Theology Library Rabat

Theology Library Rabat The Theology Library is supported by the Archbishop's Seminary and the Foundation for Theological Studies. Benjamin Tonna.

The origins of the Seminary Library date back to October 1756. The financial foundations and the first bequests bear the name of the Bishop of Malta, Paul Alpheran de Bussan. In its first years, the Library was very limited in its resources. Eventually, it started to expand thanks to the personal collections of books bequeathed by priests, a generous tradition which has continued to this day. Its

earliest benefactors included the patriot Dun Mikiel Xerri (1737-1799), and in recent years, Mgr Joseph Sapiano, Mgr Joseph Lupi and Can. The Library today possesses well over 35000 books, besides a vast collection of over 350 periodicals. As expected, the Library is mainly a philosophical and theological one; yet, sections in psychology, sociology, politics and history are also present. A rich Melitensia section forms part of the Library. The Library’s long history includes its earliest phase when the Seminary was in Mdina, followed by the years at Floriana (when the small library of the Casa di Manresa retreat house was eventually absorbed by the Seminary collection after World War II), and its current phase at Tal-Virtù. When Archbishop Mercieca transferred the Major Seminary to its current location in 1978, a phase of rapid expansion was inaugurated, especially on account of a separate and spacious wing which had already been used as a library by the Mater Admirabilis Training College (1954-1973).
1978 was an eventful year in other respects, too, because the Faculty of Theology which had been ousted from the University of Malta commenced its ten-year stay at Tal-Virtù as an autonomous institution. This meant a new phase in the history of the Seminary Library, namely the housing of two libraries under one roof and one joint administration. The books purchased by the Faculty of Theology until 1988 remained at Tal-Virtù after the Faculty’s re-incorporation in the University of Malta in 1988. The Foundation for Theological Studies, established in September 1988 proceeded with the Faculty’s former commitments to the Library. Since then, the Seminary/Foundation Library, as it is now called, continued to expand its services. In 1997, a spacious extension was constructed to house the vast periodical holdings. This was inaugurated in February 1999 by Archbishop Mercieca. A specialised section on the Maltese Clergy was also also launched on the same occasion. When the Catholic Institute Library at Floriana closed down in the mid-1990s, the authorities decided to transfer that 5000-strong collection to the Seminary/Foundation Library. This herculean task was accomplished in February 2005. A Library Committee coordinates the functioning of the Library and assists the Library staff. The Library caters primarily for the seminarians in their academic preparation for the priesthood. The Library is also open to University students, the clergy and other bona fide borrowers.

In 1962 Penguin Books published The Dead Sea Scrolls in translation.  To everyone's dismay this image of the scrolls was...
26/05/2026

In 1962 Penguin Books published The Dead Sea Scrolls in translation. To everyone's dismay this image of the scrolls was printed on the book cover upside down. I wonder how many people would have noticed this today? 🧐😎

Our May 13th LOGOS event on Mental Health in a Fast-Paced World, enjoyed a great turn out of people who together with sp...
16/05/2026

Our May 13th LOGOS event on Mental Health in a Fast-Paced World, enjoyed a great turn out of people who together with special guests Prof. Anton Grech & Dr. Monique de Brincat contributed to a very insightful discussion of ideas and personal experiences resonating a hopeful perspective on how we as a society can support each other to ensure that the people we love and meet in our daily lives can find support in an ever changing world. The discussion touched all of us and left a hopeful perspective on how we all can make a difference. A beautiful poem, gentle music and a fine discussion made this evening truly memorable.🌟🌷🌲🧐
We are very grateful to everyone who had a chance to attend this night's event and look forward to more occasions such as this.

You are warmly invited to attend the event “Mental Health in a Fast-Paced World: From Challenges to Action”, organised b...
04/05/2026

You are warmly invited to attend the event “Mental Health in a Fast-Paced World: From Challenges to Action”, organised by Logos on 13 May 2026 at 6pm at the Seminary in Rabat.
The discussion will explore the growing issue of loneliness and its impact on mental health in today’s society, while reflecting on how stronger community connections can support mental well-being.
Speakers include Professor Anton Grech, Clinical Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and psychologist Mrs Monique Debrincat, together with other contributors.
To register, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/1AtjR5HNTifRa4kN9
or send an email to [email protected].

30/04/2026

The Theology Library will be closed on
Friday May 1st
but will re-open on Saturday till noon

We had a great time meeting all our visitors this past month.Anyone wishing to be a member of our library or a volunteer...
30/04/2026

We had a great time meeting all our visitors this past month.
Anyone wishing to be a member of our library or a volunteer can do so by speaking to one of our staff or sending us a message.
Have a great Day!!! 📖🪻🦉🦋🌸

The Theology Library is forever grateful to Dr. Anthony Spiteri for his invaluable contribution and donation of Philosop...
26/04/2026

The Theology Library is forever grateful to Dr. Anthony Spiteri for his invaluable contribution and donation of Philosophy books to our library. 🌸🙏

🕯️ In Memoriam: Dr Anthony Spiteri

The Faculty of Theology mourns the passing of Dr Anthony Spiteri, who served for over twenty-five years, from 1993 onwards, as a lecturer in . He also served as Director of the International Institute of Social Sciences and of the Euro-Mediterranean Society of Social Sciences.

Dr Spiteri was a member of several academic associations, including the American Catholic Philosophical Association, the Canadian Society of Christian Philosophers, the Canadian Philosophical Association, the American Philosophical Association, and the Australasian Association of Philosophy.

Many of us who are now academics remember him with deep affection as our lecturer. We recall his gentle spirit, his generosity in sharing his vast knowledge, and his attentive care for his students. His ever-present smile reflected kindness and humanity; his teaching was generous, and his presence humble and soft-spoken.

Dr Spiteri was a true scholar of social and political thought, formed in the Hegelian tradition, yet always deeply human and attentive to the most vulnerable: the refugee, the migrant, the poor, and the sick. Already decades ago, he showed a keen interest in Mediterranean dialogue. A man of faith, he cherished both God and his students, and remained deeply committed to the relationship between faith and reason.

Four years ago, he generously donated his substantial personal library to the Theology Library run by the Seminary and the Foundation for Theological Studies, housed at the Archbishop’s Seminary at Tal-Virtù, Rabat. 🙏

26/04/2026

The Church in Malta is mourning the passing of Mons. Vinċenz Deguara, a priest widely regarded as a “holy priest” whose life was marked by deep faith, humility, and tireless service to souls.

It was announced with sorrow that Mons. Deguara “passed to eternal life earlier today at the age of 94 (1932–2026)” at the Dar tal-Kleru, late Wednesday evening, where he had been residing in recent years. At his final stage, Dun Vinċenz was also visited by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, demonstrating the high regard he was held in within the Church. Dun Vinċenz had once expressed his gratitude for his vocation, saying, “The Lord wanted me, chose me and made me happy; I hope to remain happy until the last breath of my life.”

Mons. Deguara served as the third Parish Priest of Saint Sebastian Parish between 1969 and 1988 and spent the rest of his years as a Spiritual Director and Confessor at the Archbishop's Seminary. Mons. Deguara was a spiritual director to many seminarians, priests, religious, and lay people. Even in his later years at the Dar tal-Kleru, many continued to seek him for confession and spiritual direction, a testament to the trust placed in his wisdom and life of prayer.

Reflecting on the priestly vocation, he once explained that a call from God does not simply pass. He described how one recognises it gradually, even when trying to escape it, until “you realise you are being called by God.” He himself questioned his call for years and eventually was ordained a priest at the age of 30. He would often remind others that “God gives what is lacking in the priest.”

Funeral details are expected to be announced later.

Follow News Of Malta 🇲🇹 for the latest stories and updates.

Our in-house Booksale is a great opportunity to find interesting treasures like hard to find Bibles, books on Theology, ...
20/04/2026

Our in-house Booksale is a great opportunity to find interesting treasures like hard to find Bibles, books on Theology, Spirituality, History, Literature, Art and hard to find Melitensia. Books in various languages including French, Italian and more are also available !!!

Another happy customer!!Theology Library Booksale on all month of April with many titles to choose from and some very in...
20/04/2026

Another happy customer!!
Theology Library Booksale on all month of April with many titles to choose from and some very interesting surprises.
On everyday except Sundays.
8:30-1:00/ 2pm- 5pm

Address

Theology Library, 90, Triq Tal-Virtù, Tal-Virtù
Rabat
RBT2604

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 12:00
Thursday 08:30 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:30 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Saturday 08:30 - 12:00

Telephone

+35621455497

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