Malta has remained the mother of the Society not only because it was founded on this small island but also because of the fact that for a long time the administrative functions of the Society were carried out from Malta while most of its members are Maltese. Over the years, the fruits of the Spirit towards the missionary ideal were manifested in a great deal of energy that was invested towards the fulfilment of various initiatives that continue to this day.
Mgr De Piro laid the foundation stone exactly adjacent to St. Agatha’s Chapel at Rabat where it can still be seen to this day. It was the beginning of the building of an edifice that was to uniquely accompany the Society through these first hundred years of its existence. Although alterations have been carried out on various parts of this building, a community of priests who are active in various pastoral activities, and others who have retired from ministry reside in this house. The house also includes a beautiful 17th Century Chapel dedicated to St. Agatha, adjoining catacombs and museum complex which features unique archaeological finds including early paleo Christian catacombs with frescoes dating back to the third century AD.
Part of the Motherhouse complex is now the St Paul’s Missionary College a sprawling school for primary and secondary school boys. The school was founded in 1964, with the Junior School opening its doors in 2012, for a current total of 550 pupils and over 120 staff members. Today, the school has earned a reputation for its inclusion policies, academic achievement, and cohesion between staff, students, and parents.
Hundreds of children have been cared for at St. Joseph’s Home, since the time when the Founder was its Director. Today, St. Joseph’s is the first officially licenced children’s Home in Malta. With dedicated professional and care staff, the Home receives children who need out of home care. St. Joseph’s also housing the Centru Animazzjoni Missjunarja (CAM/CPi), an organization that strives to gather funds to sustain the Society’s missions abroad, particularly through the annual “Ohloq Tbissima” Telethon. Cam Productions produces features and programmes for the media in order to spread the Good News and foster greater awareness regarding the missions. Dar De Piro forms part of this building too and houses the community of Formation and those who minister serve at St. Joseph’s.
At Birkirkara, the MSSP Oratory has served as an important centre for the teaching of catechism and pastoral care of youths since the times of Mgr. De Piro. Nowadays it is a vibrant community centred around the liturgy and catechesis. With an emphasis on community building, well-prepared liturgies, and small lectio divina groups, various communities come together in a way to build a Church more focused on the Word of God. The centre also has a growing youth section which meets regularly and also includes the Alpha Course for those who want to rediscover the Christian faith. Stella Mans House in Gozo is our house in Gozo which receives individuals and groups for retreats, set in the quiet and open spaces of Zebbug Gozo.
Another notable development in the history of the Society in Malta is the increasing pastoral work among the laity and their own participation in the Society. In every initiative undertaken by the Society, the presence of MSSP is crucial but its successful achievement is aided by the laity who form an integral part of our work.