August 4, the feast of St Dominic in Valletta, marks three months since the death of Fr Vincent Portelli, OP. It is fitting that we thank God for helping Patri Vincenz during his life, especially in the last months when his health waned. All who knew him could not but be saddened by his death.
It was at 8.30 a.m. on May 4, the first Saturday devoted to Our Lady, when the bells of the church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima in Guardamangia tolled to announce the death of Fr Portelli. The day before I had spent the last hour with him, surrounded by his family, who loved and respected him. Afterwards I went straight to a meeting of the Dominican laity where I gave my friends the news. We prayed with Fr Joe Vassallo to God and to Our Lady, whom he loved so much, to watch over him.
A most affable person, with a strong character who was immensely generous, Fr Portelli made numerous friends. This could be seen by the large crowd who attended the concelebrated funeral Mass, among them President de Marco, led by Provincial Fr Charles Fenech, OP.
In his homily, Fr Fenech said that there was not a single pulpit in Malta and Gozo from which Fr Portelli had not spread the Word of God. He was seriously dedicated to the vocation of preaching, his foremost lifelong ideal as a Dominican.
Undoubtedly, one of the most important dates in Fr Portelli's life was February 1, 1968, when Archbishop Gonzi declared the church of Our Lady of Fatima a parish. The Dominican Province appointed him the first parish priest and he held the post for 13 years.
I recall when he came to Guardamangia the first time. A spontaneous, lively meeting was held specially for him. The meeting filled him with courage because he was convinced that no parish priest could fulfil his pastoral duties properly unless the parishioners did not warm to him so that he could work hand in hand with them.
Many people in Guardamangia knew him before his arrival here, when he lived in the convent. They probably knew him as a young priest, a football fan. He would group children and take them to train or play football in towns and villages around Malta.
As a parish priest, the parishioners saw in him a sincere friend who wanted their good and who was ready to help them in their spiritual and material needs.
During these past 21 years and until his health permitted, Fr Portelli worked in the parish of St Dominic's, especially during the feast. St Dominic certainly interceded for him and God rewarded him for his true devotion to Him.
Another important factor in Fr Portelli's life was his great respect for the Dominican community. He always praised the devotion, especially of his superiors and most of all his prior, Fr Henry Abela, who would accompany him for walks when he became ill.
Fr Portelli may have left this earth but he is still with us in our memories and in the example he left us, in the kind words he had for everyone, in the sound advice he gave us. As we remember all this, we will never forget him.
Thank you, Patri Vincenz.