The gorgeous yellow structure adjacent to St. Margaret’s is the former home of the order of priests founded by St. Philip Neri. Philippines, in contrast to Reformists, were known for their joyous interpretation of the faith (the brightly-coloured exterior is a giveaway) and their regular interactions with the community. Monks from the order regularly engaged the people of Śródka in everything from religious dialogues and singing to education. This congregation house was erected in the 18th century with an additional (identical) wing added later. Since the expulsion of the Philippines, the monastery has housed a hospital, orphanage, the offices of the Prussian Fortifications Committee, and, more recently, the independent Malta cinema (until 2010); today it functions as a music school.

Comments