Dun gorg preca u giannina espresso

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He was inspired to start teaching these young men catechism in a way so that they could teach others, including children.These young men grew in number and this led to the Foundation of the Society of Christian Doctrine known by the Maltese as “Muzew,”  a name coined by one of the early members. His contributions to the Catholic Church were recognized with beatification in 2001 and canonization in 2007, making him the second Maltese saint.

But a few months later he was given permission to continue. George was the seventh in a family of nine children. He was also in contact with a group of young people whom he met in the open fields around St Cajetan church, Ħamrun. His was indeed a daring vision: entrusting a teaching ministry to the laity with a system of a regular association for all Members which provided the opportunity for proper formation.

He strongly resisted the idea that he was the “Founder”, attributing this to St Paul. At that time most people were illiterate and uneducated in the Faith. Fr Preca used to spend hours with Eugene reflecting on God’s Word from the Bible, especially St John’s gospel.

Fr Preca soon realised the need for some intensive reflection and those near to him noticed that after his daily morning Mass, he would retire for long periods in the upper part of his home.

Reflecting on this later on in life, he said that he would go up to the house loft  to meditate and reflect from the Bible, especially the Gospels.

The movement faced scrutiny and suspicions of heresy, leading to temporary closures. Preca received his First Communion and Confirmation in Hamrun, embarking on his path to priesthood.

Religious Vocation:

Encouraged by Father Ercole Mompalao during a chance encounter in 1897, Preca pursued his religious vocation.

It is the Maltese word for ‘museum’  because as the young man said, the place where the early members met, was meant to ‘store’ precious items ~ the Principles of Faith. However, a formal inquiry in 1916 cleared the movement, and in 1932, the Society received ecclesiastical recognition.

Third Order Carmelite and Later Years:

In 1918, Preca became a Third Order Carmelite, assuming the name "Franco" and focusing on pastoral activities, including Nativity plays at Christmas.

Among those who rose to lead and influence the lives, customs and principles of the Maltese people was a young and foresighted priest. Few dared to burst open the cage-bars that surrounded village life and customs – most preferred the easier way of doing as told. Today the Society has spread beyond the Maltese shores, to Australia, Peru, Sudan, UK, Kenya, Albania.

When the date of his ordination was getting close, he became so seriously sick with pulmonary tuberculosis that he was on the verge of death. The SDC enjoyed the physical and active presence of its Founder for fifty-five years – until his death in 1962.

He emphasized the use of the Maltese language in his teachings, reflecting his commitment to making spirituality accessible to all.

Legacy and Canonization:

Preca's dedication to teaching and writing in Maltese resulted in the establishment of "Veritas Press" in the 1920s, a prominent Catholic publishing company in Malta. “Dun Ġorġ”, as he was amiably called, was in the hearts of all and his name resounded to this day.