On Thursday 9 November a meeting was held for Augustinian laity at the Primary Campus of our College in Marsa. The meeting consisted of a welcome by Fr David Cortis, Rector of Saint Augustine College on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the beginning of the College, and afterwards Fr Mario Abela led a short time of Adoration and prayer for vocations, especially Augustinians.

Afterwards we had a social moment together where we shared some delicious snacks between us. We thank Fr David, Fr Mario, Fr Terence and the Augustinian Lay Provincial Commission, and Kevin and Lydia Vella, members of the Secular Augustinian Fraternity, for the contribution they gave to make the meeting beautiful for the glory of God.

On Monday 23rd October, the Educational Community of St. Augustine College together with the Maltese Augustinian Province commemorated the 175th anniversary of the opening of the first scholastic year of St Augustine School at that time in the Augustinian Priory in Valletta. That was the beginning of the first Church School for Maltese children. This anniversary was commemorated this morning through a joyful celebration presided over by the Vicar General, H.E. Mons. Joseph Galea Curmi, under the distinguished Patronage of the Acting President Prof. Frank Bezzina, in the absence of the President of Malta who is abroad. H.E. Mons. Savio Hon Tai-Fai S.D.B. Apostolic Nuncio for Malta, wasa alos present together with representatives from the Secretariat of Catholic Education and several Augustinian religious who over the years worked or were students at the College as were also several other priests.

The celebration took place in the Parish Church of Saint Sebastian in Qormi where all the students of the College which today count around 800, and the members of the Staff, could gather. The center of the activity was the celebration of the Eucharist of thanksgiving. A good number of students took part in the celebration in various ways, particularly through joyful singing, reading, a short performance after the Gospel, presentation of symbols, the presence of the Air Scouts, and the service at the altar. A good number of educators and other members of the College staff also participated in the activity in various ways, and collaborated in the preparation and organization of the whole event.

Let us pray the Lord to continue to bless this Educational Community.

On November 6, the Augustinian Family celebrates the remembrance of the departed Augustinian friars. On Monday 6th November in the morning the Prior Provincial, together with several friars, celebrated a mass in Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Church, Tarxien commemorating the deceased friars. In his reflection he spoke on: the beautiful memories that all these brothers have left us; the sense of gratitude that we should all express as we celebrate what our predecessors lived and accomplished; and above all, the faith and hope that should fill our hearts as Christians who are still going through the walk of life. After mass those present paid their respects by visiting the provincial graves, at Addolorato Cemetery .

Between the 16th and 20th October a group of Augustinian friars gathered together for a few days of retreat at Dar Stella Maris in Żebbuġ Gozo. During these days they had the opportunity to stop for a while from their daily routine and live moments of more silence, prayer and reflection accompanied by Fr Martin Cilia MSSP who animated these days. Fr Martin's reflections presented a clear invitation to reflect on everyone’s present reality, the experience shared with the friars, the centrality of Jesus Christ in one’s life, and the mysteries that bring us closer to Him in our journey of life particulraly in the celebration of the liturgy. On Thursday the brothers also had a beautiful catechesis on the icons of the mysteries of the Rosary located in the Square of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pinu. Friday then the Retreat closed with a eucharist celebrated in the same Sanctuary.

These days were also a beautiful opportunity for the friars from different communities to come together and share the beauty of the Augustinian religious life beyond the daily commitments and everything that usually shapes the days with so much activity. The days of the retreat also provide an occasion for a wonderful and calmer experience of prayer and an opportunity of spiritual renewal.