Last August, Fr Martin Cilia MSSP celebrated a solemn Mass of thanksgiving to mark 25 years of priesthood. It was an occasion to give thanks for his vocation and for the people and communities he has served over the years.
Originally from Birkirkara, Fr Martin was a member of our MSSP Oratory from a young age. It was there that he began to sense his call to missionary life and the priesthood. He later studied at All Hallows College in Ireland, specialising in pastoral leadership. His thesis explored the spirituality of our founder, Mgr Joseph De Piro. He also pursued studies in formation at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome.
Throughout his ministry, Fr Martin has been closely involved in the formation of our students and candidates, as well as in establishing the MSSP Lay Community. He later served for eleven years as Director of our Oratory in Birkirkara. During that time, he helped develop a pastoral vision rooted in the Word of God, Lectio Divina, catechesis, formation, the liturgy and the growth of small Christian communities. The Oratory also underwent extensive improvements, including the renovation of its chapel, so that its spaces could better serve the community’s pastoral needs.
Today, Fr Martin is Director of Dar Stella Maris, our house in Żebbuġ, Gozo, which is developing as a centre for spirituality and formation. Work is under way to improve and expand its facilities, including the construction of a new chapel. We hope the house will continue to offer a welcoming place for prayer, formation and community life.
As Fr Martin marks his silver jubilee, we thank God for the gift of his vocation and ministry. Through the intercession of St Paul and Mgr Joseph De Piro, we pray that the Lord will continue to bless his work and grant our Missionary Society new vocations.
Fr Martin, we wish you every blessing from the Lord.