Society of Christian Doctrine
The Societas Doctrinæ Christianæ - M.U.S.E.U.M., also known as Society of Christian Doctrine, is a society for Catholic lay men and women in Malta who dedicate time to the Catholic cathecism by volunteering to the Roman Catholic Church in the teaching faith formation to children and adults. The society was established by George Preca in 1907. Preca was beatified on May 9, 2001 and canonised on June 3, 2007, becoming a Roman Catholic saint.[1][2]
Meaning
The abriviation M.U.S.E.U.M. has two meanings; museum as having a treasure to share being the bible and in Latin Magister Utinam Sequatur Evangelium Universus Mundus means "Divine Teacher may the whole world follow the Gospel.".[3]
Centers
The society in Malta has 53 centers for boys at least one in nearly every parish, as in densely populated cities and towns sub-branches exist. The society in Malta has 43 centres for girls. On the island of Gozo, there are 10 centres for boys and 7 for girls.
The objectives of the religious society is catechetical work in the parishes.
Cathecism for minors
Members are invited to participate in the activities for six days of the week when it is open.
Other
Every Wednesday a general meeting of all Members of the Society resident in Malta takes place in the Society's Mother House. Additional activities are organised especially for the children to include recreational and related activities. The Society also organises specialised courses for its basis on a national scale.[4]
Catechism for adults
Most of the catechetical activity is directed towards minors, in particular to prepare them to receive the sacraments. However the Society organizes, on a regular basis, similar activities for adults. These are normally held on a parish basis, and generally consist of a weekly or bi-weekly course, that relate to Catholic doctrine. In addition regular meetings for parents of children who are sent to attend catechism take place to inform them about the activities and their religious formation.[5]
Superior Generals
Here is a list of superior generals of the society
- Eugenio Borg (1911–1967)
- Francesco Saliba (1967–1983)
- Victor Delicata (1983–2009)
- Natalino Camilleri (2009–present)