Appreciation - Canon Joseph Bonello

Canon Anton Galea-Scannura writes:

Last Saturday the Cospicua Collegiate Church was crammed with people who gathered to pay their last respects to a priest they loved and admired, Canon Cantor Joseph Bonello, a priest, a friend and a pastor.

Canon Bonello passed away some days before, on July 21. Born on November 30, 1927, he celebrated 50 years from his ordination to the priesthood not so long ago. For more than 50 years he was involved in all kinds of pastoral and social activities. In the early years of his priesthood he worked with youth, especially young workers. Inspired by the teachings of Cardinal Joseph Cardijin, he helped countless young people reflect on their social environment and act to change it for the better.

Years before Vatican Council II, Canon Bonello appreciated the role of the laity in the mission of the Church and dared to trust young people believing in their goodness and inner strength. No wonder that last Saturday in the church one could meet several people, now no longer young, who felt indebted to this priest for their formation and are now involved in several kinds of parish and social activities.

Fr Bonello was also a renowned preacher. He preached on all sorts of subjects and was familiar with all saints popular in the Maltese islands. He used to enjoy speaking about his various experiences preaching in different churches all over the island. Just some weeks before his death he had been preaching in more than one church on the occasion of the parish feast and when I met him in hospital just some days before he died he was particularly concerned about not being able to keep some of his preaching commitments. Preaching for him was not much of a duty but a joy and an expression of his inner conviction on the everlasting value of holiness.

Il-Kanonku Bonello, as everyone knew him, was particularly fond of his hometown, Cospicua. He loved its people and the city's patron, the Immaculate Virgin. He took part in practically every parish activity, be it a procession, high Mass, a social event or an ordinary meeting.

We will miss his presence in the sacristy where he was always ready to chat and share his reflections on current events.

He was involved in several associations of the parish and the city, the Legion of Mary and the St George's Band Club. Of course, his activities spread beyond the confines of the parish. He was always happy to welcome people in his office at the Curia where for several years he was Vice-Chancellor and was also involved in the Marian Culture Group, family groups and other associations.

Most will remember Canon Bonello as a good friend. He loved being with people. He was a brother to his fellow priests and a father to all who approached him with all sorts of requests. He was a friend to all, be they the Franciscan Sisters, who cared for his daily needs, or the Bormliżi for whom he was part of the city itself. Now, that Canon Bonello is nearer to the Immaculate Virgin than ever before he will surely not forget his city and its people. He deserves more than a thank you and I am sure that God, whom he served in this life, will not fail to give him his eternal friendship and blessing.