The Salesians (S.D.B.)

The Salesians came to Malta in 1903 establishing Saint Patrick’ s School for orphans and needy boys, and a church open to the public, adjoining the school. Five years later they opened their Oratory at Sliema, and for five years from 1910 to 1914 they also ran the Oratory at Birkirkara; for about seventeen years they were also responsible for the running of the Gozo Oratory, founded by Rev Paul Micallef. The Salesians also opened a school near their Sliema Oratory to cater for vocations; this school is today the Savio College at Dingli; here besides an Oratory, the Salesians also have their home for aspirants and pre-novices and now also a Retreat house for youths. In 1989 the Salesians opened a hostel for homeless youths in Sliema and bookshops in Valletta and at Sliema.