An exemplary life lived for the good of others

Fr Philip Demarco passed away from this life last Thursday afternoon. His funeral was celebrated in the parish church of St Julians, where for the past 40 years he offered his priestly ministry.

During this long span of time he also worked at Central Office Children's Homes assisting its first director, the late Mgr Maurice Grech, then his very close friend the late Fr Arthur Barbara, Fr Noel Vassallo and myself. He gave his very best in the delicate work of caring and protecting children in distress although very often he was conditioned by his frail health.

Because Fr Philip was convinced that a child's place is within a family, he encouraged his superiors and social workers to set up within the Church in Malta and civil society the first child day-care centres.

Besides, he strongly promoted the After-Care and Preventive Care Programmes. In the beginning he used the many contacts he had and the parishioners who attended his Sunday noon Mass to collect money to finance this initiative which is still on. For quite a number of years he acted as secretary to the Archdiocesan Commission for Children's Homes.

Only God knows the good Fr Philip has done in the performance of his pastoral duties and the many people he helped financially. And very often he suffered in silence.

Thank you, Fr Philip, and please pray for us.