The Franciscan Conventuals have opened an animation and communications centre in Birkirkara to spread the Franciscan culture, among other social work.

The new centre, situated at the back of the church dedicated to St Anthony, has the role of coordinating and expanding work in the field of culture and religion through the use of modern information technology.

The centre has already started organising courses in information technology, languages and other subjects. The centre will also include a library which would be open to the public.

Fr Alfred Calleja, provincial, said the new centre was not designed to compete with other centres or movements.

Fr Paul Darmanin, the centre's director, said the centre would eventually house a studio for radio and television productions.

The facility is being managed by a provincial commission which was set up for the purpose.