The Bishop’s homecoming

St Paul’s Missionary College (SPMC), marked the feast day of the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP) by welcoming back to its family Bishop Joe Galea Curmi, an old boy who was able to witness changes, both in size and in number from the years gone by ever since he left the college. The celebration of the Conversion of St Paul at SPMC last Friday 25th January was somewhat different when compared to previous celebrations, normally marked by the celebration of the Eucharist.

Bishop Galea Curmi officiated mass in the Senior School together with members of the MSSP, amongst whom the Rector during his school days, Fr Bernard Mangion mssp. Encouraging words were shared amongst the students, their educators and other staff members present. During his homily, in particular address- ing students, he recommended them to be grateful toward God above all else whilst being grateful toward those who are entrusted with their education and formation; to trust and believe in themselves and the talents they are gifted with; and finally, to be determined – here Bishop Joe shared how he en- countered determination and patience through the practice of fretwork (arquette), a hobby he mastered at school.

After mass, together with Fr Clinton Farrugia, Rector and Mr James Aquilina, Acting Headmaster, Bishop Joe was able to spend the rest of the morning rekindling memories of past lessons, teachers, the school grounds and its surroundings. He was greeted by members of the Senior Staff and after delivering a short message, he blessed the recently renovated Staff Room, whilst recalling that back in his time, part of that same room served as a library where he spent most of his lunch breaks. He recounted the value of the education he received and was grateful for the individual attention that was given to students back then and encouraged for this same practice to remain. Words of gratitude were expressed toward the holistic formation he received and invited all to sustain the value of community to remain alive.

A time of prayer and encounter was spent with the Junior School Students were through a Q&A session, they were able to come to know more Bishop Joe. Warmly welcomed by the singing of the younger students, cheering and welcoming Bishop Joe back “to our family” was symbolic of the meaningful day the college witnessed with the presence of its Bishop.