On Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th March 2026, Lenten Spiritual Talks were organised for all Year 9 students at St Margaret College Secondary School, Verdala, Cospicua. These talks or so-called ‘spiritual exercises’ were delivered by Rev Fr Mark Spiteri from Naxxar parish and held in the school’s main hall. Fr Mark highlighted that, wherever we are and whatever we do, we are always loved by God, and that, though we are all weak and prone to make mistakes in life, we must not be afraid to ask for God’s forgiveness. On the third day of these spiritual talks, Fr Mark invited all students to think more of others and less of themselves, in line with Jesus Christ’s invitation to love others as much as He loved us. The general feedback from participating students and teachers was very positive.

The purpose of the Spiritual Exercises, writes St Ignatius of Loyola, is to facilitate the movement of God’s grace within us “so that the light and love of God inflame all possible decisions and resolutions about life
situations.” Spirituality in education is primarily concerned with wholeness, connectedness or relationship with God, with oneself, with others, with nature, or with the world (Astin, 2004; Eaude, 2005; Hay & Nye, 2006; Jones, 2005; Palmer, 1999), child-centered pedagogy (Watson, 2014) and nurturing holistic development (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006)

Senior Religion teacher Martin Azzopardi said, “It is a blessing that in state schools we have the space to offer students Lenten Talks during Holy Lent and other religious celebrations so they can reflect more on the Right Way in life while growing up in a holistic aspect. Nowadays, schools are becoming the only parishes for our youths, and so we need to focus more on youths in schools”.


Lenten Talks for Year 10 students were replaced by a one-day ACTS seminar in Gattard House, Pieta, held on the 24 th March 2026. ACTS Malta is a youth-focused Christian group that hosts meetings and events, often held at Gattard House in Blata l-Bajda, Malta. The group, which often holds meetings for teenagers and young adults (specifically targeting 13-16-year-olds in recent sessions), focuses on personal growth, spirituality, and “Announcing Christ to Students”. Their sessions aim to provide a welcoming space for young people to explore their faith, discuss topics like “finding identity in God,” and build community through social activities. 

The Lenten religious activities at St Margaret College concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by the school’s spiritual director, Rev. Fr Carmelo Spiteri ocd and animated by the school’s Religion/Pastoral team on Friday, 27th March 2026, Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Adapted from an article by Mr Martin Azzopardi – religion teacher