSSP), discussed fraternity and the challenges religious and diocesan priests face in a society increasingly shaped by individualism.

Course focused on the themes of communion in priestly life

Fr Joseph Farrugia, a Gozitan priest specialising in psychology and moral theology, reflected on the fear of opening oneself to others, the ‘us versus them’ mentality, and the priest’s relationship with the bishop.

Fr Paul Galea, a priest and psychologist, shared insights on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution as essential tools for relational and pastoral life.

The in-service course also featured a panel discussion with Fr Bernard Micallef, Fr Charles Mallia, O. Carm, Fr Dione Cutajar, and Fr Kevin Schembri, who discussed the experience of communion in practice, answering several questions, including: Are we living in communion? Where do we see it, and where do we not? How do we strive to live it with the people around us? What can undermine it, and what can strengthen it? And what do we hope to see in the Maltese clergy?

This was followed by another panel discussion featuring Dr Dorianne Buttigieg, Liam Farrugia, Robert Aloisio, and Sr Victoria Sant, who focused on priests’ communion with the community, collaboration with the laity, and the direction of pastoral priorities.

The three days concluded with the priests spending time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

The in-service course for the clergy was held from May 25 to 27 at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Rabat.

For more information, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRBKc-U_WEM.