The Pastoral Formation Institute (PFI) concluded another academic year on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, having accompanied over 2,000 participants across 78 course occurrences, a remarkable increase from last year’s 1,052 participants across 28 courses.
The evening commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi, followed by a moment of communion among students, lecturers, and staff. This gathering reflected the spirit of shared growth and community that defined the past year.
A year of growth and renewal
Over the past academic year, PFI has continued to build on the strong foundations laid in previous years, while also embracing a renewed sense of purpose. Its course offerings spanned a broad range of themes, including Scripture and Theology, Spirituality and Pastoral Care, Liturgy and Ministry, Safeguarding, and Formation.
PFI remained committed to offering skills-based micro-credentials (short, targeted courses that certify specific competencies) primarily delivered in Maltese, with English options available upon request. Whether through traditional in-person sessions, hybrid formats that blend physical and online participation, or self-paced modules via its virtual learning environment, PFI continues to meet learners where they are.
This commitment was strengthened by a substantial investment in infrastructure, including a revamped recording studio and three additional classrooms. All classrooms are fully air-conditioned and fitted with streaming and audiovisual capabilities, ensuring a seamless and engaging learning experience both onsite and online.
PFI also welcomed two new team members, injecting fresh energy and perspectives into the institute. The team continues to grow as a young, dynamic and mission-driven group dedicated to innovation in faith formation.
Looking Ahead
During the end-of-year celebration, PFI proudly launched its 2025/2026 prospectus, reaffirming its mission to form lay leaders who are both faithful and forward-thinking. This launch represented more than just a presentation of courses—it marked a renewed commitment to the Church’s call for deep pastoral renewal.
As the Second Vatican Council reminds us: “The laity are made sharers in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly functions of Christ.” And as Pope Francis said in Evangelii Gaudium: “A Church capable of transforming everything so that our customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channelled for the evangelisation of today’s world.”
This inspiring vision continues to guide PFI’s educational mission as it looks ahead to the 2025/26 academic year. The upcoming year will feature a mix of new and returning courses, designed to respond to the evolving needs of communities and to support the formation of agile, creative, and Gospel-rooted individuals committed to deep pastoral renewal.
The courses will explore themes such as Creative Ministry, Deepening Faith, Pastoral Skills, Ethics and Society, and Technology and Faith.
Together, these offerings underscore the institute’s dedication to forming thoughtful, spiritually grounded, and socially engaged leaders for the Church and the wider world.
Click here to explore PFI’s new 2025/2026 prospectus.
For more information, contact the Pastoral Formation Institute on [email protected], 25906514/6 or 7920 1358.