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Malta’s Catholic Churches as Bibles in Stone

16/05/2025

This course aims to provide a fresh perspective on how we experience our places of worship. It is designed for anyone interested in exploring how Sacred Scripture and Sacred Architecture connect, and understanding the biblical and spiritual meanings derived from the Churches around us.

The course comprises five sessions, each held in a different church. The Churches featured in this course include the Annunciation Church in Balzan, St Mary’s Church and St Helen’s Basilica in Birkirkara, the Rotunda in Mosta, and St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

Suitable for everyone, regardless of their academic background in architecture or biblical studies, this course requires no prior experience.

Anyone with an interest in the link between sacred architecture and the Bible

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:30am – 11:30am

DateSessionVenue
27th September 2025The Church as a GardenAnnuciation Church, Ħal Balzan
4th October 2025The Church as a Temple: Part 1St Mary’s Church, Birkirkara
11th October 2025The Church as a Temple: Part 2St Helen’s Basilica, Birkirkara
18th October 2025The Church as CosmosMosta Rotunda
25th October 2025The Church as Heavenly JerusalemSt John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

This course is offered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Malta Bible Foundation.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Universal Church History

16/05/2025

This course offers an engaging introduction to the major periods in the history of the Catholic Church, spanning from its early beginnings to the 20th century. Designed for participants with no prior background in Church history, each session provides an overview of a significant historical era, highlighting moments of growth, influence, and challenges faced by the Church. Participants will explore the development of Church structures, theology, cultural contributions, and interactions with society, while reflecting on key events that shaped the Church’s legacy.

Anyone with an interest in the history of the Catholic Church

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place in January 2026

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
TBAThe Early Church: Foundations of Faith and Survival under Persecution
TBAThe Church in the Middle Ages: Christendom, Reform, and Conflict
TBAThe Renaissance Church: Humanism, Reformation, and Iconoclasm
TBAThe Baroque Church: Triumph, Counter-Reformation, and Global Missions
TBAThe 20th Century Church: Totalitarianism, Renewal, and Vatican II

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Church History in Malta

16/05/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This course explores the rich history of the Church in Malta, tracing its origins to Apostolic times and examining its profound influence on the development of Maltese identity. Students will analyse the Church’s cultural, social, and artistic contributions to Malta’s heritage through an interdisciplinary approach, utilising primary sources, including monuments, artworks, and documents. The course emphasises the intersection of local and universal Church history, fostering an understanding of the Church’s role in shaping the island’s religious and national identity. Students will gain critical interpretative skills to analyse the artistic and documentary patrimony of the Church within a faith context.

Anyone with an interest in Catholic Social Teaching and its application in everyday life.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place in October 2025

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
TBAIntroduction
TBAFaith and Fortress: The Church in Malta During the Medieval and Hospitaller Periods
TBABaroque Splendor and Beyond: The Church’s Artistic and Cultural Patronage
TBAThe Church and Maltese Identity: Religion in the Struggle for Nationhood
TBAModern Challenges and Continuity: The Church in Contemporary Malta

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

16/05/2025   8

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This five-session course offers an introduction to the key principles of the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church. Participants will explore fundamental concepts such as the Common Good, solidarity, the universal destination of goods, participation, and subsidiarity. The course encourages reflection on these pillars, emphasizing their connection to virtues and the bond of love within the Church. Discussions will also address individual rights and responsibilities, both on a personal level and within broader societal contexts. Participants will be challenged to consider how the Social Teachings of the Church can inform and shape their daily lives, fostering a deeper commitment to social justice.

Anyone with an interest in Catholic Social Teaching and its application in everyday life.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
5th November 2025Introduction
12th November 2025Solidarity, the Common Good and the Destination of Goods
19th November 2025Participation & Solidarity
26th November 2025The Virtues
3rd December 2025Rights and Responsibilities

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Icon Writing

15/05/2025

The first part of this course will introduce the students to iconography, offering a basic understanding of how and why an icon is written. After this, the hands-on part will commence. A balance between theoretical inputs and hands-on practice will be kept throughout the course in a manner that students can experiment with various processes and techniques whilst writing their own icons. This is a simulation of the actual icon writing process and therefore some material that is normally used will be substituted with alternatives to allow participants to get a feel of the process in a concise period. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the spiritual aspect of the icon writing process originating in Eastern traditions, and upon completion of the writing and relevant catechesis, there will be the opportunity for blessing of the work. Materials will be provided to all attending.

Individuals interested in icon writing as both a form of art and spiritual experience.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Date and TimeSessionVenue
20th November 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm		Introduction to icon writing,
design and composition		Malta School of Art
29th November 2025
9:00am – 3:00pm		Icon writing retreat – Use of colour
The Parish Church of
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St Julian’s
15th January 2026
5:00pm – 8:00pm		The golden colourMalta School of Art
22nd January 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The final steps – catechesis & blessing iconsMalta School of Art

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours and finalise the icon writing process.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To student will receive a Certificate of Achievement, when students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour, finalise the icon writing process and a reflective journal.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Previous courses / training: Applicants need to have basic painting skills.  

Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for General Staff

15/05/2025   Little Sisters of the Poor, Ħamrun
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension for General Staff is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 3, as Further Education Programme.

Spirituality is an important aspect of holistic care that is frequently overlooked. This is because of difficulties in conceptualizing spirituality and confusion about how it should be integrated in the care of the elderly. The program seeks to explore what is meant by spirituality and spiritual competent practice. It examines attitudes to spirituality, provides an exploration of the assessment of patients’ spiritual care needs, describes factors that might affect the integration of spirituality into nursing care and offers practical guidance to equip healthcare workers to incorporate spirituality into their practice.

General Staff like domestic staff, chefs, receptionists, maintenance persons and drivers in elderly homes.

This course consists of 10 sessions.

Session 1: Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Healthcare – Competencies in Spiritual Care

Spirituality and spiritual care in health relate to how patients and health professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence in the context of illness and well-being. A growing body of evidence indicates that spirituality is linked to better health outcomes, patient satisfaction, medical decision-making, and quality of life.

This session will introduce various definitions of spirituality and spiritual care, along with the multidimensional nature of the spiritual field.

Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality

Intraperonal Spirituality deals with personal spirituality as to provide spiritual care the healthcare worker must be spiritual him/herself. The student is made aware of the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness to better himself as a person and as a provider of spiritual care. Interpersonal spirituality deals with building a relationship with people through effective communication skills. It refers to a person’s spirituality that acknowledges their unique spiritual and cultural world views evoking feelings of companionship and compassionate care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

In this session, learners are introduced to formal and informal approaches for assessing patients’ spiritual needs, planning appropriate interventions based on available resources, and evaluating whether these needs have been met.

Session 4: Loss, Grief, and Compassion in the Elderly

Learners will explore the inevitable experiences of grief and loss, as well as feelings of isolation in the elderly. Gaining an understanding of the grief process, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, will help healthcare workers prevent spiritual distress and provide compassionate care for older adults.

Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation of the Elderly Care

This session will explore the specific spiritual needs of elderly individuals in rehabilitation. It will focus on how healthcare workers can create opportunities for them to engage in creative activities and better confront their feelings of suffering and solitude.

Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health

This session will introduce learners to the various mental health issues that elderly individuals may face and equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to manage and care for them effectively.

Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia

This session will introduce learners to dementia in the elderly, providing guidance on managing their care and equipping family members with essential skills to better understand and support their loved ones.

Session 8: The Role of Religion in Spiritual Care for the Elderly

This session will focus on the role of religiosity as an integral aspect of spiritual care.

Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality

Learners will explore religious practices across various denominations within society.

Session 10: Case Scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care

This session will present various case scenarios to assess and evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired throughout the programme, enabling them to apply these effectively when caring for the elderly.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

The course will be held on Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:00am at Little Sisters of the Poor, Ħamrun

DateSession
28th October 2025Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare Competencies in spiritual care
4th November 2025Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
11th November 2025Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
18th November 2025Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly
25th November 2025Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
2nd December 2025Spiritual care and mental health
9th December 2025Spiritual care in dementia
13th January 2026The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly
20th January 2026The sacraments in different religions and spirituality
27th January 2026Case scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care
17th February 2026Exam

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
  • complete and pass from written examination

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 3

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 3 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension for General Staff is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 3, as Further Education Programme.

Language: Applicants must have a basic understanding of Maltese and be proficient in English.

Digital: Applicants must be proficient in accessing and using the internet and office software suites.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and blended learning, applicants must reside in the Maltese Islands and provide their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, please refer to Identity Malta’s visa requirements for third-country nationals.

King David: Hero or Villain?

14/05/2025

The course aims to provide participants with a better understanding of the figure of King David in the Bible. Various aspects relating to Kind David will be considered, shedding light both on aspects for which he may be considered a hero, and also on those for which he may be considered a villain. This is a study whereby one is called to reflect on the different facets, both positive and negative, that may be present in the same character. Among these are the ambitious nature, the traitor, being a sinner, the father figure, and also his saintly aspects.

This course is suitable for pastoral workers helping in the Ministry of the Word. It is also ideal for people who would like to delve deeper in knowledge about King David and all Christians who would like to continue to invest in their relationship with God.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

28th January 2026David the Ambitious
4th February 2026David the Traitor
11th February 2026David the Sinner
18th February 2026David the Father
25th February 2026David the Saint

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Journey with the Psalms

14/05/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This course invites participants to explore the timeless wisdom of the Book of Psalms as a guide for spiritual depth and reflection throughout life’s journey.  As such, the programme delves into the Psalter as the Bible’s prayer book (cf. CCC 2587). Through prayer and personal reflection, participants are encouraged to internalise this knowledge, deepening their spiritual understanding of the Psalms and their relevance to both the joys and challenges of life.

  • Pastoral Workers involved in general ministry.
  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of prayer.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The dates will be announced later

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Introduction to the Book of Psalms
Psalms of Wonder and Trust
Psalms of Seeking and Calling
Psalms of Ascent and Descent – Perseverance in the journey
Psalms of Thanksgiving and Wisdom
Psalms of Trust and Hope

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from the assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Ignatian Rules of Spiritual Discernment

14/05/2025

“Discernment” has become a buzzword in contemporary Church circles, thanks to late Pope Francis’ frequent invitations to undertaking discerning processes.

The influence of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuit order) is clear: indeed, some of the more famous and more frequently quoted parts of this classic Christian work are in fact the “Rules for Discernment of Spirits”. Centuries of Church experience have proven these rules to be a solid foundation for proceeding in a journey of discernment with greater security and depth.

By attending this course, students will become familiar with the Rules for Discernment of Spirits outlined by St. Ignatius in his Exercises: their content, their timing within the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises, their continuing validity and correct implementation in today’s world. Enriched by this knowledge, students will then also explore Ignatius’ proposals for how to pray about fundamental life choices.

  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God
  • Individuals with at least some experience of spiritual direction or of spiritual discernment

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

DateSession
1st October 2025What are the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola?
8th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Consolation
15th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Desolation
22nd October 2025Going deeper
29th October 2025Making life choices

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and written assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Growing in the Franciscan Way

13/05/2025   Various

This course offers a deepening exploration of Franciscan spirituality through key themes and figures that shaped the Franciscan movement. Building on the foundations of St Francis’ life and teachings, participants will engage with the spiritual journeys of St Clare and the 2nd Order, the emergence of the 3rd Order, and the lived experience of Franciscan values in contemporary life. Special focus will be given to Francis’ relationship with the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, while also reflecting on how the Franciscan vision continues to inspire efforts toward justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. The course will highlight the relevance of the Franciscan charism as a model for renewal in the Church today.

This course is designed for Franciscan Collaborators and individuals interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality.

Target Audience Age: 18+

October 2025

Date and TimeSessionVenue
11th October
9:30am – 12:30pm		Clare and the Monastic Life
(the 2nd Order)		St. Clare’s Monastery
San Gwann
14th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The 3rd Order and the
Secular Franciscan Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
21th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Rules of St. Clare
and the 3rd Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
28th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Inspiration of Saint Francis;
a model for the Church		ĊAK, Birkirkara

November 2025

4th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Franciscan ideal for more just
social systems		ĊAK, Birkirkara
8th November
9:30am – 12:30pm		SeminarConvent of the Capuchins,
Kalkara
11th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Social Communication and the
Franciscan Spirituality		ĊAK, Birkirkara
18th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		St Francis and the EucharistĊAK, Birkirkara
25th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of
Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

December 2025

2nd December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Saint Francis and the
Blessed Virgin Mary		ĊAK, Birkirkara
9th December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Important figures inspired
by Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

January 2026

17th January
9am – 12:30pm		Closing SeminarBurmarrad Parish House

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and a presentation.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.