Fra Gioele Galea, a hermit and a poet, will deliver a talk on the Desert Fathers on Friday at the Archbishop’s Curia, Floriana.

The phenomenon of the Desert Fathers and Mothers is a striking one. In 4th-century Egypt and later, hundreds of men and women left the comfort of the cities to lead a life of solitude, prayer and penance.

In his talk, Fr Galea will answer questions such as: ‘Where was the desert?’, ‘Was it the barren wilderness?’, ‘Or was the desert in their heart?’, ‘Is this a phenomenon of the past? Or do we still encounter it today?’

The talk, entitled Il-Patrijiet tad-Deżert: Sejħa u Sfida, will be delivered in Maltese. It is being organised by the Maltese Patristics Society at the Old Refectory at the Archbishop’s Curia, Floriana, on Friday at 7pm. Entrance is from Lion Street. Attendance is free. All are welcome.