Ministries

Peace Lab

The John XXIII Peace Laboratory at Ħal Far: shelter, education and peace-building since 1971.

The John XXIII Peace Laboratory (Peace Lab), founded in 1971 by Br. Dionysius Mintoff OFM, is a humanitarian and peace-building organisation dedicated to promoting dignity, justice, and non-violence. Inspired by Pope John XXIII’s encyclical Pacem in Terris, the Peace Lab was conceived as a living “laboratory of peace” where values are translated into concrete action.

Located at Ħal Far on a former military airfield, the Peace Lab symbolically transformed a site associated with war into one of reconciliation, hospitality, and hope. Over five decades, it has grown into a multifaceted centre addressing social exclusion, displacement, and intercultural dialogue, with a particular focus on migrants, refugees and vulnerable persons.

What the Peace Lab does

Core services and facilities: Shelter and humanitarian services

The Peace Lab provides safe and dignified accommodation for migrants, refugees, and vulnerable individuals. Residents are supported through legal orientation, life-skill development, and social integration initiatives, fostering stability and self-reliance.

Health services and well-being

Through a voluntary medical clinic and partnerships with specialised organisations, the Peace Lab provides basic healthcare and psychological support, recognising health as fundamental to dignity and recovery.

Additional facilities

Facilities such as shower services, an animal sanctuary, and an outdoor gym, support daily well-being and reflect a holistic understanding of peace that includes physical, emotional and social dimensions.

Education, language and mentoring

Education is central to empowerment. The Peace Lab offers English language courses, mentoring, and informal education programmes aimed at improving communication skills, employability, and integration, while encouraging intercultural exchange.

The Peace Laboratory as a cultural and educational hub. The Peace Museum

Inaugurated in 2001, the Peace Museum is Malta’s first and only museum dedicated to peace. Through artefacts, artworks, and historical exhibits, it explores themes of war, reconciliation, cultural diversity, and shared humanity, reflecting the transformation of Ħal Far from conflict to coexistence.

Educational outreach

The Peace Lab hosts school visits, workshops, and cultural activities that promote reflection, empathy, and dialogue among young people and the wider community.

Spiritual, interfaith and community engagement

The Peace Lab fosters interfaith coexistence through shared spaces for worship and reflection. Religious services, interfaith encounters, and community events promote mutual respect and understanding across cultures and beliefs.

Environmental and sustainability initiatives

Environmental stewardship forms an integral part of the Peace Lab’s mission. Collaboration with Project Green has transformed the grounds into inclusive green spaces that promote biodiversity, well-being, and community participation.

Visits, awards and partnerships

The Peace Lab has received international recognition through visits by UN representatives, UNHCR delegations, and Pope Francis in 2022. Initiatives such as the John XXIII Kindness Award and partnerships with local and international organisations strengthen its advocacy and outreach.

Future vision

The Peace Lab continues to expand its services and educational initiatives, offering an integrated model of peacebuilding in daily life, dignity, and shared humanity.