Jesuit General in Malta
The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, arrived yesterday for a three-day visit to Malta to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the Jesuit-run St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara. The College first opened its doors for...
The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, arrived yesterday for a three-day visit to Malta to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the Jesuit-run St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara. The College first opened its doors for the education and Christian formation of students on October 8, 1907.
On his arrival, Fr Kolvenbach was welcomed by the Jesuit Provincial, Fr Paul Chetcuti, the college rector, Fr Patrick Magro, and other Jesuits.
Fr Kolvenbach is the 29th Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the largest religious order of the Catholic Church. This is his third visit to Malta, and one of his final three international visits before handing in his resignation in January 2008 after almost 25 years of leadership.
During his visit, Fr Kolvenbach will hold separate meetings with Jesuits, lay collaborators, the college staff and students, as well as an informal visit to the detention centres for undocumented immigrants.
On the occasion of the centenary, Fr Kolvenbach will celebrate a thanksgiving Mass this evening at 6.30 p.m. at the Jesuits' church in Valletta. All former students, teachers and friends of St Aloysius' College as well as the relatives and friends of the Jesuits together with the general public are invited to attend.
Tomorrow, Fr Kolvenbach will unveil a commemorative statue of St Aloysius Gonzaga at the college entrance; the statue has been donated by the Past Students Association of the college. At 10 a.m. he will concelebrate Mass for the college staff and students at St Teresa's Sanctuary, Birkirkara.