9 May Optional Memorial (Obligatory Memorial in the province of Malta)
Saint George Preca was born in Valletta, Malta, on February 12, 1880. Ordained a priest in 1906, he immediately began dedicating himself to catechizing children. For this mission, he founded the Society of Christian Doctrine in 1907, known as M.U.S.E.U.M. (Magister utinam sequatur Evangelium universus mundus), for which he had to endure many insults. He dedicated his entire life to popular preaching and catechesis, and wrote a large number of books, most of which were aimed at the formation of the members of his Society. His effective apostolate was the fruit of a life of prayer and constant meditation on Sacred Scripture. His spirituality was founded on humility and meekness.
On July 21, 1918, Don Giorgio joined the Carmelite Third Order, and on July 26 of the following year, he made his profession. As a tertiary, he chose the name Franco, after Blessed Franco of Siena, and signed some of his books as Father Franco, Carmelite. In 1952, Prior General Fr. Kiliano Lynch affiliated him with the Order as a sign of recognition for having greatly promoted devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Carmel.
Don Giorgio Preca died on July 26, 1962, and Pope John Paul II declared him blessed on May 9, 2001. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him on June 3, 2007.
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