A seminar by the Archbishop’s seminary discussed “The priest through the workers’ eyes” and was aptly attended by most of the secretaries of the sections of the General Workers’ Union and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, apart from the 41 seminarians who are undergoing formation for priesthood.

“The priest is not simply a messenger but rather a prime leader in today’s society” was the view of UHM general secretary Gejtu Vella. GWU general secretary Tony Zarb said the priest’s “contributions are extremely appreciated, especially when these involve the defence of the needy and the common worker.”

The seminar examined the wide spectrum of views which workers have of the priest and his work, this being done mainly through opinion-sharing, with most participants voicing their points of view, raising queries and giving suggestions as to how certain aspects could be improved.

Among the topics touched were the relevance which the Christian message has in workers’ lives and the methods of evangelisation used among them, Church promotion of equality between classes and the disabled as well as the period of preparation for the priestly ministry.

Regarding this last point, Seminary Rector Fr Jimmy Bonnici explained that various initiatives are taken throughout the seven years of training before seminarians are ordained, to ensure enhancement of character through the development of spiritual and humane abilities.