Analytical study of a private school : the Seminary

Abstract

Aware of the importance of both priestly formation and Christian education, the Council of Trent decreed that each diocese should strive to have its own Seminary. In 1575, that is 12 years after the Council of Trent, an attempt was made to build a Seminary in Malta. The attempt failed. A second initiative in 1591 also floundered. It was not till 25 years later that Bishop Cagliares opened a Seminary at Mdina. In 1723 the Holy See authorised its transfer to Valletta, but after 5 years, it returned to Mdina. The Seminary was to stay in Mdina for more than 100 years in the magnificent building which is, today, the Cathedral Museum. In 1858 the Major Seminary moved to Floriana where it stayed for nearly 50 years, to return once again to Mdina. In 1864 the Minor Seminary was brought to Floriana while the Major Seminary returned again to Floriana in 1921. During the Second World War the building was hit and suffered considerable damage. A diaspora of students followed while the place was renovated and modernised. With the greater intake of students to both the Major and the Minor Seminary, Floriana was not the ideal location in which the Seminary could operate comfortably and functionally. In November 1977 the Seminary moved to Tal-Virtu', to a complex formerly the Mater Admirabilis Training College for girls run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart [...]