Immediately after the Second Vatican Council, especially after the invitation addressed by Optatam Totius 14, many initiatives were taken to start introductory courses to Seminary life. Some of these possessed an academic slant,  while others were addressed to the development of various aspects of formation. From this last experience the Propædeutic Phase developed.
The Major Seminary in the Diocese of Malta started the Propædeutic phase more than ten years ago. Since then it has developed into a year of formation, preparation and discernment.
The Propædeutic Year consists of:

1. The non-residential Orientation Phase, between October and December, consisting of five week-end live-ins and a weekly meeting;
2. The Residential Phase, between January and June;
3. The Summer experience.
   
   

THE PROPÆDEUTIC PROGRAMME

The Orientation Phase

The main goal is that the candidates start to mould themselves and transform themselves from being simply a “group” of individuals to persons who are builders of the community that gives basic formation and discernment.
The guiding light of this non-residential phase should be training in the Commandment of Reciprocal love. The dynamics of the group start to be an expression of this commandment. It is a phase where the candidate will become all the more conscious of the truth that there is nothing that heals (forms) more than a loving community. This love is not only a reality that one receives but also a reality one lives, builds and gives.

1. The fundamental choice for God
2. Elements of this phase are:
3. Community building;
4. True, sincere, relationships (we call this the “SONG”: Self, Others, Nature, God);
5. Initiation and strengthening of a life of prayer and spiritual direction;
6. Responsibility, sincerity and accountability;
7. A clear orientation towards all that is done in the residential phase;
8. Information regarding the nature and identity of the priest;
9. Contact with the candidate’s family (home visits and a meeting for parents in December).
    

The Residential Phase

Our community needs to embrace all the elements that help to build the “new man” who is open to formation and discernment. It needs to be a living school, indeed, a living school of the Gospel; a community where all make an effort, everyone according to his own ability, to render Christ present in its midst in the unity and charity shown by the candidates. This will result in the community being in itself an agent of change, conversion, discernment and formation. It will be an opportunity where the person will recognize himself as he actually is: an image of God called to the life in the Trinity.
Aspects of community life
I. The community fosters Work and Communion.
II. The Community gives Witness.
III. The Community Elevates the Soul.
IV. The Community Heals.
V. The Community builds the Home.
VI. The Community generates Wisdom.
VII. The Community Unites.
 

The Summer Months (July – September)

The residential phase of the Propædeutic Period usually ends in the last week of June. However, the subsequent summer months are of vital importance. The Propædeutics will have six weeks of voluntary week in the social field. Various placements are offered to the propædeutics for them to choose from. Examples are: working with the elderly, with disadvantaged children, drug addicts, etc. They are left free to choose which placement would really help them to develop and mature further. If the need arises, they are guided to choose what they really require for their holistic well-being and not what they would simply like to do.
During these months, the propædeutics continue to meet every week to share their experiences and for reciprocal support and help. These meetings could also be an opportunity for relaxation, fun and recreation.
Needless to say, we also emphasise the need of rest and holidays! It would be very unwise to face the Major Seminary un-rested both physically and mentally. Indeed, we encourage each other to be and give all and the best to the Lord!

To see a sample time-table, click here.