Fr. Stephen Magro OFM

About

Fr. Stephen Magro OFM was born on 13 September 1963, the son of Albert Magro from Valletta and Michelina (née Formosa) from Floriana. He received the Sacrament of Baptism on 19 September 1963, made his First Holy Communion on 14 June 1970, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on 1 July 1972 from the hands of Archbishop Sir Michael Gonzi.

He received his primary education at St Francis School and the Government Primary School of Floriana, while his secondary education was completed at the Ħamrun Lyceum and St Michael’s School, Qormi. During his youth, he was an active member of the Altar Servers Group and the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.) in Floriana. He also served as Sacristan at the Jesuit Church in Valletta for six and a half years.

On 7 October 1987, Fr. Stephen was accepted as a Postulant in the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Two years later, he received the Franciscan habit and began his Novitiate on 22 September 1989 at the Church and Friary of Santa Marija ta’ Ġesù, Rabat, Malta. He made his First (Temporary) Profession on 17 September 1990.

Following his years of human, Christian, and religious formation, he received the ministries of Lectorate and Accolate. Between 1990 and 1993, he pursued theological studies at the Institute of Religious Studies. He made his Solemn Profession on 1 October 1995 at the Church of Saint Mary of Jesus, Valletta.

Throughout his religious life within the Maltese Franciscan Province of St Paul the Apostle, Fr. Stephen has served in a number of important roles, including Provincial Councillor, Guardian, Vocations Director, Director of Formation for Students and Postulants, Director of the Altar Servers, and Sacristan at the Franciscan churches in Valletta and Għajnsielem, Gozo.

On 1 October 2007, he resumed his studies and formation for the ordained ministry at the Major Seminary of the Sacred Heart, Victoria, Gozo. Through the laying of hands and the consecratory prayer, he was ordained a Deacon during the Year for Priests by Bishop Mario Grech on 19 December 2009 at the Church of St Anthony of Padua, Għajnsielem, Gozo.

Fr. Stephen was ordained a Franciscan Priest by Bishop Mario Grech on 28 May 2011 in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Victoria, Gozo. He celebrated his First Solemn Mass at the Archpriestal Parish Church of St Publius, Floriana.