The number of priests in Malta is dwindling, but the reason behind this phenomenon cannot merely be attributed to declining vocations, according to Fr John Scicluna, the Socius of the Jesuits’ Provincial.

“The question is: do you need to be a priest to do God’s work?” he said, pointing to the numerous youths who undertook voluntary work each summer.

Fr Scicluna, whose role of Socius is described as companion, secretary and friend of the Provincial, was speaking to the Times of Malta following the decision to no longer host regular Masses at the 17th-century chapel of the Shipwreck of St Paul in San Pawl tat-Tarġa.

The ageing Jesuit community in the nearby Loyola House is no longer able to provide priests for the chapel. The youngest priest is in his 60s, while many are in their 80s and 90s.

One of the primary causes is smaller families. “The well is drying up,” Fr Scicluna said. “We no longer have numerous families of six or seven children.”

This year, only four men were ordained as priests: three were diocesans and one was a Capuchin.

As is the case with marriage, joining the priesthood is a decision which is often postponed until later in life, with many priests preferring to complete their university education before opening themselves up to a priestly vocation.

The selection process of priests is also now much stricter than it was in the past.

“There are now psychological tests which a candidate must undergo. It’s no longer a matter of just being a good boy – you have to be a good priest as well.

The well is drying up

“There are also certain human qualities which a priest must possess. Is he merely after the status or is it because he wants to serve the people of God? You must put your hands on the plough for it to move.”

People are still very committed and dedicated, Fr Scicluna argued, pointing to the many youths who carry out voluntary work in summer.

Some even spent a year or two in the missions before returning to Malta.

The next few years will probably see a number of smaller churches close down, Fr Scicluna predicted.

“We are over served by chapels, not to mention the numerous convents which also have their own chapels. We need to rationalise the number of Masses – people no longer attend 5am and 6am Masses.”

It is also a matter of demographics, Fr Scicluna continued. Attard’s parish church is rather small to cater for the swelling size of the population, so numerous Masses need to be celebrated there.

Towns like Mosta, which is served by a large church, can afford to reduce its number of Masses, since the church physically accommodates more people.

“You can’t go by emotional or sentimental reasons. Closing down chapels are tough decisions, which need to be taken. You don’t close chapels on a whim but because you can no longer be of service.”

However, there are ways of keeping chapels alive such as through paraliturgical services, where communion is distributed and excerpts from the Bible are read without needing to have a priest present.

Meanwhile, an application for a church in Ta’ Gidwet Street in Marsascala is being modified to a pastoral centre, parish priest Fr Walter Cauchi told this newspaper.

“It doesn’t make sense for us to construct a building which can only be used on Saturdays and Sundays. We’re revising the concept in order to get maximum usage out of it.”

Fr Cauchi also emphasised the importance of paraliturgical services – in which it is possible for laypeople and permanent deacons to plan and conduct religious services, avoiding the necessity that a priest be present.

The pastoral centre will embrace a holistic concept by also offering catechism lesons, a youth centre, a playground, a chapel and Cana Movement courses.