On 26 May, the Salesian Community in Senglea marked the feastday of St Philip Neri, the patron of their Church popularly known as San Filippu. It was an opportunity to bring the local community together to celebrate the life of this saint and the role that San Filippu has had over the years in Senglea. The Mass was presided by Fr Richard Ebejer who in his homily remarked how humour was very typical of the saint which would certainly have endeared him to the people of Senglea.

The Mass was also an occasion to launch a new guidebook of the church in English and Maltese, and which is also being translated into French and Italian. It is the hope of the community to keep the church open for longer hours in the near future and thus make it more accessible to people and tourists.  Copies of the guidebook were presented to Graziella Gellel, representing the Senglea Local Council  in appreciation for their continued support.

The Church of St Philip's was built in the early 1700's by the Oratorians who, inspired by St Philip Neri the apostle of Rome, sought to minister to the poorer area of Senglea. Presently, the Salesians continue the pastoral outreach initiated by the Oratorians in the spirit of their founder St John Bosco who also worked in a spirit of joy and optimism with young people. In fact, Don Bosco made his own St Philip's Neri saying: "Run, jump, make as much noise as you want, but do not commit sin".

Actually, the Salesians now run an active and dynamic youth centre, reaching out to local youth and beyond; even during the challenging times brought about by the necessary health restrictions, they remained in contact with the young through their regular weekly meetings on Zoom.

The Salesians have also initiated a drive to protect and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Oratorians. The guidebook forms part of this drive.