For the Maltese, February is closely associated with the feast of the apostle St Paul. On February 10, they commemorate the event when St Paul brought the Catholic faith to Malta in 60 AD. St George Preca’s deep devotion to St Paul is evident, so much so, that he considered him the founder of the SDC.
One might ask: wasn’t St George Preca the one who founded the SDC? While it is true that Preca established the SDC, it is equally true, that he was profoundly inspired by St Paul’s words to Timothy: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also“ (2 Tim 2:2).
As a thoughtful and prayerful priest, St George Preca took these words to heart. He gathered young people, taught them the truths of the faith, and encouraged them to pass on what they had learned. This is why he always regarded St Paul as the true founder of his society. His writings, prayers, and celebrations stand as a testament to his unwavering devotion to this great apostle.
St George Preca closely linked St Paul with Christian teaching and faith. In his book The Echo of Friends, he imagines St Paul urging us to listen to the Catholic Church, the firm pillar of truth, and to spread its teachings through both word and example, as they are the very teaching of Jesus. He reminds us that those who contribute to the spread of good instruction and help others avoid sin, will surely receive God’s mercy and blessing.
Together with St George Preca, we pray:
We greet you, St Paul;
you are a light for the world;
you are a chosen vessel;
We ask you to pray Christ for us.
