MHA Newsletter No. 9/2015 www.mha.org.au October 2015

Merħba! The MHA extends a warm welcome to all June 2014 our members and friends. MHA October Event: June 2014 Robert Blythe’s talk on 15 September was well DVD Viewing and Discussion attended . He spoke about the last days of the Great Siege and the aftermath: the devastation wreaked to The Battle for Malta and her people, and the building of . Produced by the BBC in 2013, this Robert’s presentation was thoroughly researched documentary is presented by James Holland, and his PowerPoint included many excellent author of many novels and history books about archival photos. A summary of his talk and links to WW11, including Fortress Malta. the lecture recording and PowerPoint can be found The audience is invited to discuss their on Page 2 and 3. It was wonderful seeing so many personal experiences of the war afterwards. young people in attendance. 7.30 pm 20 October This last month has seen many functions, some of Maltese Community Centre, Royal Parade, which are herein described. Thank you to Joseph Parkville, Victoria Borg, Mario Bonnici, Nino Xerri and Paul Paris for (enter from Ievers St) contributing information, articles or photographs.

The next MHA event will be held on 20 October. We will be watching a documentary on Malta’s role in WW11 and discussing it afterwards. Our AGM COMING EVENTS will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 17 November. 3rd Oct: Immaculate Heart of Mary 2:00pm Ta’ Pinu I know that I have been reminding you about Shrine, 15 Flanagans Dve., Merrimu, VIC 3340 (See below) membership subscriptions for a long time now but a 20th Oct: MHA October Event: The Battle for Malta: DVD number of people have not yet paid. Subscriptions screening and discussion. 7:30pm Maltese Community become due on 1 July for this financial year. They Centre, Parkville.(Page 3) are $10 for a single membership and $15 for a 17th Nov: MHA Annual General Meeting: 7:30pm Maltese family. Remember, only financial members can Community Centre, Parkville. (Notices will be sent soon) vote at our Annual General Meeting. If you have overlooked payment or are unsure of your status, please contact our treasurer, Mario Bonnici. He will accept payments at the next lecture or you may prefer to send a cheque to: Mario Bonnici 59 Binnak Drive Watsonia VIC 3087 I will be overseas for the next two and a half weeks but will be back in time for our next event. Looking forward to seeing you on 20 October, Charles Gatt (MHA Secretary) [email protected]

151005_MHA_Newsletter_October_2015_.docx Page 1 of 10 MHA September Event: THE GREAT SIEGE OF MALTA: The Final Stages & Aftermath Robert Blythe

A number of people, including some younger ones, “There hardly remained one stone upon another” attended Robert Blythe’s lecture on 15 September. - Fra Sancho de Condono He introduced his talk with a summary of the main The countryside was littered with dead bodies and events of the siege. The Turkish Armada set sail disease was rampant. Malta had lost a third of its from Constantinople on 22 March 1565, arrived at inhabitants. The knights had lost a third of their Marsaxlokk on 18 May then transported their numbers and nearly all the survivors were maimed, supplies and munitions to Marsa. The assault on wounded or crippled. Estimates of the Ottoman Fort St Elmo resulted in its fall on 23 June 1565, losses vary from around 30,000 at the time to about shortly after Dragut’s death on 18 June. 10,000 claimed by modern historians.

In July, the Piccolo Soccorso arrived to reinforce . The Turks attacked Birgu and Senglea, which were virtually destroyed. In August the knights attacked the Turkish camp. In early Robert Blythe speaking at the MHA September, the Turks attacked, but failed to take, St Photo: Lewis Zammit Michael, St Angelo and Mdina. The Gran Soccorso Repairs began immediately for fear of a Turkish arrived on 7 September and the Turks were forced return. Their earthworks and trenches were to retreat, losing thousands more men. destroyed. Senglea and Birgu were rebuilt, along with their bastions. The Forts of St Michael and St Elmo were rebuilt. The defence of Malta received world-wide fame. It raised the Knights’ status, and highlighted the strategic importance of Malta. La Valette appealed to the wealth monarchs of Europe and money poured in to develop a fortified city on Mt Sciberras. By December, Pope Pius IV had sent his architect Francesco Laparelli to Malta. Laparelli claimed that the new city could be defended by 5,000 soldiers, as opposed to 12000 infantry and 200 Audience at Robert Blythe’s talk. cavalry, and requested 5000 men to build it. Photo: Lewis Zammit Unlike Maltese mediaeval cities with their narrow, Don Garcia de Toledo arrived on 14 September and winding streets and alleys, Valletta was laid out on discussed the condition of the island and its a grid pattern with straight, wide streets, designed fortifications.

151005_MHA_Newsletter_October_2015_.docx Page 2 of 10 to optimise the sea breezes. La Valette laid the foundation stone on 28 March 1566. MHA October Event Fortifications were a priority. Ramparts and a large The Battle for Malta moat, 800 metres long and 20 metres wide surrounded the city. DVD and Discussion

La Valette died on 2 August 1568, Laparelli left As most of you know, this year we are celebrating th Malta in 1569 and died of plague in 1570. the 70 anniversary of the end of World War II. Girolamo Cassar took over as chief architect and This month we are presenting a DVD produced by Valletta became Malta’s capital city on 18 March the BBC in 2013 about Malta’s role in the outcome 1571. of WWII. We get another glimpse of the war on Malta from Meanwhile, also in 1571, the Knights faced the the British point of view, the people on the ground Ottomans again at the Battle of Lepanto, as part of and those on and under the seas. the Holy League, a coalition of southern European Catholic maritime states led by Pope Pius V, and headed by Spain. Although they had fewer ships, the Holy League virtually wiped out the Ottoman fleet. The lecture recording and PowerPoint, including some excellent archival pictures, can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/q0k3vw07qy4wr4i/ AAAEpHRXpn4fK8CZOAOtzgK9a?dl=0 Podcast: Fall of St Elmo and the arrival of the Piccolo Soccorso (13 min 49 sec) The host, James Holland, recounts how history http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/maltese/en unfolded while strolling through modern-day /content/fall-st-elmo-and-arrival-piccolo- peaceful Malta. He is an author of various history soccorso books about WWII, among them ‘Fortress Malta’, and also various novels. Our Lady of Philermos

On Sunday Sept 6th, the Knights of the Order of Malta celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Philermos (Our Lady of Victories) with a Mass at the Newman College Chapel at the University of Melbourne. Mass was celebrated by one of our Magistral Chaplains, Very Rev Fr Gerald O'Collins, SJ. Members of the Maltese Community were present for the occasion. Tea and coffee were served after mass. Thanks to all who attended.

Joseph J Borg SMOM

Read the fascinating history of the icon of Our Lady of Philermos, reputed to have been painted by St Luke himself: http://www.ordendemaltacuba.com/Pages/ourladyof The DVD is 60 mins long. Afterwards we invite philermo.aspx those present to comment on their experiences of the war. http://www.smom-za.org/saints/philerme.htm

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Frances Bonnici receives

MCCV Community Award for Education

The Maltese Community Council of Victoria celebrated Malta’s Independence Day on Monday 21 September 2015. During the evening’s proceedings, Certificates of Community Awards for 2015 were announced and presented. Among this year’s recipients was Frances Bonnici, who received this award for her services in the field of Education.

One of our committee members attended the first screening of the Maltese movie ‘Simshar’ at the Lido Cinema in Hawthorn on Tuesday 22 September 2015. There were quite a few Maltese as Frances was president of the MHA for more than well as Australians. The director and screenwriter twelve years. Prior to this, she was a member of the of the movie, Rebecca Cremona, was present after committee and treasurer for a number of years. the movie and answered questions from the During her time as president, she introduced the enthusiastic audience. Rebecca is visiting Australia MHA Bursaries Scheme, where students studying to promote her movie, which deals with the tragedy the Maltese Language at the VSL School of of a Maltese fishing boat and the plight of refugees Languages were awarded bursaries for achievement in the Mediterranean. The movie was based on and improvement in learning the language. events that really happened in 2008. She was also the co-ordinator of the MHA The movie premier at the Nova Cinema in Lygon Language Immersion Mornings, where students Street, Carlton on September 30 has been sold out studying Maltese spent one Saturday morning at the but it will be screening again at the Lido Cinema in MCCV and attended workshops, hands-on Glenferrie Road Hawthorn from 1 October for a activities and presentations on Maltese culture and period of two weeks. It will also be shown at the history. All these activities were conducted as much Nova after 1 October. Be sure to catch it. as possible in the Maltese language. Although it is in Maltese, it is subtitled in English. On behalf of the president, committee and members We think Rebecca Cremona deserves support from of the MHA, I wish to congratulate Frances on her the Maltese community. It is Malta’s first official award. We are very pleased to see her being submission to the Best Foreign Film category at the recognised for some of her many contributions to Oscars. the Maltese Community.

Charles Gatt

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Birgu: Yacht Marina with old dock at rear. Sliema Creek: Private Yacht.

Through the

lens

of

Nino Xerri

Parish Church of Gudja:

The Old & New: The "refurbished" Opera Shapes & Shadows: Sliema "Beach" House.

Graffiti: Part of The Sliema Street Festival. It attracts Graffiti Artists from all over the world.

151005_MHA_Newsletter_October_2015_.docx Page 5 of 10 The Feast of Maria Bambina organised by Reskeon – Paul Vella

Reskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group Inc. Sciberras, who is blind and his carer Ms Lilibeth once again organised the feast of Maria Bambina on Cachia, from Malta Guide Dogs, who were in behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Paul. Melbourne for some training and meetings. Celebrations included a Mass on 8 September, the Apologies for being unable to attend were received day of feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, the by the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Vittoria Dinner Dance on Saturday 12 September Victor Grech, Mrs Patricia Grech and Fr Edwin and on Sunday 13 September a Rosary, mass and Agius, MSSP. procession. Music was in the hands of DJ King Charlie who On Tuesday, 8th September, a Mass was celebrated catered for the music enjoyed by young and old and by Fr Edwin Agius, MSSP, in the St. Paul’s Chapel, kept everyone on the dance floor all night. This next to the Maltese Centre, Parkville. This was year we were pleased to see among us a lot of attended by around 100 members of the Maltese young ones who enjoyed the dinner dance and Community. Readers were Phyllis Vella and Paul asked us to let them know for next year. Vella. A special CD was organised with hymns for MC for the night was Joe Cutajar. After he the occasion. The Homily was delivered by Fr welcomed all those present and thanked President, Edwin Agius, who incidentally lost his brother the Salvina Vella, who single-handed organised the day before. Reskeon committee and members offer dinner dance, he invited everyone to be upstanding their condolences. After Mass, all were invited to for the singing of the Maltese and Australian go to the foyer of the Maltese Centre, where free National Anthems. refreshments were served. There were sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee. Entrée was antipasto; second course was a ricotta cannellone with Bolognese. Main course was On Saturday, 12th September, Reskeon organised chicken schnitzel, parmigiana, and roast beef with the Vittoria Dinner Dance at Firenze Receptions, vegies on each plate. This was followed by Tartufo Fawkner, which was well attended by more than ice cream or Cassata ice cream, a fresh fruit platter 150 members and friends and coffee with Continental cakes. Beer, red and white wine and soft drinks were served all night.

Distinguished guests were the President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Mr Victor Borg; Vice-President of the MCCV, Mr Edwin Birthdays and anniversary were announced, with a th Borg Manché; Hon. Treasurer of MCCV, Mr Paul special 50 wedding anniversary of Helen and Lino Borg and Mrs Pauline Borg; Honorary Life Hammett, who were presented with a beautiful Members of Reskeon Maltese Association Seniors bouquet of flowers. Group Inc., Dr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Mary Later in the night the Malta Gozo Concert Band, Zammit; Life Member of Reskeon Maltese under the direction of Ms Tanya Schembri, played Association Seniors Group Inc., Mr Caesar Vella marches for the occasion, which created the and Mrs Phyllis Vella. Also with us were the PRO merriment for the night, similar to that of the of MCCV, Mr Andrew Gatt and Mrs Annie Gatt. Maltese Festas. All those attending complimented Mr Victor Borg invited with him Mr Leone

151005_MHA_Newsletter_October_2015_.docx Page 6 of 10 the way the night was organised, the food and the committee and members offer their condolences). atmosphere. Concelebrating were Fr John Taliana, MSSP; Fr Emmanuel Adami, MSSP; Fr Lonnie Borg, MSSP; Can. Fr. Mannie Bonello (Parish Priest of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, North Reservoir; and Fr Karm Borg. Master of ceremonies was Emmanuel Farrugia assisted by Frank Siriani. The music and singing was provided by the Maltese Choir of Victoria under the direction of Mr Charles Schembri and Ms Lydia Gusman. The first reader was Mr Victor Grech while Dr Edwin Borg-Manché gave the second reading. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Ms Antoinette Bajada and Mrs Phyllis Vella. The Sacrificial Offerings were brought to the Altar by Mr Joe Borg and Mrs Borg; Salvina Vella and Paul Vella, On Sunday, 13th September Reskeon organised the President and Secretary of Reskeon Maltese Feast of Maria Bambina on behalf of the Association Seniors Group Inc. respectively. Missionary Society of St Paul, at St Mary Star of During Mass two collections took place: one going the Sea Church, West Melbourne. towards the Missionary Society of St Paul and the Among those present were the Consul General of second one going towards the Church of St Mary Malta in Victoria, Mr Victor Grech; the President Star of the Sea. of MCCV, Mr Victor Borg; members of the MCCV After Mass, Fr Edwin thanked all those present and Executive; members of the Sovereign Military the Reskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group for Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of organising the Feast on their behalf. Thanks went to and of Malta; Mr George Portelli, Chief Fr Anthony Bernal, Parish Priest of St. Mary Star of Representative of the Bank of Valletta in Australia; the Sea. Thanks also went to the statue bearers, members of Sisters from religious Orders; members foricinas and the Malta Gozo Concert Band. of the Society of Christian Doctrine and members of the Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria. A large number of Maltese Associations attended along with their banners, as well as the banners from the four villages and towns where the Bambina is celebrated in Malta and Gozo: Senglea, Mellieha, Naxxar and Xaghra, Gozo.

Rosary was recited at 2.30 pm by Mr Emmanuel Farrugia. This was followed by a Concelebrated Mass. Prime Celebrant was Fr Edwin Agius, MSSP, Rector at Parkville (who incidently lost his brother in Canada the day before. Reskeon The Procession took place in the streets around the

151005_MHA_Newsletter_October_2015_.docx Page 7 of 10 church and this was followed by the Benediction of Nicholas Chircop's Book Launch the Blessed Sacrament.

Later on refreshments were served to the distinguished guests and the helpers of the Feast. Thanks to all those Reskeon members who on Friday helped with the taking the statue, pedestal, etc. to St Mary’s Church and on Monday doing the same job back to the chapel in Parkville. -- Paul Vella

Darrin Zammit -Lupi

The book entitled 'A Transient Colony in the Valley of Nile' by Nicholas Chircop OAM was launched on Sunday 13 September 2015 at the Melita Social Club in Coburg. The book deals with the history of the Maltese Community in Egypt. Mr. Chircop spoke about the research required to compile this book. It is based on notes, documents, interviews and personal communication with members and descendants of the community who have settled in Australia, Canada and United Kingdom. Refreshments were provided after the launch. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, you may contact Nicolas on [email protected]

On Thursday 17 September 2015, renowned Maltese photographer Darrin Zammit-Lupi gave a PowerPoint presentation called 'Isle Landers' at the Carlton Connect Seminar Room of Melbourne University. Mr Zammit-Lupi spoke about how he boarded boats which assisted refugees in the open sea and how, when he could, would take photos of the process. He presented some of these impressive photos. Mr Zammit-Lupi also participated in the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) held during the month of September.

151005_MHA_Newsletter_October_2015_.docx Page 8 of 10 Independence Day Although this has nothing to do Celebration with Maltese history, many of our members may be interested in

some of these activities at Lancefield:

The President and the Executive Committee of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria hosted a reception to celebrate Malta Independence Day on the 51st anniversary, 21 September 2015 at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville. Mr Victor Borg started the proceedings by highlighting that Malta was always occupied and governed by foreign powers through its history until 21 September 1964 when she attained independence.

Here is the link to the activities: http://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Arts_Sport_Leisure/ Arts_Culture/Culture_Heritage/Extinct_- _Lancefield_Megafauna_Festival

BANK OF VALLETTA PLC Mr Victor Grech, the Consul General for Malta in Australia Representative Office: Victoria, followed. He spoke about the progress 16 Watt Street Sunshine Vic 3020 Malta went through since attaining independence and becoming a republic. Tel 9311 3222 Fax 9311 3216 Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Fr. Edwin Agius then spoke about St Paul and how 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm Malta attained Christianity. Uffiċċju Rappreżentattiv A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a number of Achievement Awards L-Ewwel Bank Rappreżentattiv Malti fl-Awstralja The evening concluded with refreshments.

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Vintage MALTA

If you are on facebook, this site contains many excellent photos taken before, during and after WWII

https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-MALTA-1653080771636290/timeline/

... and on a lighter note:

Siggiewi Farm

Neighbourhood Watch, Malta style

Videos Online

Before the blitz. Sunday morning at Birkirkara Taht l-Art (Under the earth): a TVM programme with striking subterranean footage of numerous sites, plus interviews in Maltese. A series of 10 documentaries about 25 minutes each, the first one is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpIMo8QmI AA

Beautiful Malta~~ Some beautiful photos here: (03:23)

The Royal Opera House after the blitz 1942 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xzn3b_bea utiful-malta_travel

The three cities (06:12): Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua https://vimeo.com/75756663

Sahha u Sliem Charlie Gatt For the MHA Malta convoy under attack

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