Malta Church To Ordain Three New Priests At St John’s Co-Cathedral

The Church in Malta will celebrate the ordination of three new priests this Saturday, 16 May 2026. The ceremony will be presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi, who will confer Holy Orders on Rev. David Pace of the Missionary Society of St Paul, Rev. Ryan Dalli of the Order of Capuchin Minor Friars, and Rev. Jerome Barnabas, a seminarian of the Institute for World Evangelisation (ICPE).

The Ordination Mass will take place at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta at 9:30am and will be livestreamed on Church.mt and Newsbook Malta, allowing the faithful to follow the celebration remotely.

In preparation for the ordination, a prayer vigil will be held today, Thursday 14 May at 7:15pm at the Chapel of the Oratory of the Missionary Society of St Paul in Birkirkara. The Church has invited everyone to participate and unite in prayer for the ordinands as they prepare for this important milestone in their vocation.

The Church in Malta continues to encourage young people to reflect on a possible calling to the priesthood or religious life, and to respond with openness and generosity. Further information can be found at seminaryvocationscentre.mt.

Rev. David Pace MSSP, from Ħal Safi, is 37 years old. He began his formation in 2015 after previously working as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital. His studies included a novitiate in Manila, philosophy at the University of Malta, and theology at the Loyola School of Theology. He also gained missionary experience in Peru and served as a deacon in Australia. He hopes to serve as a missionary priest to all he encounters.

Bro. Ryan Dalli OFM Cap., from Żabbar, is 35 years old and joined the Capuchin Friars in 2013. He views the priesthood as a way of living the Franciscan charism in fraternity and service. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Youth and Community Studies and works on initiatives promoting the Capuchin way of life, especially among young people.

Rev. Jerome Barnabas, from Bangalore, India, is 38 years old and joined the ICPE Mission Seminary in 2016. A former banker, he has lived in Malta for ten years, completing his formation and earning a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He has served in several parishes and is currently in Marsaskala, seeking to know Christ more deeply and share Him with others.

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