Br Louis Camilleri, FSC

Alfred Conti Borda writes:

Soft-spoken, peaceful and unassuming, Br Louis had for years been delivering lectures on St John Baptist De La Salle to the enthusiastic group of lay people Signum Fidei (Sign of Faith).

I attended some of his lectures in the mid 1970s when I was still an undergraduate student of Maltese at the University. His articulate, crystal-clear and well-defined ideas, expressed in impeccable Maltese, were music to my ears.

Born on September 1, 1923, Br Louis was set on becoming a teacher. He joined the Christian Brothers of De La Salle. In the first week of September 1938, he left Malta for the south of France, where the Brothers had their novitiate at Avignon.

The outbreak of World War II did not deter him, nor did the occupation of Vichy France by the Nazis in November 1942. Moreover, he was determined to proceed with his Lasallian studies even when the Gestapo came to enquire about the Maltese Brothers, including himself, at St Maurice L’Exil, a Lasallian institution.

After fleeing to Lyon with Br Norbert, Br Louis continued with his studies, which were frequently interrupted by Allied air raids. He finally obtained his teaching certificate and returned to Malta in 1945.

Since then, thousands of students who came under his loving care and supervision progressed, as can be attested by the many Lasallian alumni who had successful careers. He took his final vows on Easter Sunday in 1948 and again went to France to further his higher studies.

From the formal teaching of geography, religion and languages, as well as school administration, Br Louis took up gardening as he argued the natural environment was a series of steps leading us to the creator. He encouraged many students to pursue this hobby. Inspired by his example, they helped to embellish Stella Maris College with plants and trees.

Br Louis continued in the service of the Lord until he was called to His kingdom on May 29.

In his homily at the funeral Mass, Fr Jesmond Grech, spiritual director of Stella Maris College, delivered a wonderful tribute to Br Louis and the packed congregation was testament to the high esteem in which Br Louis was held.