Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society…

Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus in 1534, had considered founding a college in Malta as early as 1553.

Pope Clement VIII had, through a letter dated March 28, 1592, solicited the setting up of a Jesuit College.

It is to be primarily ecclesiastic and not scientific, mainly to prepare candidates to the priesthood.

Founded by Bishop Garagallo in 1592, the Collegium Melitense, as it will come to be known, is initially run by the Jesuits, who initiate courses in the field of higher educational studies.

Martin Garzez, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, lays the Foundation Stone of the College on September 4, 1595.

The college forms the nucleus of today’s University of Malta.