An open day for past and present students, their families and friends was recently held at St Paul’s Missionary College, Rabat, better known as Sant’Agata, to discover more about the school, its grounds, and the motherhouse of the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP), together with members of the society.

The event, called Mill-Bieb ’il-Ġewwa, was aimed at giving visitors the opportunity to explore beyond the school’s classrooms and corridors, and venture into one of the largest convents in Rabat and its surrounderings, and in the words of the organisers, “to discover the beauty that lies within a home, away from home”.

The day started with Sunday Mass celebrated by the college’s recently appointed rector, Fr Clinton Farrugia, MSSP, animated by college staff and students. Participants were then treated to heart-warming pastries and qagħaq tal-għasel prepared by helpers and volunteers and freshly baked in the college’s kitchen.

Jonathan Borg, an old boy of the college, giving visitors a guided tour of the catacomb and shelter that form part of the 300-year-old farmhouse in the school grounds.

The day proceeded with guided visits to St Agatha’s Crypt and the adjoining catacombs, which date back to Roman times and boast tombs decorated with unique frescoes and reliefs. At St Agatha’s Museum, children took part in interactive games prepared by the college staff.

Participants were also able to visit a 300-year-old medieval farmhouse and a war shelter in the college grounds. At the motherhouse of the society they were welcomed to visit the tomb of the MSSP’s revered founder, Mgr Joseph De Piro. And while walking through the convent’s long, wide corridors, they were able to peep into its library and other rooms that display important historical evidence of the society’s history.

The visitors were served lunch in the convent’s refectory, whose benches were built and ably decorated by MSSP priests who mastered the art of carpentry.

The afternoon proceeded with more games for the children, while others rounded up the day with an invigorating cup of coffee over sweet delicacies.