Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Inc.

477 Royal Parade Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia MCCV newsletter Phone: (03) 9387 8922 Fax: (03) 9387 8309 Email: [email protected] Web: mccv.alphalink.com.au No: 105 January– February 2011 Editor: Dr Edwin Borg-Manché L-MSSP tiċċelebra Maltese Community Mourns ċ-Ċentinarju Loss of Bishop Joseph Grech f’Melbourne Minn Paul Vella The Maltese community in Australia was Din is-sena, s-Soċetà Missjunarja ta’ shocked to learn that Bishop Joseph Grech San Pawl, qegħdin jiċċelebraw il-100 passed away on 28 December 2010 at St Anniversarju mit-twaqqif tas-socjetà Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne aged 62. tagħhom li ġiet imwaqqfa minn Mons. Gużeppi De Piro. The Most Reverend Joseph Angelo Grech was born in Balzan, Malta, on 10 December Kien fit-30 ta’ Ġunju tal-1910, meta 1948. After finishing his first four years of Mons. De Piro laqa’ l-ewwel żewġ priestly formation at the Seminary in Malta, membri tas-Socjetà Missjunarja ta’ San he arrived in Australia in January 1971 to Pawl. Fil-21 ta’ Ġunju tal-1927, il- complete his studies. He continued his Fundatur bagħat lil Joseph Caruana, studies for the priesthood at Corpus Christ wieħed mill-ewwel żewġ membri, lejn College Glen Waverley and Clayton and Ethiopia fejn baqa’ jaħdem hemm was ordained at his birthplace in Malta on sakemm miet fl-1975. 30 November 1974. Kien f’Awwissu tal-1948, meta Fr Following his ordination, Fr Grech returned Augustine Grech u Fr Peter Paul Borda to Melbourne to take up parish waslu l-Awstralja u minn dak iż-żmien Bishop Joe Grech appointments in Northcote, Altona North, il-membri ta’ din is-Socjetà ma waqfux Maidstone and Moonee Ponds and as Parish safeguarding the interests of the jaħdmu fost il-Maltin. Priest in Brunswick East. In 1989 the underprivileged and related extremely well Għalkemm is-Socjetà fl-Awstralja Archbishop of Melbourne sent him to with young people and recent arrivals from ċċelebraw f’Sydney dan l-anniversarju, Rome to pursue further studies in refugee camps, who sought to make their issa kien imiss lil Melbourne u ċ- Spirituality at the Gregorian University. In home in Australia. ċelebrazzjonijiet kienu bil-kbir. 1993 he was appointed Chaplain to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Bishop Grech was blessed with a very Nhar il-Ħadd 28 ta’ Novembru is- Archdiocese of Melbourne, an office he engaging and charismatic personality and Socjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl or- held until 1996, and in 1997 he was people became aware that he was a man ganizzat kunċert kbir u wara Quddiesa appointed Spiritual Director at the Corpus with a big heart and a caring nature. He fil-Knisja Kattolika tal-Kroazji ta’ San Christi College Provincial Seminary in was a person with a great commitment to Leopoldu, Ardeer. Aktar minn 750 ruħ Melbourne. the teachings of the Gospel and an imlew is-sala għall-kunċert li beda fis- inspirational speaker who never failed to 2 pm.  On 27 November 1998 Fr Grech became get his messages across, particularly to the Tkompli f’paġna 6 one of Australia’s youngest bishops, when young. He often publicly spoke about the he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop for the religious values which Maltese migrants In this issue Western Region of the Archdiocese of brought with them to their country of Melbourne. The Maltese community was adoption, the value of the family unit and • Loss of Bishop Grech (cont.) 2 overjoyed with his appointment as the importance of observing our religious • The President’s Column Auxiliary Bishop and packed St Patrick’s beliefs. Addressing young people on one Cathedral in Melbourne at his installation • Sad farewell to ‘exceptional 3 occasion he said: ‘God doesn’t make pastor’ on 10 February 1999. rubbish! There is good in all of us and we On 8 March 2001 Bishop Grech was just have to take time to find it.’ • Homily by Archbishop Coleridge 4 (cont) appointed Bishop of Sandhurst by Pope Bishop Grech gave great spiritual John Paul II and on 27 April 2001 he was leadership to everyone, especially the • Ordination of Maltese Priest 5 installed at Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Maltese in Victoria. He maintained a close • Fr Rob’s tribute to Bishop Joe Cathedral in the presence of a large number relationship with the Maltese community • L-MSSP tiċċelebra ċ-Ċentinarju 6 of Maltese who joined a large crowd of and regularly attended religious functions, f’Melbourne (cont) local residents in the celebrations. the last of which was the blessing of the • Blazing the Trail 7 Bishop Grech was also appointed Bishops’ facial sculpture of St George Preca at its delegate for youth, young adults, migrants installation at the Maltese Community • Farewell to Bishop Nikol Cauchi 8 and refugees. He had a passion for Chapel in Parkville on 20 February 2010. • Republic Day Honours 2010 Cont. on page 2 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011

Cont. from page 1 The President’s Column Maltese Community Mourns Loss of Bishop Joseph Grech The ageing Maltese Community We need not be told that the Maltese community in Aus- tralia is ageing fast. The majority of us arrived here in the ’50s and ’60s, when we were young and vigorous, start- ing a new life in a foreign environment. That was more than 50 years ago, a statistic which is quite apparent whenever we meet at a social function. According to the latest census, out of a population of just under 21,000 Maltese-born living in Victoria, there are 2,312 over the age of 75. In addition, there are an- other 4,430 aged 65-74, so that we can say that there are over 6,500 (or 32 per cent) of the Maltese-born popula- tion who are aged over 65 years. As we grow older, our needs multiply considerably. Increasingly we find that we are not able to do what we used to do, including walking, shopping, doing the household work, including preparation of food and a myriad of other chores. These problems are exacerbated Bishop Grech unveils the face sculpture of St George Preca in Parkville. when there is only one person in the household and, par- ticularly, when that person cannot drive a car anymore. All the Maltese youth who were in Melbourne while on their way The Maltese Community Council of Victoria has al- to the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008 will recall his ways put great emphasis on the welfare needs of the invitation to them to join him at the Bendigo Cathedral, when he concelebrated Mass with the Archbishop of Malta, His Grace community. Over the years it has endeavoured to provide Paul Cremona. much-needed services from its offices in Parkville and Sunshine. It has striven to obtain grants to employ trained It is in keeping with his character that only some weeks ago, staff to deal with the many problems that affect any soci- following his attendance with a group of parishioners in Rome for the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop, he should return to ety. It has made use of an army of volunteers to provide Malta to be part of the ordination of Fr Robert Galea, whom he advice, entertainment and other facilities. Through its had mentored while attending at the Seminary in Bendigo. affiliated associations it has encouraged a policy of con- It is extremely hard to believe that he is no longer with us, but we tinuing socialising which is so essential, particularly for are all better people for having been associated with him. He has the elderly. always been a valued member of the Maltese community in As we enter the new year, it is important to emphasize Australia. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. May he that, rather than getting any less demanding, these needs rest in peace. are, on the contrary, looming larger than ever. It is, there- The MCCV and its affiliated associations extend their sincere fore, essential that the MCCV, with the help of its affili- condolences and deepest sympathies to the Grech family. ated associations, put as much energy as possible in en- — Victor G Borg, Vice-President, MCCV suring that the needs of the elderly are effectively met. Among these needs, one of the most obvious is reduc- CONTRIBUTIONS TO MCCV NEWSLETTER ing isolation. As we grow older, we tend to lose friends The MCCV Newsletter is published every two months to and relatives, and sooner or later, we find ourselves alone inform the Maltese community about activities, news and informa- and often lonely. I consider it an imperative to ensure that tion that would be of interest. we seek out older members of our community, who may Affiliated associations are encouraged to provide contributions, feel isolated, and provide them with some means of re- including notices for forthcoming community events, brief reports ducing their hardship. One priority is to revive the home- and photos on community events that took place since the publica- tion of the previous newsletter and short articles of interest to the visiting scheme, which involved organising a team of Maltese community. volunteers to visit old persons in their homes, hospitals, Contributions should be forwarded to the Editor either by email at or nursing homes. [email protected] or alternatively by post to: Affiliated associations can assist in this process by The Editor helping the MCCV compile a register of those most in MCCV Newsletter need in order to ensure that they do not fall out of the net. Maltese Community Council of Victoria Together we should be able to make an impact and im- 477 Royal Parade prove the lot of those in need our help, which, one must PARKVILLE 3052 add, could be you or me in the next few years. Contributions must be submitted by the following dates:  March-April 2011 Newsletter: Friday 18 Feb 2011 — Prof. Maurice Cauchi, MCCV President  May June 2011 Newsletter: Friday 15 April 2011 Page 2 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011 Sad farewell to ‘exceptional pastor’ By Dr Edwin Borg-Manché Members of the Executive of the Mal- tese Community Council of Victoria and representatives from its affiliated associations were among a large con- tingent from the Maltese community who bid farewell to their spiritual leader, the Bishop of Sandhurst Joseph Grech, at his funeral in Bendigo on Thursday, 6 January 2011. In a statement issued a week earlier, the President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Philip Wilson, referred to Bishop Grech as an “exceptional pastor, who made a tre- mendous contribution to the church in Australia because of his deep faith and spirituality, which has been shown especially in the zeal with which he dealt with issues of migrants and refu- gees and his outreach to young peo- ple.” The packed Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo attending the Requiem Mass. Following a two-hour Requiem Mass that was attended by over 4,000 people Homily by H.G. Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, from all walks of life, the remains of at the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for BISHOP GRECH Bishop Grech were laid to rest in the crypt below the majestic Sacred Heart At three o’clock on the afternoon of 28 doubt. There was no way back for Joe. Cathedral. Among those present in the December – the hour of the Lord’s own But there was surely a way forward – a jam-packed cathedral were Bishop death – Joseph Angelo Grech, sixth great birth into God, foreshadowed long Grech’s family, including his brother Bishop of Sandhurst, breathed his last. ago in Joe’s baptism. Carmel Grech and sister Rosette Saliba This was deep in the Octave of Christmas In Bishop Joe’s life, there were many from Malta, members of the Sandhurst when we were celebrating birth, even little deaths to prepare him for the death Diocese community and friends. though the shadow of death loomed large that came last week. I first met him forty on the feast of the Holy Innocents on Archbishop of Sydney George Cardinal years ago when he came to begin theo- which Bishop Joe died. His passing was Pell led proceedings as principal cele- logical studies at Corpus Christi College peaceful – in fact it was barely observ- brant at the Solemn Pontifical Requiem in Melbourne. Archbishop Gonzi of Malta able. Most of us were standing by the had said to his many seminarians that Mass, which was concelebrated with bed, but Fr Karmel Borg, wonderful friend they could go anywhere in the world to 32 bishops, including Archbishop of and wise guide to Joe for many years, finish their training, work for seven years Melbourne Denis Hart, and 176 priests was sitting a little away, watching the in the diocese of their choice and then from across Australia. monitor that showed the ebbing of life. It decide whether or not to return to Malta. was Karmel who noticed the moment of The High Commissioner of Malta H.E. At first Joe wanted to go to America, but death, rose to his feet, approached the Francis Tabone spoke about Bishop eventually he decided on Australia and bed and said in a way I will never forget, Grech as “a jovial person full of life, a came to Melbourne. He settled quickly, “Good-bye, Joe”. There was so much in person with a sound vocation”. He said showed himself a bright student and fine those simple words – words so human, so that “although we are saddened by his companion, was ordained in Malta in faith-filled, so loving and grateful: “Good- loss, we are comforted by the legacy of 1974 and came back to Melbourne to bye, Joe”. They are words that we echo his work among his community and the work. After the allotted seven years, Joe this afternoon, words of farewell and grati- decided to stay for life. And what a gain refugees.” Mr Tabone said that the tude as only Christians can speak in the that was for us. Maltese are very proud of the signifi- face of death. cant contribution that Bishop Grech, A turning-point for Joe came early in his Walking away from the hospital, I coming from such a small country, priestly life when he was touched by the thought of T. S. Eliot’s poem, “The Jour- made to the Australian continent. On charismatic renewal, and how right it is ney of the Magi”, imagined words spoken behalf of the people of Malta and the that the readings of this Mass have spo- by one of the Magi in old age, not inap- Maltese community in Australia, Mr ken of the gift of Holy Spirit. Joe’s ministry propriate on this 6 January: “…were we Tabone saluted Bishop Grech as “one was in many ways the Holy Spirit’s work lead all that way for / Birth or Death? of Malta’s worthy sons.” of art. It had about it a touch of Pentecost, There was a Birth, certainly, / We had the sense of a new beginning, the roots of The Most Reverend Giuseppe Laz- evidence and no doubt. I have seen birth which however reached deep into the zarotto, Apostolic Nuncio, read out a and death, / But had thought they were mighty heritage of Maltese faith.  message from Pope Benedict XVI who different”. Was it a death or a birth that we was saddened to hear of the popular witnessed on 28 December? There was a Cont. on page 4 Bishop’s death.  death, certainly; we had evidence and no Page 3 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011 Cont. from page 3 Homily by H.G. Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, at the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for BISHOP GRECH In earlier times, the charismatic re- Bishop Joe then moved to the West- at midnight. Yet many of the best things newal was regarded as something ex- ern region of the Archdiocese for which of Joe Grech came from that struggle. otic, even a little suspect. Joe was ex- he seemed so well suited. He clearly He bore a cross, but it was the Lord’s otic enough being Maltese, but to be thought that there he would spend the Cross because, far from destroying Maltese and charismatic meant that he rest of his life. He set about planning him, it made him what he was. Was it was exotic to the power of two. Looking and building a house in West Footscray death or was it birth? back now, I can see that Joe Grech’s – and what a house it was! Known af- We gather in Sacred Heart Cathedral career reflects the way in which the fectionately as Casa Costalot, it was to say, “Good-bye, Joe”. But we also charismatic renewal has moved from almost finished when Bishop Joe was say, “Thank you, Joe: grazzi hafna!” the margin of Church life to the centre. appointed to the diocese of Sandhurst. Thanks for so many beautiful and sur- Its influence is now found everywhere. He never lived in the house he built, but prising things through your beautiful I did: so thanks, Joe … much appreci- After some years as Assistant Priest, and surprising life, cut short in a way ated. The appointment to Bendigo was Joe was made Parish Priest of East neither you nor we expected. a bombshell he didn’t see coming, and Brunswick, which became a centre of to the day he died, I think, he wondered When the tubby little guy from Malta vibrant Catholic life under the influence about it. Was it a death or a birth? arrived in Melbourne forty years ago on of the charismatic renewal. He was this very day, who would have imagined then sent to study in Rome, and this Whatever about his wondering, Joe the path that was opening up before added breadth and depth to the charis- applied himself to the mission with all him? Who would have thought that we matic impulse which was becoming his gifts. To the diocese, he brought would be burying him as Bishop of stronger in his life. Upon his return from faith, energy, humanity, enthusiasm, Sandhurst? How strange, how surpris- Rome, Joe was appointed full-time encouragement, simplicity – all gifts of ing it has all been, but how wonderful chaplain to the Catholic charismatic the Spirit. He became a bush bishop, and how much a gift. That’s why our renewal in the Archdiocese, and this and only because Jesus is Lord. Bishop thanks are not just to Bishop Joe but to made him godfather to the many prayer Joe may have been puzzled by the call, God who is the One without whom groups, especially Italian-speaking but he heard in it the voice of Jesus. nothing about Joe Grech can be under- ones, that sprang up all over Melbourne “He has sent me to bring good news” stood, nothing in life and nothing in and beyond. He also established (Isa 61:1): that was his response. So death. schools of evangelisation which stirred out into the bush he went, to Bendigo energy for mission, turning hearers of and far beyond. The boy from Balzan As I walked from the deathbed out the Word into heralds of the Word. All had come a long way. into the sunlight, I thought of the Holy of this was a crucial ministry, without Innocents. I had a merry vision of the Through this time, Bishop Joe was which many would have gone else- baby boys of Bethlehem, now all becoming more and more an interna- where. It also helped the rest of us to smiles, taking Joe by the hand and tional figure within the charismatic re- see that the only way forward for the leading him to God on the far side of newal, and he could have been full-time Church is to become more missionary. death and saying to God, “Look who we travelling the world as a preacher and Yet in some ways it made Joe seem a found”. Joe, I’m sure, would have been teacher. Invitations came thick and fast, marginal presence in the Archdiocese, in his element with the little ones. There and it wasn’t easy for Joe to balance an increasingly exotic figure who was was a nice touch of the child in him, these with his growing commitments in underestimated by some, as he was at and he was always great with the the diocese and the Bishops Confer- different times throughout his life. young. God would recognise Joe imme- ence. At times people forget that all diately and say to him simply, “Thanks A sign that things were changing in bishops are involved on three levels – for all you’ve done, good and faithful the Church came when Archbishop Pell local, national and international. Most servant, impassioned and joyful wit- chose Joe to be spiritual director of the people see only the local. But some ness”. And Joe would reply in that way seminary, an appointment which sur- bishops are involved more than others of his, “Praise God”. prised some who either didn’t know Joe at the national and international level – or who underestimated him. The same and Joe Grech was one of those. Here Joseph Angelo Grech was born on 10 reaction came when he stood in as today it’s good for us to recall that December and died on 28 December; Vicar General for a time and even more Bishop Joe’s death will be lamented he was ordained priest on 30 Novem- when he was appointed Auxiliary around the world because he was such ber and bishop on 10 February – all in Bishop of Melbourne. The seemingly a servant of the universal Church. summer time. He was very much a fruit exotic man from Malta had moved deci- of summer, very much a child of the For all his vivacity, there was a darker sively to the centre, and that was a sign sun: how often did people call him side to Bishop Joe – especially perhaps of what was happening in the Church in warm? We pray now, in the faith of after his brush with mortality when his this country and around the world. For Easter, that, beyond the great birth, blood condition first emerged. He spoke Joe, it meant leaving behind much that Bishop Joe will enter the eternal sab- to me of how that illness had shaken he cherished: was it a death or a birth? bath of God where the sun never sets his confidence; he spoke of the burden His episcopal ordination – which sadly I and where peace is complete, “the of loneliness, especially when travelling couldn’t attend – was by all accounts peace of quietness”, as St Augustine on his own; he spoke of how stressful an unforgettable occasion. It was a says, “the peace of the sabbath, a he found the conflict that comes to any triumph not so much for Joe himself but peace with no evening” (Confessions). bishop; he spoke of a lingering weari- for all those who had felt themselves on Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord, and ness – indeed he once went to sleep on the margin of Church life, especially let perpetual light shine upon him. May me over a meal in Rome. So much for perhaps those from ethnic communities he rest in peace. Amen. my sparkling conversation. In ways not not belonging to the Anglo-Celtic tribe. always obvious, Bishop Joe had to + Mark Coleridge wrestle with the dark angel, alone and Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Page 4 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011 Ordination of Maltese Priest now serving in Diocese of Sandhurst

On Friday, 5 November 2010, Archbishop of contemporary pop singers, who of Malta His Grace Paul Cremona O.P. recorded the official song for World Youth celebrated a Mass at St Julian’s Parish Day entitled ‘Receive the Power’. Church in Malta during which he ordained Today Fr. Galea is an internationally Rev. Robert Galea to the priesthood. The acclaimed singer and songwriter of church was packed to capacity. There were Christian music. His recordings include four bishops, including the late Bishop three CDs: the ‘Divine Mercy Joseph Grech, and numerous clergy Chaplet’ (July 2010), and the albums concelebrating, and present was a group of ‘What a Day’ (2008) and ‘Closer’ (2006). about 80 pilgrims and well-wishers from He is currently working on a new album Australia. which was due for release in late 2010. Fr. Galea, who is 28 years old and hails Fr. Robert’s passion is to draw others to from L-Ibraġġ Parish, commenced his the heart of God through his music. He studies in 2003 at the Archbishop’s believes that music is an important Seminary in Malta. In accordance with his instrument to help God’s people wish, in 2007, the Maltese Bishop of understand the need for a relationship with Sandhurst, the Very Rev. Joseph Grech Fr. Robert Galea at his Ordination God. Whilst greatly appreciating his gift, made a request to Archbishop Paul Australia, a country described by Robert Fr. Robert recognizes that before Cremona for Robert Galea to pursue his as being thirsty for the Word of God and everything he is a follower of Christ, a remaining studies in Australia, just as even more so, for vocations. In 2008, on priest and only then, a musician. Bishop Joe had done himself 40 years ago. the occasion of World Youth Day in Following his ordination, Fr Robert Galea During his formation at the Seminary in Sydney, he was offered the opportunity to returned to Australia after his ordination to Melbourne, Robert had the opportunity to sing in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI serve as a priest in the diocese of express his musical and vocal talents in before an audience of half a million Sandhurst, Victoria.  order to spread the Good News in people. Robert also formed part of a group Father Rob’s Tribute to Bishop Joe

By Catholic Communications, Sydney "I sang 'Letting Go' for Bishop Joe and Archdiocese he was so encouraging and excited when 7 January 2011 he heard I was recording it and it would soon be out on a CD," Fr Robert says. Newly ordained, Father Robert Galea worked through the night putting to- Sadly Bishop Joe didn't live long gether a video to pay tribute to his friend enough to see the release of the song and mentor, Bishop Joseph Grech - or which is now available on itunes and Bishop Joe as he liked to be called. can be purchased by logging on to the Like Bishop Joe, Fr Rob - as he is website at www.thatsworship.com. known - was immensely proud of his However Bishop Joe knew the power Maltese heritage and when he was or- of music, particularly with young people dained in Malta on 5 November, two and constantly encouraged the young months ago, the prelate made a detour seminarian in his musical endeavours. from Rome where he had led a group of He was also delighted to learn shortly pilgrims for the canonisation of Mary before his death that Fr Rob was in the MacKillop, to attend the ceremony. studios recording an album of songs to "Bishop Joe was always encouraging be released on 15 January. and was not only gave me pastoral and "He was like a father figure to me and spiritual support but also urged me to will be sadly missed. But his passionate continue writing songs and playing mu- love of Christ, energy and compassion sic," Fr Rob said today. will continue to be an inspiration not "I wanted to get the video up and run- Devastated by the sudden and unex- only for me but for all who knew him," ning on YouTube as soon as possible pected death of the 62-year-old Bishop, Fr Robert says.  and that's why I stayed up most of the Fr Rob who has only recently taken up night," he says. © Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney his duties as assistant priest at St Bren- Poignantly the background music used http://www.sydney.catholic.org.au/news/latest dan's Parish, Shepparton, says he put _news/2011/201117_1486.shtml together a video of yesterday's funeral in his video is a song he wrote in July along with anecdotes and comments last year, which was a favourite of from those who knew and loved Bishop Bishop Joe's. Called "Letting Go," Fa- Joe as a tribute for "everyone around the ther Rob wrote the song for a friend who world who knew and loved him." had lost a loved one. Page 5 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011 Tkompli minn paġna 1 L-MSSP tiċċelebra ċ-Ċentinarju f’Melbourne

Il-kompers kienu Natalie Penza neé Az- Xellug: Is-Superjur Ġenerali Fr Bernard Mangion, il-Provinċjal Fr Mario Zammit u Fr Jude Pirotta jaqsmu zopardi u Lee Revell li t-tnejn qasmu l-kejk ta’ l-okkażjoni. Fuq: L-Arċisqof Hart mal-konċelebranti. Taħt: Il-Knisja imballata għall-quddiesa. magħna l-esperjenza tagħhom mal- membri tas-Socjetà. Michael Lapina u Liz Burrows fetħu l- programm b’kanzunetta. Wara li dawk preżenti semgħu x’konna qegħdin niċ- ċelebraw, il-100 Anniversarju tal-MSSP, il-Provinċjal tal-MSSP fl-Awstralja, Fr Mario Zammit, ġie mistieden fuq il-palk biex jagħmel diskors tal-ftuħ. Imbagħad rajna dokumentarju ta’ kwarta fuq iż- żewg screens kbar li kien hemm, dwar il- ħajja ta’ Mons. De Piro. Mary Farell u Josephine Borg, minn NSW, ukoll qasmu magħna l-esperjenzi Imbagħad indaqqet il-kanzunetta Sharing His Il-Knisja kienet ippakkjata minn dawk li tagħhom, kif ghamlet ukoll Sr Majella Dream fuq Mons. De Piro, Din ġiet kantata attendew għal din il-Quddiesa li għaliha Tracey FMM. Wara li rajna preżen- mill-kompożituri u l-awturi, Belinda Hyland gew aktar nies u deher li kien hemm mad- tazzjoni fuq is-servizzi li taw l-MSSP u Judith Camilleri. Wara din il-kanzunett ġie war 900 ruh. f’dawn l-aħħar mitt sena, kulħadd ġie mistieden fuq il-palk is-Superjur Ġenerali tal- Il-Quddiesa giet iċċelebrata mill-Arcisqof mistieden biex jieħu kikra te jew kafe` u MSSP, Fr Bernard Mangion. xi ħaga tal-ħelu. ta’ Melbourne, Denis Hart bhala Prim Kellha ssir preżentazzjoni ta’ fjuri lil Bev Celebrant. Koncelebranti kienu il-Vigarju L-ewwel kelliem tat-tieni taqsima kien Tessari u Carmen Grech, voluntieri mill- Generali, l-Isqof Les Tomlinson, u l-Isqof Fr Mark Grima, mid-dar tas-Socjetà parroċċa ta’ St. Bernadette, North Sunshine, Bosco Penha, minn Mumbai, l-Indja, flim- f’Manila, il-Filippini, fejn wara li spiċċa, li jieħdu ħsieb il-programm li jisponsorja lil kien mas-Superjur Ġenerali tas-Socjetà, Fr żeffiena Filippini, Gintong Kultura, tfal fil-missjonijiet tas-Socjetà, li ma saritx Bernard Mangion, MSSP u l-Provinċjal, tawna żfin tradizzjonali tagħhom. minħabba li għal xi raġuni ma setgħux jat- Fr Mario Zammit, MSSP. Dan barra minn Fuq nota umoristika imbagħad kellna tendu. Il-ħlas ta’ $60 fis-sena jgħin biex jie- 24 saċerdoti oħrajn, kemm tal-MSSP u bħal sketch zgħir minn tliet żagħżagħ, ħdu ħsieb tifel jew tifla fil-missjonijiet f’idejn Djocesani kif ukoll Brother Pantaleresco, Nathan, Emily u John fuq direzzjoni ta’ is-Socjetà, u jedukawhom. Għal aktar tagħrif MSSP. Kienet Quddiesa Solenni u sabiħa Red Lusterio, Youth Minister fil- dwar dan tistgħu iċċemplu lil Bev (03) 9364 ħafna. L-Omelija saret mill-Arcisqof parrocca ta’ St. James, Hoppers Crossing 8168 jew lil Carmen fuq (03) 9311 6317. Denis Hart. Wara l-Quddiesa sar riċe- North. Saret preżentazzjoni ta’ fjuri lil Tess Mija- viment fis-sala tal-Knisja. Hawn, Fr Mario Zammit ippreżenta res, li kkordinat dan l-avveniment li vera Kien hemm mejda mimlija b’souvenirs u cheque lil Red Lusterio u Sr Anna Chir- ħaqqha prosit kbir għaliex kollox mar sewwa CDs u ġejt imgħarraf minn Fr Mario Zam- cop, mill-parrocci ta’ St. James u St. u kollox kien mill-aħjar. Naturalment il- mit, MSSP, li għad fadal xi ftit u jekk ikun Bernadette rispettivament, biex jgħinu membri tal-MSSP wkoll taw is-sehem tagħ- hemm xi ħadd interessat f’dan għandu jisponsorjaw żagħżagħ għall-‘World hom biex dan l-avveniment kien wieħed ta’ jagħmel kuntatt miegħu fuq 0403 843 796. Youth Day’ f’Madrid, Spanja, is-sena d- suċċess. Fr Jude Pirotta wkoll ġie mistieden Ghal darb’ohra prosit lis-Socjetà għall- dieħla. biex jgħid kelmtejn ghall-okkazjoni. mod kif ġie organizzat il-kunċert u l- Il-Viċi President tal-Kunsill Malti tal- Qabel ma kulħadd daħal fil-Knisja ghall- Quddiesa ghaċ-ċelebrazzjoni taċ- Victoria, l-Avukat Victor Borg gie Quddiesa, ħadna sehem f’cerimonja Centinarju tas-Socjetà tagħhom u minn mistieden biex jitkellem dwar l-armonija Aboriġina, tal-art (ħamrija), nar u l-ilma, li qalbna nixtiequlhom l-isbaħ xewqat u li dejjem kien hemm bejn il-komunità giet ippreżentata minn Vicki Clark, Co- nofrulhom it-talb tagħna biex ikomplu Maltija u l-membri tal-MSSP u l- Ordinator tal-Aboriginal Catholic Ministry jaħdmu fil-Qasam tal-Mulej, speċjalment għajnuna li dawn tal-aħħar dejjem taw Team. fost l-emigranti Maltin.  lill-komunità. Page 6 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011 Blazing the trail By Nicole Azzopardi HE IS A KNIGHT, A RHODES SCHOLAR AND HE HAS EVEN BEEN A SUPREME COURT JUDGE, BUT AT HIS CORE THIS EMINENT ITALO- AUSTRALIAN IS ALL HEART. Whichever way you look at it, Sir James It was this personal endeavour Gobbo is a trailblazer and an individual. and sheer ambition that have spurred He will proudly tell you that his parents Sir James on all these years – were responsible for bringing the first es- along with the gratitude he feels presso machine to Australia just as proudly to the people who shepherded as he will let you know he was the first his journey. person of non-English speaking background to become Governor of Victoria. “I have high expectations of myself and others,” he says. For the man whose backdrop to early life “This is a precious opportunity was the hustle and bustle of his parents’ and you must live up to it – play busy North Melbourne restaurant where his your part in the community and job was to peel potatoes and scrub the lino- give back. Service to the com- leum floor, Sir James certainly knows all munity is a driving force for me Sir James Gobbo about humble beginnings and hard work. – especially in the context of Arriving in Australia with his family from living out gospel values.” “It’s difficult to make that sort of con- Italy in 1938 at the age of seven, Sir James tact,” he admits. “Most of us work and Clearly, service has been a major motiva- was, and is, the archetypal immigrant in live in comfortable surroundings but if tor for the man who in 1982 received a many ways. Like many immigrants, he has you work at it you can find the opportuni- knighthood from the Queen for his work in felt the ‘predictable and painful’ sting of ties. It doesn’t have to be every day or hospitals, multiculturalism and the com- being the foreign schoolboy; but the pain of even every week but if you do it, it’s munity. new beginnings has been counterbalanced uplifting for the person you are serving with the thrill of grabbing the plethora of In addition to this, Sir James’ community and yourself and it’s the good news for opportunities that has become available to service has extended to being the founding the Church. chairman of the Australian Council of him over the years. “We mustn’t underestimate the human Multicultural Affairs, president of Austra- In fact, the child who turned up to school spirit. I have seen it time and time again – lia’s largest Italian community organisa- on his first day not speaking a word of Eng- especially when I was Governor. I was tion, Co.As.It., chairman of the lish has seemed to take on every opportu- full of admiration for the way ordinary Archbishop’s Charitable Fund Bushfire nity that has come his way – from work as a Australians did wonderful things in their Appeal, and a knight of the Order of postman and a teacher after his time at Ox- work and their relationships with others. Malta. ford University, to later returning to Austra- You don’t need a good education to be a “The Order of Malta is a 900-year-old lia to become a successful barrister and a good human being.” judge of the Supreme Court. religious order with a history for taking care of the poor and the sick,” he says of After so many years of service, is Now, at 79 years of age, Sir James has the group whose founding mission was the Sir James now ready to slow down and lived to see a lot of change take place in setting up of hospices, as they were then start enjoying the traditional Italian after- Australia and he has something important known. noon siesta? to say about it. Of course, it is in perfect English, and is delivered with the grace and “I hope I am regarded not simply as an “No!” he says with a smile. “I’ve got to experience of a true statesman. It can be adviser or in a board position but at the keep my mind busy and if I do that, my found in his recently launched memoir, work face,” he says. “That’s where you get body will somehow keep up after it.”  Something to Declare. the maximum satisfaction. For example, if Something to Declare by Sir James you are at the bedside of a dying person “The main message of the book is to let Gobbo is published by Melbourne and you see the lift they get from talking people know that those who migrate here University Publishing. For more in- about their lives – that’s very fulfilling.” have often got very little to declare in terms formation, visit www.mup.com.au  of assets but have much to declare in terms Sir James says he tries to encourage those [Note: This article appeared in the Kairos Catho- of aspirations, culture, faith and personal around him to be in contact with the sick lic Journal and is reproduced by the kind permis- qualities,” he says. and the aged whenever they can. sion of its Editor, Mr James O’Farrell.] “Those qualities are often reflected in fam- Maltese Community’s contribution to ‘L-Istrina’ Campaign ily groups that come to Australia. Migrants bring personal qualities and basic skills, In a media release published on 21 De- The High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Fran- which enrich the host society. You need cember 2010, the Malta High Commission cis Tabone, thanked all Maltese Associa- that to make a country grow. In my case, announced that, following the appeal by tions for their effort in sharing this they were the personal qualities of courage the President of Malta, Dr George Abela, Christmas with those more in need. for donations to the L-Istrina Campaign, and personal endeavour that my parents The Maltese Community Council of Vic- the amount collected from the Maltese demonstrated and that rubbed off on their toria was among the organisations that community in Australia added up to children.” made a contribution.  $8,250.00. Page 7 MCCV Newsletter  No 105 ‐ January‐ February 2011 Farewell to Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi ‘who loved a lot’ Mgr Nikol Cauchi, Gozo’s seventh Bishop Cauchi had a “big heart, hidden residential Bishop, died early on Monday in a small man, which loved a lot, work- morning 15 November 2010 at Mater Dei ing hard and beating fast – probably so Hospital Malta leaving in a state of shock much so that it contributed to his death”, family and friends, who were banking on Bishop Grech said of his 81-year-old his recovery after he suffered pneumonia predecessor, who had succumbed to car- and heart failure on 27 October. diac problems. The long funeral cortege, leading to the “The biggest monument to him would Cathedral in Victoria, Gozo, on Wednes- be to embrace even some of that vision – day 18 November 2010, included several in favour of man, centred round Christ, members of the clergy and was followed with the help of the Church,” Bishop by President George Abela, who led the Grech said in his last farewell during the congregation, family and close friends, funeral Mass. the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Mgr Cauchi was buried in the Chapel Opposition, other politicians and digni- of St Ursula, to the right of the Cathe- taries. Mgr Nikol Cauchi dral’s altar, in a private interment. He Flags flew at half mast, prayers were At the start of the Mass, Apostolic Nun- was widely respected as a preacher and chanted, tears rolled and cameras clicked cio Tommaso Caputo read out a letter communicator, and was known for his as onlookers, including students, captured from the Vatican’s Secretary of State, intellect and jovial character. their last glimpse of the man who led the Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone expressing Mgr Cauchi was born in Għarb, Gozo, Gozo diocese for 38 years. conveying Pope Benedict XVI’s condo- on 2 March 1929, ordained priest in 29 The Requiem Mass, led by Gozo lences. The letter said the Pope prayed March 1952, and appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mgr Mario Grech, was concele- for the memory of the devoted Bishop to Bishop of Gozo on 24 February 1967 and brated by Archbishop His Grace Paul continue to inspire the community he Bishop of Gozo on 20 July 1972. He Cremona O.P., the Apostolic Nuncio, served during his long episcopate. remained popular even after his retire- Bishop Emeritus Mgr Joseph Mercieca In his powerful homily, Bishop Grech ment in 2005, through his regular contri- and Vicar General Mgr Annetto De- said that the nation had lost a man “who butions and appearances in the media. pasquale, and over 180 priests. Mgr Al- had vision and gave vision”. Bishop The MCCV and its affiliated associa- fred Xuereb, the Pope’s private secretary, Grech said that Mgr Cauchi’s vision was tions extend their sincere condolences also attended the funeral. humanitarian, focused on man and every- and deepest sympathies to MCCV Presi- Sitting in the front row in the Cathedral thing that formed part of his life, includ- dent Prof Maurice Cauchi and his family. were the late Bishop’s brothers, Prof. ing family and work, adding that he may — by Dr Edwin Borg-Manché from news Maurice Cauchi (MCCV President) and not have seen the fruit of his contribution reports published in the Times of Malta Fr Achilles Cauchi, and his two sisters to the development of social life in his Tereżina and Ġemma. country. Republic Day Honours 2010 On Republic Day each year, the President Prof. Bonnici Professor Henry Frendo U.O.M. of Malta, on behalf of the Government and (left) lectured in (right) studied at people of Malta, pays public tribute to a macroeconomics the Lyceum and the number of Maltese citizens who distin- and business University of Malta, guish themselves in different fields of finance at Simon where he graduated endeavour, by appointing them to The Fraser University B.A., B.A. (Hons), National Order of Merit or to the Xirka and was senior and M.A. He ob- Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, or by awarding them lecturer in eco- tained his D.Phil. the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika. nomics at Deakin from Oxford Uni- University in Australia. In 1988 he was The Investiture Ceremony for 2010 took versity and also appointed Professor of Economics at the place at The Palace, Valletta, on Monday studied at the Uni- University of Malta and in 1991 as expert 13 December 2010. During the Ceremony, versity of Perugia. adviser to the Council of Europe. Between two former members of the Maltese com- 1988 and 1992 Bonnici served as econom- Prof. Frendo is Professor of History at the munity in Melbourne, Professor Josef ics adviser to the Prime Minister. University of Malta and has been a visiting Bonnici and Professor Henry Frendo professor at various universities in Europe, were appointed respectively Companion In 1992 Prof. Bonnici was elected to Par- Australia and the USA. and Officer to The National Order of liament. In 1993 he was given the position Merit. of Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry Prof. Frendo joined the Office of the UN of Finance and in 1995 and once again in High Commission for Refugees in Geneva Professor Josef Bonnici K.O.M. 1998, was appointed Minister of Economic and during the seventies and eighties was born in Birżebbuġa. He obtained his Services. In 2004 he became the first Mal- served with UNHCR in Europe, Africa B.A. (Hons) from the University of Malta tese member of the European Court of and Asia. He has also been involved in and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Simon Auditors, in 2006 was elected member Council of Europe local and regional gov- Fraser University in Canada specialising in responsible for the declaration of assur- ernment affairs since 1994.  econometrics, macroeconomics and mone- ance (DAS) and in 2008 was elected Dean tary economics. of its coordinating group. Page 8