PILGRIMAGE THREE
Outside Hamrun

The Society spreads

From the first months of its existence the Society of Fr Preca sought to plant its roots outside Óamrun. This was done thanks to the enthusisasm of Fr Preca himself, Eugenio Borg and their friends whose hearts were filled with love of God and neighbour. Eugenio Borg started the first Centre at Cospicua while Fr Preca initiated the female section of the Society at Paola. These were the first steps towards the realisation of the dream the Founder had when he uttered, “Master, may the whole world follow the Gospel!”

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The Cross at Marsa, il-Marsa
Here, about 1910, while on his way to Paola, Fr Preca met a young boy of about twelve pulling a
PILGRIMAGE THREE - Outside Hamrun
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The Cross at Marsa, il-Marsa

Here, about 1910, while on his way to Paola, Fr Preca met a young boy of about twelve pulling a barrow on low wheels with a basket full of manure on it. The boy commanded assistance. Fr Preca obliged without hesitation. He later stated that he was totally lost over this incident and could not even recall where they had headed. Upon reflection, Fr Preca concluded that the boy was Jesus at the age of his dispute with the elders in the temple; the barrow symbolised the Church; the manure, his Society bound to diffuse its teachings. “He is leading the way; … I am pushing… You were with me!” A remarkable vision indeed!

Let us pray

O Lord, bring to fulfilment our Founder’s dream that ‘the whole world will follow your Gospel’, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Marsa
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Marsa
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Mr Cutajar’s Warehouse, Paola
Mr Angelo Cutajar was a wealthy wine merchant. His son Carmel was one of Fr Preca’s ‘apostles’. Through Carmel, Fr
PILGRIMAGE THREE - Outside Hamrun
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Mr Cutajar’s Warehouse, Paola

Mr Angelo Cutajar was a wealthy wine merchant. His son Carmel was one of Fr Preca’s ‘apostles’. Through Carmel, Fr Preca came to know his sister, Giannina, a girl of 16. He persuaded her to follow in her brother’s footsteps, to learn catechism in order to teach it to others. Giannina accepted. Angelo and his wife offered encouragement and help. Theirs was the warehouse where Giannina gave the first Cathecism lessons. Thus the female section of the Society was initiated. It was 1910. Giannina subsequently became its first female Superior General.

Let us pray

O Lord, grant that the female section of the Society will increase in vocations and in holiness so as to fulfil the aims for which it was founded, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Paola
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Paola
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The Dockyard, Cospicua
In the early 1900s, the Dockyard was the largest industry in Malta employing thousands of workers from all over the
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The Painting of the Immaculate Conception
This titular painting in the Collegiate Church in Cospicua is the work of artist Peter Paul Caruana on the recommendation
PILGRIMAGE THREE - Outside Hamrun
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The Dockyard, Cospicua

In the early 1900s, the Dockyard was the largest industry in Malta employing thousands of workers from all over the island. One of its employees was Eugenio Borg, a pattern-maker, who was resolute in spreading the Word of God among his co-workers. During breaks, he spoke about God at Bormla Gate and in the neighbouring bars. When in the weekends, the workers returned home, they passed Eugenio’s words to their relatives. Thus Fr Preca’s Society began spreading its influence to the towns and villages of Malta. At Cospicua, Eugenio rented a room for his apostolate. This was the second MUSEUM Centre on the island.

Let us pray

O Lord, grant that we interpret the signs of the times in order to respond faithfully to the demands of the new evangelisation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Painting of the Immaculate Conception

This titular painting in the Collegiate Church in Cospicua is the work of artist Peter Paul Caruana on the recommendation of Canon Ludovico Mifsud Tommasi. The image of the Madonna, dressed in white with a blue sash predated the attire worn by Our Lady in her apparitions in Lourdes. This venerated painting was crowned by Cardinal Ferrata in 1905. Fr Preca was particularly devoted to this painting. It is said that it was while he was admiring it that he was inspired with the Vestis Honoris – “The Robe of Honour”- a hymn to Our Lady. Up to this day, in the Centres, this hymn is sung before a replica of this painting.

Let us pray

O Blessed Virgin, o Gate of Heaven, o Mother of mercy, o Delight of God, pray for us for we know that He who bestowed on you the dignity of Divine Motherhood will not deny you anything. Amen.

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Cospicua
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Cospicua
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The Residence of the Internal Community, Zebbug
This was the residence of the first Internal Community of the Society. It is in De Rohan Street. This Community
PILGRIMAGE THREE - Outside Hamrun
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The Residence of the Internal Community, Zebbug

This was the residence of the first Internal Community of the Society. It is in De Rohan Street. This Community was founded in 1918. Here its Members lived together like a family and ran a printing press. Eugenio Borg came to live in this house in 1943 when he joined the Community. During the Second World War, Fr Preca came to live here as well as it was quite dangerous to live in Óamrun so near to the harbours. In 1962 the Community left this house for good and settled in the Sagra Familja Institute in Ûabbar.

Let us pray

O Lord, grant that through our love for one another, we witness to your infinite love and care, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Zebbug
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Zebbug
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The Cathedral, Mdina
According to tradition, this cathedral is built on the site of the house of Publius, the prince of the island
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The Carmelite Church, Mdina
A magnificent baroque church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel built by the Carmelites who preferred this safe and
PILGRIMAGE THREE - Outside Hamrun
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The Cathedral, Mdina

According to tradition, this cathedral is built on the site of the house of Publius, the prince of the island who had welcomed St Paul. The medieval cathedral was destroyed in the earthquake of 1693. The present one, a baroque masterpiece, was designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà. A nearby palace, previously a Seminary, is now the Cathedral Museum. In 1914 Fr Preca brought the Centres’ Superiors to this Cathedral and together made the Vow of Meekness before the miraculous Crucifix.

Let us pray

O Lord, grant that we embrace those who trespass against us so that we may deserve your pardon, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Carmelite Church, Mdina

A magnificent baroque church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel built by the Carmelites who preferred this safe and fortified spot inside Mdina to their previous residence in the Lunzjata area outside Rabat. On 2 September 1798, in this church, the French attempt to auction its damask ignited the Maltese rebellion against them. In this church and adjecent convent, Fr Preca and his members made the Vigil of St Michael, a night passed in prayer in honour of the archangel. The Members’ devotion edified the friars and the residents of Mdina and Rabat.

Let us pray

O Lord, grant that we will always be humble to serve you faithfully, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Mdina
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Mdina