In recent months, the Province of Capuchin Friars passed on the responsibility for the pastoral work carried out at Mater Dei Hospital to the Archdiocese of Malta. Archbishop Charles Scicluna appointed a team of priests to continue providing 24‑hour pastoral support from Monday to Sunday at the hospital. The Chaplaincy team now consists of Fr Louis Farrugia, Fr Reuben Vella and Fr Reuben Deguara, as well as Fr René Camilleri as coordinator of this work.
Archbishop Scicluna thanked the Province of Capuchin Friars for its long years of constant service at Mater Dei Hospital and, before that, at St Luke’s Hospital, as well as for its ongoing service at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre.
The hospital chaplaincy is responsible for the pastoral ministry of patients and their relatives. These priests administer Holy Communion to patients who would like to receive the Eucharist. Patients or their relatives are encouraged to inform the ward nurses that the patient would like to receive this sacrament. When the sick person is in a critical condition, the priest supports him or her through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and is also present when the person dies. The priest is also called in to provide the relatives with support at this sad moment.
The hospital staff who are constantly facing suffering caused by so much sorrow and doubts may also request assistance from the chaplaincy.
Mater Dei Chaplaincy details
Anyone who would like the priests’ assistance at the hospital may request it at reception, through one of the staff members in the patient’s ward or by ringing on 25456870.
Mass is celebrated from Monday to Saturday at 6:30am and 7:00am. On Sundays and feast days, Mass is celebrated at 6:30am, 7:15am and at noon. The priests are there earlier to hear confessions or for whoever wishes to have a word with the priest.