The Archbishop’s Seminary

Address

Telephone

2145 5497

Email

[email protected]

From Teachers’ Training College to Archbishop’s Seminary

Originally built as the Mater Admirabilis Training College by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, this building was intended to train young women as teachers. Designed by Mortimer and de Giorgio, the foundation stone was laid on June 24, 1952, by Sir Gerald Creasy, then Governor of Malta. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the college on May 4, 1954, and it was blessed by Archbishop Mgr. Michael Gonzi. The building served as a training college until 1973.

On November 15, 1977, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca inaugurated the former Mater Admirabilis Training College as the Seminary of the Archdiocese, relocating it from Floriana to Tal-Virtù. From 1978 to 1988, the Faculty of Theology also operated here before returning to the University of Malta. The Major Seminary provides human, spiritual, and pastoral formation for future priests, while the Faculty of Theology at the University covers academic training.

Pope John Paul II visited the Seminary on May 27, 1990, during his pastoral visit to Malta. The Seminary celebrated its third centenary in 2003, marked by a message from Cardinal Angelo Sodano on behalf of Pope John Paul II.

Historical Journey of the Archbishop’s Seminary

Seminaries were established following the Council of Trent in the 16th century to train priesthood candidates. The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed the need for Major Seminaries to develop true shepherds of souls, modeled after Jesus Christ.

In 1575, 12 years after the Council of Trent, Mgr. Dusina, Apostolic Visitor to Malta, decreed the erection of a Seminary. After several attempts, Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri opened the first Seminary in Mdina on March 25, 1703. The Seminary moved to Valletta in 1723, but was relocated back to Mdina in 1728 by Bishop Fra Paolo Alpheran de Bussan, who inaugurated a new building on May 20, 1742, now the Cathedral Museum.

In 1858, Bishop Gaetano Pace Forno transferred the Seminary to the Casa di Manresa in Floriana, reforming its curriculum. The Minor Seminary followed in 1892. The Seminary moved back to Mdina in 1910, then back to Floriana in 1921 under Bishop Dom Maurus Caruana. The Seminary was heavily damaged during World War II but was renovated post-war. Due to limited space, it was eventually transferred to the current building.

The Archbishop’s Seminary Today

Together with the formation of future priests, the Seminary is committed to the education of children and young people. In 2011, the Minor Seminary expanded to include a primary school, increasing the total number of students to 800. The Seminary campus also features:

• Vocations Centre: organizing vocational retreats and accompanying young people discerning their call in life.
• Nuns’ nursing Home: Hosts older nuns of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
• Theological Library: Specializing in theology and philosophy, with rare manuscripts and first editions.
• Casa Fratelli Tutti: Accommodation for priests from developing countries studying Pastoral Theology.
• Kċina ta’ Marta: A small kitchen preparing meals for families in need, distributed by the Diocesan Diakonia Commission.
• Conference Centre: Used for retreats, featuring two chapels, conference rooms, and over 60 en suite bedrooms.
• Dining Room: Accommodates up to 60 people.
• Auditorium: Hosts parents, benefactors, and clergy conferences.
• Ancient Tombs: Dating back to the Punic period.
• Bronze Statue of Christ the Redeemer: Brought from Italy in 1901 to commemorate the Year of the Redemption, formerly located on the nearby Santa Marija, Tal-Virtù Chapel.

Major Seminary

Rector

Rev. Dr Jimmy Bonnici S.Th.D. (Greg.)

Spiritual Director

Rev. Prof. Mark Sultana Ph.D. (Greg.)

Non-residential Staff

Spiritual Director – Rev. Fr Sebastjan Caruana S.Th.B.

Spiritual Director – Rev. Fr Josef Mifsud S.Th.B., S.Th.L.

Human Formation – Rev. Fr Dunstan Xuereb B.Psych., S.Th.L.

Psychologist

Rev. Dr Paul Galea, M.S.Th., Lic. Psych., Ph.D.

Vocations Director

Rev. Can. James Saydon S.Th.B., S.Th.L.

Assistant Vocations Director

Rev. Fr Jean Claude Schembri S.Th.B., M.Th.

General Manager

Mr Massimo Azzopardi

Committee for the Seminary Library and for the Foundation of Theological Studies 

• Rev. Dr Jonathan Farrugia, Chairperson
• Mrs Cecilia Grech-Marguerat, Secretary
• Mrs Mary Louise Sammut, Librarian
• Rev. Dr Carlo Calleja, Rector’s Representative
• Rev. Prof. Martin Micallef, Foundation’s Representative
• Mr Marvic Mallia, Students’ Representative

Minor Seminary

Email

[email protected]

Telephone

2748 3000

Publication

Seminarium, (Editor: Rev. Can. Mark Ellul)

Administrative Staff