The Society of Christian Doctrine, 1907-1950 : a social history

Abstract

This dissertation aims at examining the social background of the male section of the Society of Christian Doctrine in the first four decades of its existence. The research sets out to uncover the various aspects of this Society, the role of its founder, the members, its hierarchy and its impact on Maltese society. Most of this study is based on original research conducted at the Headquarters of the SDC. Contacts with several members of this Society has been very important in the construction of this thesis, as well as the publications of the same organisation. The period discussed by this dissertation encompasses the changes experienced by the SDC from a group at the fringes of the Catholic Church, into a visible component of the same Church's component. It also attempts to illustrate how the same organisation became a common a specific feature in Maltese society. An important emphasis is put on the social background of its members, especially those working in the Dockyard, facilitated the spread of the Society of Christian Doctrine, in a period when the wage earning working class in Malta was expanding. This working class element played a very important part, in spreading the social teachings of the Catholic Church (on many occasions) as a counter weight to other ideas. Besides the said organisation helped in a process that led the spread of education amongst sections of society for whom instruction was difficult to attain. It is hoped that this study will open up further research in the study and understanding of an organisation that is ingrained in Maltese society.