The Jubilee Year 2000 was a significant moment for the Church as it marked two millennia since the birth of Jesus Christ. For Fr Hector Attard MSSP, it carries an added personal meaning: it was the year he was ordained a priest within the Missionary Society of Saint Paul. His ordination took place at the Co-Cathedral of Saint John on 1 September.
After ordination, Fr Hector was assigned to the Pakistan mission, where he served for four years, working closely with the novices and seminarians of the Society. He later served in the Peru mission, ministering among the poor living near MSSP parishes, a mission that lasted three years. He then spent two years in Malta before being sent in February 2012 to the mission in the Philippines, where he continues to serve today. Over the years, he held several ministries including formator of novices and students, and Regional Superior, a role he still carries.
For the anniversary, he celebrated Mass at the Birkirkara Oratory with fellow MSSP priests and his extended family. In his homily, Fr Hector reflected on the Gospel message and how it has shaped his twenty-five years of ministry.