The Founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine, Blessed George Preca began life’s journey at 53 West Street, known locally as "Strada Ponente" in Valletta, capital city of Malta, on 12 February 1880. The physical location of the actual birthplace in this street is not known due to loss of records and the multiple renumbering schemes that have occurred since the time of his birth.

Dun George was the seventh child in a family of nine children. He was born in a middle-class family whose father, Vincenzo Preca was a merchant and sanitary inspector, and his mother, Natalina Ceravolo was a school teacher.

This is the baptismal font in Saint Dominic’s Church, Valletta where on 17 February 1880, Friar Vincenzo Cousin op, baptised the newly born George. It was here that the infant received the name George and middle names of Paul, Pius, John and Emmanuel.

In September 1892, George sat for the second round of examinations for admission into the Lyceum in Valletta – Malta’s High School for high-performing students. George was among the 51 candidates from a total of 131 who were accepted.
He walked to the Lyceum daily from his hometown of Hamrun. At school, George excelled in the languages, most notably Latin. George was a joyful young man but remained inconspicuous and never developed any close friendships with his school companions. He did, however, manifest a desire for holiness that was clearly observed by his colleagues, lecturers and spiritual directors. It was here where he felt the call to the priesthood.

The Mall in Floriana was a place George walked through daily on his way home from the Lyceum. At the age of 17, it was here that the young George met one of his lecturers, Fr Ercole Mompalao, who prophesied to George saying: "Preca, you will grow up and will one day form close friendship with people who respect God. Through them you will be most blessed and find your happiness, and they will find their fortune…"

Floriana where it was suggested to George that he would form a group of loyal followers.