M.U.S.E.U.M. Hal Tarxien
63, Triq it-Tempji Neolitici,
Tarxien PLA05
Malta

Tel: (+356) 21 82 70 54

Email: tarxien@sdcmuseum.org

The MUSEUM Centre in Tarxien knows its beginning on the 6^th September 1909. The premises were situated in 5, St Mary Street. The names of the first 15 members are recorded in the first pages of a manuscript which can still be seen in the Centre’s library. It bears the name of  “Qasam VII” which means that it was the seventh MUSEUM Centre founded by Blessed George Preca. The name of its first superior was Spiridione Spiteri. In 1927, Spiridione Spiteri was appointed the first “Primarius” of the SDC. He died on the 25^th March 1954 and is buried in the Tarxien Cemetery. A street in the village bears his name. In this manuscript are recorded the names of 53 children who received their First Holy Communion on the 13^th December 1910, the year when St Pius X gave permission to children to receive their First Holy Communion at a tender age. These children were prepared for the event by the members of the newly opened MUSEUM Centre. In 1911 the first class of the Elects (Maghzulin) was formed and numbered 13 twelve-year olds. Their names are recorded in the pages of the said manuscript. It is recorded, too, that the MUSEUM premises were moved to 20, St Mary Street.

In March 1934, Francesco Saliba was transferred from Cospicua to Tarxien and appointed as the Centre’s fifth superior. F. Saliba dedicated all his energies and abilities to revive the life of this Centre. He introduced new activities even in the Parish, such as the children’s Mass every Sunday at 7.00am in the Chapel of St. Bartholomew, with the Bible readings in the vernacular (before the Vatican Council), hymns and moments of prayer. This  activity was started in 1937. In July 1939 Francesco Saliba organised the hearing of Confessions for children in this Centre every Saturday afternoon. Also, he intoduced the “Saturday Free School”. Quite a number of young people were given lessons by the SDC members, including Mr Saliba himself, as preparation to sit for the entry examination into the H.M.Dockyard as apprentices.

Meanwhile, in 1931, new premises were rented in 100, Paola Road.  They were well kept, airy and clean, and always a hive of activity. A considerable number of children attended the catechism classes. The building itself was a town house of character and centrally situated in the main street of the village. In 1941, its owner wanted it for his personal needs. After 14 years in this beautiful house, the members reluctantly had to move out. It was a time of great difficulties. No other suitable premises were found. Catechism lessons were given in two small chapels of the village, namely St Mary’s and St Bartholomew’s. A number of classes were held in the Government Primary School in School Street and a small house was rented in the same street facing the school.

 Superior Francesco Saliba and the MUSEUM members decided, with the help of God’s Providence, St Joseph and that of the benefactors, to buy a piece of land in the outskirts of the village and build there a MUSEUM Centre. On the 29^th September 1944 an appeal was launched “HELP FOR GOD’S GLORY” and every family in Tarxien was urged to contribute. The first stone of the new building was laid by Fr George Preca himself  on Tuesday, 13^th  September 1945. The ground floor was blessed and inaugurated on Sunday, 15^th September 1951. Mgr Joseph Schembri celebrated Mass on the premises and then presided to the Consecration of the new Centre to the Most Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Blessed George Preca donated a painting of the MADONNA OF THE VERBUM DEI, the work of Rafel Bonnici Calì. In September 1953, a regular school “ST JOHN’S SCHOOL” was opened in the new MUSEUM Centre. This school was directed and staffed by MUSEUM members. Its aim was to prepare young people for the entry exam into H.M. Dockyard. Later on it became a secondary school for some years, but ceased to function in 1970. In February 1955, it was decided that it was time to complete the building of the ground floor and instead of the proposed three new classes, a big hall was built. This hall serves its purpose well enough, as it can seat quite a number of children and parents.

In 11^th February 1986, a MUSEUM Branch was opened and catechism classes were taught in 30, Main Street, Tarxien. This branch was closed in July 1989 as a new centre was built by the parish. In September 1999 the MUSEUM Tarxien celebrated its 90^th  Anniversary. A whole week of activities was held between Sunday, 5^th September and Sunday, 12^th September. Mass was celebrated in the Parish Church and in the MUSEUM premises. An open-day and a meeting with ex-members and benefactors were a success.