{"id":229222,"date":"2024-01-25T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sds.mt\/?post_type=programmes&p=229222"},"modified":"2026-01-09T06:53:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T05:53:37","slug":"maltese-bishops-visiting-schools","status":"publish","type":"programmes","link":"https:\/\/sds.mt\/mt\/programmes\/maltese-bishops-visiting-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"Maltese Bishops visiting Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi lead the Catholic Church in Malta. Therefore, they seek to be close to people in various ways, particularly in school. Their visits are vital in strengthening the bond between faith communities and the educational environment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the past years, the Maltese bishops have visited many school communities to dialogue with educators and students and celebrate the Eucharist. Whether in State, Catholic, or Independent schools, their presence goes beyond symbolism, fostering meaningful exchanges that benefit everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are ten points that highlight the value of having bishops visit schools and the positive impact these visits can have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Strengthening Faith and Education Partnership<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Auxiliary bishop Joseph Galea Curmi visits Imsida Primary School on 27\/11\/2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bishops\u2019 school visits reinforce the connection between the Church and educational institutions. These visits foster a collaborative relationship where religious education is not just an isolated subject but a lived experience integrated into daily school life. This collaboration helps form well-rounded individuals who grow both spiritually and academically. It is an opportunity to discover that religious people, like the bishops, are also human, who enjoy living a beautiful and challenging life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Encouraging Open Dialogue<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A bishop\u2019s presence creates an open platform for dialogue between Church leaders, educators, and students. This opportunity allows school leaders and teachers to share their challenges and successes, enabling bishops to better understand schools’ unique needs and guide diocesan policies accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna visited the Minor Seminary on 17\/01\/2018<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/i> Fill in the invitation to one of the bishops to dialogue with students and educators >><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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3. Spiritual Support for Educators<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Religious Educators’ meeting with Archbishop Charles as part of his pastoral visit at St Benedict College Secondary School in Kirkop on 30\/05\/2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teachers, especially those involved in religious education, often face challenges guiding students through faith and academics. A bishop’s visit provides them with spiritual support and encouragement and allows them to reflect on how their work contributes to the Church\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Making the Church More Approachable<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Auxiliary bishop Joseph Galea Curmi with Primary School children at St Joseph School in Sliema on 19\/12\/2019<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bishops’ visits can demystify the Church’s institutional role, making it more accessible and relevant to young people. Through interaction, students can see bishops as approachable leaders who genuinely care about their spiritual and personal growth, dispelling notions of hierarchy or distance. Students and educators enjoy learning about the bishops’ personal and vocational lives. “What are your hobbies?” and “What do you enjoy doing as a bishop?”, “How did you feel when you were asked to be the Archbishop of Malta?” are some of the questions students enjoy asking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A memorable occasion: Archbishop Scicluna engaging with primary school students at St Ignatius College Patri \u0120u\u017ce Delia Primary School, Si\u0121\u0121iewi on 28\/05\/2018<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Encouraging Moral and Spiritual Growth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Education isn’t solely about academic achievement\u2014moral and spiritual growth is just as significant. Bishops enjoy praying with the school community. They can inspire students to integrate their faith into everyday life, help them reflect on the ethical consequences of their actions and encourage them to continue nurturing their spiritual journey, which complements their academic progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bishop Joseph encountered students at the National Sports School, Pembroke, on 20\/12\/2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/i> Fill in the invitation to one of the bishops to dialogue with students and educators >><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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6. Inspiring Students Through Direct Engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For many students, the opportunity to directly engage with a bishop can be unheard of, but the possibility can be very inspiring. It affirms their connection to the wider Church and gives them a sense of inclusion within their faith community. These encounters often inspire deeper consideration and exploration of personal beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the classroom with secondary school students at<\/em> Our Lady Immaculate School, \u0126amrun on 02\/05\/2024 <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Amplifying Student Voices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Year 11 students’ Question and Answer session with the Archbishop at St Dorothy’s School in \u0126a\u017c-\u017bebbu\u0121 on 21\/11\/2023 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Shaping School Policies with the Church\u2019s Guidance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Through discussions with bishops, schools can benefit from the Church\u2019s perspective on critical issues such as ethical leadership, values-based education, and pastoral care. These insights can shape school policies to promote a holistic education and environment where academic and spiritual growth are equally prioritized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Archbishop\u2019s visit at St Ignatius College, St Sebastian Primary School Qormi on10\/03\/2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9. Promoting Unity in the School Community<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bishops’ visits also promote a sense of purpose and greater unity among the school community and the Church. They strengthen the school’s ethos and mission by bringing everyone together through discussions, celebrating the Eucharist, or spiritual activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Auxiliary bishop Joe Galea Curmi is celebrating Christmas Mass at the National Sports School, Pembroke, on 20\/12\/2023 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10. A Catalyst for Faith Exploration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Students often leave a bishop\u2019s visit inspired to explore their faith further. Whether through increased engagement in Church activities, more convinced participation within their school or local communities, or personal reflection, the visit can serve as a springboard for continued spiritual development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From the Archbishop’s visit to Maria Re\u0121ina College, \u017bokrija Secondary School, Mosta on 06\/05\/2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, bishops\u2019 school visits are far more than ceremonial events. They provide an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, personal growth, and spiritual support for students, teachers, and school leaders. These visits reinforce the Church\u2019s role in shaping young minds, encouraging them to carry their faith into all areas of life. For more information on arranging a visit, schools can contact Spiritual Development in Schools to help create this meaningful experience in their community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our school is interested in inviting one of the Bishops to the school.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When planning the visit date, please choose two dates. Choose two Thursdays <\/strong>in October or November 2026, or between January and May 2027. The visit time is generally between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enter your details in the form below to invite Archbishop Charles Scicluna or Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi to engage in dialogue with students<\/span>. In the form, choose ‘Other Activity<\/strong>‘ and enter the 1st date preference in ‘Activity date<\/strong>‘ and the 2nd date preference in ‘Nature of activity (provide detailed information)<\/strong>‘<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/i> Fill in the invitation to one of the bishops to dialogue with students and educators >><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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