Priests to receive dementia awareness, prevention training

As religious communities are often points of contact for older people, dementia awareness and prevention training is being given to parish and diaconia workers by the Pastoral Formation Institute and Active Ageing and Community Care

9 November 2026, 2:33pm
by Jade Bezzina

2 min read

Mgr André Zaffarese speaking at the signing of the agreement on Monday (Photo: Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta/Ian Noel Pace)

Priests, parish workers, and other members of the Archdiocese of Malta will receive training on dementia and its prevention through an agreement between the Pastoral Formation Institute (PFI) and Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC).

The agreement aims to increase awareness of dementia and equip people involved in parishes and religious organisations with the knowledge to identify when older people and their families may need additional support, and direct individuals towards professional services provided by AACC.

“Care should not stop at the doors of an institution, but should extend into our communities,” Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista said.

This is also being done as parishes and religious organisations often serve as points of contact for older people and their families.

The training will cover what dementia is, how it affects individuals and their families, and how to communicate with and support people living with the condition.

Under the agreement, the PFI will provide the training venue and logistical support, while AACC will supply the trainers.

The agreement was signed by PFI director Mgr André Zaffarese and AACC chief executive officer Michael Farrugia, in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista.

“The Church is always close to vulnerable people and their families” Zaffarese said. The training would better equip people serving in parishes to recognise the needs of vulnerable people and their families and support them with respect and sensitivity, he explained.

Debattista said the agreement was intended to promote more inclusive communities for people living with dementia and their families, adding that “memory may fade, but a person’s dignity should never be forgotten.”

The training sessions are expected to begin in the coming days.

Those interested in registering or obtaining further information are urged to visit the Pastoral Formation Institute's website at pfi.edu.mt.

Jade Bezzina is a part-time staff reporter with MaltaToday. She is a third-year student ...