MCAST is Malta’s largest public Technical Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) with a population of over 10,000 students and around 1,000 members of staff it embraces a strategic direction to open its doors to the whole community. The Salesians attend to the needs of MCAST staff and students through a Chaplaincy team comprised of 7 SDBs and an FMA.
At the start of a six-hour visit, the Nuncio was welcomed by MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja, the Chaplaincy team led by College Chaplain Fr Antoine Farrugia SDB, the Staff Social Committee and the MCAST Student Council who appreciated having a visit by the Pope’s representative who took up the post just three months previously.
During his visit, Archbishop Savio was taken around various Institutes, met with staff and congratulated students wishing them the best of success in their studies. At the Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET), the Nuncio blessed a chalice crafted for the occasion in the woodwork and metal workshops by the Institute's staff, before proceeding to visit the Welding and Steel Fabrication division, the Airconditioning workshop and the Aviation and Maritime sections.
Professor Calleja explained how at MCAST, "we are about establishing a community of communication. It takes an effort to bring people and their skills together but it is worth it. We saw how our community came together with shared values on this occasion. Above all, we are here for the students and want to ensure strong educational formation while they are here at the College."
Flanked by MCAST representatives, the Nuncio also visited the College's Business Career Expo and the Institute of Community Services.
A dialogue event was held, with speakers representing the College’s various staff and students. "The dialogue provided an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the identity of the College in the context of our lived experience, challenges included", explained Fr Antoine.
During this important part of the day, various issues were discussed, including the role of media and technology in our lives, the empowerment of women, work-life balance, and the importance of listening to the needs of all who make up the College community. Furthermore, diversity and equality were highlighted as the College welcomes students from a range of socio-economic backgrounds and from over 85 countries within its community.
MCAST students and staff also had the opportunity to attend Holy Mass on the occasion of Our Lady of Sorrows, celebrated by the Nuncio who led most of the Mass in Maltese, to the delight of those present, while the MCAST choir animated the liturgy.
At the end of the day spent at MCAST, His Excellency remarked that "As Don Bosco's words remind us, education is a matter of the heart. The welcoming, family atmosphere at MCAST touched me. I commend the College for its inclusive and empowering approach, which places learners at the centre of its work." The visit ended with a moment of prayer at the College Chapel.
The Nuncio's visit was appreciated as not simply a visit from a dignitary but especially for the support and nurturing provided. It was a significant moment of courtesy, genuine interest and low-key evangelisation in a Salesian style as well as a precious Lenten reflection addressing the Catholic Church's role in society today.
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