The Regional Superiors of the Missionary Society of St Paul gathered in Malta between the end of May and the beginning of June 2026 for a meeting with the Superior General, Fr Martin Galea MSSP, and his Council. The gathering brought together Fr Hector Attard (Philippines), Fr Silvio Bezzina (Australia), Fr Pierre Bonnici (Pakistan), Fr Alex Busuttil (Peru and Cuba), and Fr Louis Mallia (Malta).
The meeting opened with three days of reflection at Stella Maris Retreat House in Gozo, offering the Superiors an opportunity to step back from the demands of leadership and reflect together on their ministry. During this time, they shared the realities, challenges and hopes of their respective regions, fostering a spirit of fraternity and mutual support. They were also joined by Bishop Anton Teuma of Gozo, who offered a spiritual reflection that helped guide their prayer and discernment.
The remainder of the meeting focused on the life and mission of the Society across its different regions. Discussions centred on the pastoral realities of each mission and explored practical ways in which the regions can continue supporting one another through the sharing of experience, personnel and resources. The Superiors also reflected on their own ministry of leadership, recognising the importance of accompanying their communities while remaining attentive to the needs of the people entrusted to their care.
Particular attention was given to several key areas shaping the future of the Society, including vocation promotion, formation programmes, missionary priorities and the growing contribution of the MSSP Lay Associates in the life and apostolate of the Society. Participants shared initiatives that are already bearing fruit in their respective regions while exploring opportunities for greater collaboration across the international family of the MSSP.
Throughout the meeting, the Superiors reflected with gratitude on the many ways in which the Society continues to fulfil its missionary calling. Despite the relatively small number of members serving across the different regions, they recognised the significant spiritual and pastoral impact of the Society’s ministries, as well as the countless acts of service offered to communities experiencing material hardship. Once again, they acknowledged God’s providence, which continues to sustain the Society’s mission, and expressed their appreciation for the indispensable support offered by lay collaborators who share in the MSSP charism.
Reflecting on the gathering, one of the Regional Superiors remarked:
“This meeting once again reminded us of the importance of coming together to reflect, discern and plan our mission as one Society. Above all, these days strengthened our sense of fraternity across countries and cultures as we continue to live the missionary dream entrusted to us by our Founder, the Servant of God Fr Joseph De Piro.”
The annual meeting remains an important expression of the unity of the Missionary Society of St Paul, strengthening collaboration between its regions and renewing its commitment to proclaiming the Gospel wherever the Lord continues to call the Society to serve.