Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi inaugurated and blessed Casa Fratelli Tutti, a house which welcomes priests from poor countries who wish to read for a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology within the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta. The aim of Casa Fratelli Tutti is for the Church in Malta and the University to provide foreign priests with the opportunity to continue their studies in Malta, despite the financial and cultural challenges they may face. Currently, there are five priests from Nigeria and Zimbabwe residing in the house.
Casa Fratelli Tutti is located at the entrance to the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtù in Rabat and consists of five bedrooms, a kitchen, a chapel and a living room where the priests can spend their free time together. An agreement signed by the Archdiocese of Malta and the Faculty of Theology stipulates that the house will be used by the Faculty of Theology for this pastoral and missionary purpose for a period of 15 years. Present at the house’s inauguration were officials from the Ministry of Education, lecturers from the Faculty, student residents, as well as benefactors and collaborators.
Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi said that Casa Fratelli Tutti is based on what Pope Francis wishes the Church to be, that is, a witness to the Church that welcomes. He emphasised that this house gives respect and dignity to these priests who came to Malta to be able to serve the Church in their home countries better. Their presence benefits the Church’s vision to weave bonds of unity in Christ as one Church.
The Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Fr Stefan Attard, stated that through this project, the Faculty is tangibly assisting priests who will offer a better service to the Church and society back in their home countries. He also expressed his hope that, in a world full of challenges, Casa Fratelli Tutti will continue to foster fraternity, social dialogue and solidarity in a practical way. He expressed his gratitude to all benefactors and collaborators who made this project and its desired outcome possible.
The name of the house is inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, ‘Fratelli Tutti’, which addresses fraternity and social friendship. Anyone wishing to offer support may contact the Faculty of Theology at [email protected].