The Senior Students of St Paul’s Missionary College have once again embraced their missionary identity, hosting their annual outreach event that brings together students, staff, and the wider community. Held twice a year, this cherished tradition aligns with the College’s commitment to fostering a sense of altruism and service among its students. This year’s event, conducted in the lead-up to Christmas, saw collaborations with ten different institutions and services, highlighting the College’s dedication to making a local impact.
Senior 1 students visited St Vincent de Paul Residence, where they delighted elderly residents with heartfelt Christmas carols and engaging activities. The students were deeply moved by the experience, with many describing the elderly residents as reminiscent of their own grandparents. Some students even asked for blessings from the seniors, a gesture that brought smiles and tears of joy to those they visited. “It was like being with my own nanna,” one student said, reflecting the warmth of the encounter.
The Senior 2 cohort partnered with Caritas to support preparations for the organization’s annual Christmas Day meal, an event that provides food and companionship to around 500 individuals who might otherwise spend the day alone. In addition to preparing Christmas cards—featuring artwork created by SPMC Junior students—the seniors added personalized messages of hope, making the cards a meaningful gesture for the meal’s attendees. One Senior 2 student shared, “I didn’t realize how many people suffer from loneliness. This experience has inspired me to cherish my time at home.”
Senior 3 students visited several homes catering to diverse needs, including Spero, a training and activity center for the visually impaired. The Franciscan Convent in Rabat, YMCA in Msida, and the shelter Home, Dar Papa Franġisku in Birkirkara. Each visit offered opportunities for connection, understanding, and support, as students engaged with residents and staff, learning more about the unique challenges faced by these communities.
Senior 4 students carried out a “pay it forward” exercise across various locations in Malta, including the entrances of Mater Dei Hospital and Valletta. Armed with flowers and messages of hope, they sought to uplift passersby, particularly those visiting loved ones in hospital. “We wanted to brighten someone’s day and remind them they’re not alone,” one student explained.
Senior 5 students split into groups to maximize their outreach efforts. Some stayed at the College, welcoming around 50 elderly people from the vicinity for a morning of food, games, and companionship. The guests expressed heartfelt gratitude for the students’ warm hospitality. Other Senior 5 groups prepared meals for the needy, supporting Millennium Chapel’s outreach programs, while smaller groups volunteered at St Joseph
Home in Sta Venera and Villa Chelsea in Birkirkara, assisting with respite care for individuals facing mental health challenges. After a morning filled with activity and reflection, students returned to the College for a
well-deserved break, enjoying warm drinks and Christmas sweets provided by Jacob’s Brew. The initiative, which donates a portion of its proceeds to Survivors Malta—a foundation supporting families dealing with trauma—added an extra layer of meaning to the day.
The day culminated in a Christmas Mass celebrated by Fr Marcellino Micallef O.F.M., an old boy of St Paul’s Missionary College and leader of The Soup Kitchen OFM in Valletta. Fr Marcellino’s homily emphasized the joy of giving, recounting how the seeds of his ministry were planted during his formative years at our College. The Eucharist was a fitting close to a day that encapsulated the school’s 60-year legacy of fostering a spirit of
service and compassion.
Through this outreach initiative, the Senior students of St Paul’s Missionary College have demonstrated the transformative power of volunteering. As they embark on their Christmas holidays, they carry with them the invaluable lesson that even small acts of kindness can bring comfort and hope to those in need.