24.04.24! It was a momentous occasion, as 110 school staff and chaplains, nuns and priests, catechists, and formation leaders came together to celebrate a decade of Prayer Spaces in Malta.
Organized by the dedicated team of Spiritual Development in Schools within the Vicariate of Evangelisation of the Archdiocese of Malta, the celebration was more than just a gathering of individuals. It was a gathering of hearts united in faith and gratitude for the precious gift of life and the countless blessings that had enriched our paths along the way, especially through Prayer Spaces in Schools.
The enriching seminar was full of stories of gratitude, spiritual growth, insightful discussions, and meaningful connections. We delved into the genesis of Prayer Spaces in the UK and worldwide through an inspiring interview with Phil Togwell, International Director of Prayer Spaces in Schools. Following, a panel discussion comprised of Fr Paul Chetcuti SJ, Fr Reuben Gauci, Silvana Cardona and Bernadette Sammut Briffa explored the spiritual growth through a decade of prayer spaces in Malta. During this decade, many educators animated Prayer Spaces for various ages and circumstances. The sharing of their experiences and the importance of networking is paramount for the development of Prayer Spaces in Malta. Therefore, we discovered the profound impact of prayer spaces through compelling stories from various educators shared in a Human Library format.
Feedback from the Human Library workshops
In each group, a ‘human book’ shared their experience while participants were asked for suggestions to make Prayer Spaces more effective in the next decade. They shared these ideas:
- There is a need for training educators and interested people about prayer spaces.
- The importance of follow-up and the need for support and continuity after a prayer space is held in a school or elsewhere.
- Fostering community ties between school and church and expanding prayer spaces for marriage preparation, elderly care homes, local councils, and utilizing garden outings.
- Parental involvement and encouraging prayer spaces at home with their children.
- Proposed creating support networks like WhatsApp groups for Prayer Spaces practitioners.
- Children, young people, and adults experience more joy and human connection through Prayer Spaces, advocating for language that touches the heart and inclusivity for all.
Words of encouragement and gratitude
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi encouraged us to continue sowing the seeds of hope and love, providing spaces for prayer, and sharing the joy of faith.The Whole Message of Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi at the Seminar
Fr Reuben Gauci thanked Phil Togwell, Prayer Spaces in Schools, the 24-7 Prayer Movement and all the nations for their support while expressing gratitude to all participants who enthusiastically and generously shared their stories of prayer spaces and made this seminar an inspiring one.
May we continue providing these spaces where the people are and our work to share the Good News until the end of the World.
If you participated in the seminar and want to share your feedback with us, follow this link. We appreciate your thoughts!