On Monday 9 December 2024, Malta’s President, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, was ushered in to the Quadrangle to the splendid sounds of the Malta Police Force Band, a crowd of staff, students and young children from the UM community who gathered around for the Official Inauguration of Christmas on Campus 2024.

UM Chaplain, Fr Patrick Magro, who was donning a Santa costume for the special occasion, revealed the theme for this year’s festivities, A Time to Care – and the need to open up our hearts for those in need.

Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id-Dar tal-Providenza, one of the two beneficiaries of the Christmas on Campus 2024 campaign, also spoke about the language of love and care, which is understood universally, as well as the need to bring those who are often side-lined to the centre of our community.

Pro-Rector for Student & Staff Affairs & Outreach, Prof. Carmen Sammut, reminded those present about the importance of community spirit and the importance of contributing not just monetarily, but through our time and other resources as well.

The President urged that whoever goes through the university experience should come out with a definite mission of contributing (whether through philanthropy or economically or both) among the community of people they are going to be surrounded with.

Small souvenirs in the forms of angels were distributed by the UM Chaplaincy as a memento for the occasion.

Seasonal refreshments were also enjoyed by all after the brief speeches. 

A jam-packed programme of events will unfold over the next days - including several charity initiatives and daily live entertainment at Quadrangle - all with the aim of raising funds for L-Istrina and id-Dar tal-Providenza. 

All the UM community is encouraged to participate.