Mgr Philip Calleja bids farewell to St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation

Mgr Philip Calleja who turned 80 a few months ago will not be retaining his post as a council member of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation following the termination of his latest three-year term.

Mgr Calleja, together with ambassador Richard Cachia Caruana, was instrumental in the setting up of the Foundation in 2001 by then Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami,and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca.

Mgr Calleja served as president of the foundation on several occasions; this post which is voluntary and honorary alternates between a nominee of the Prime Minister and a nominee of the Archbishop.

The foundation is made up of three members appointed by the Archbishop and three members appointed by the Prime Minister.

Whilst he lamented that the Foundation had not yet succeeded in extending the museum to exhibit adequately the Co-Cathedral’s extremely rich and unique treasures, Mgr Calleja said ithad been of great satisfaction for him to see the major conservation and restoration projects implemented successfully over the past years. These projects included the restoration of the chapel of Italy, the triumphal arches and the ongoing conservation of the unique set of Flemish tapestries.

The foundation had also sought to make the visitor’s experience at St John’s a more interesting one with the introduction of audio-guides and the promotion of religious culture through concerts, exhibitions and publications. He also thanked the sponsors involved in the implementation of some of these projects.

Caption:

Mgr Philip Calleja with José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission on his visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral.