We all owe a lot to Dun Mikiel

Many comments, some of dubious taste or value, are seen about letters on politics and other less uplifting activities of our society.

But, not one, not one, after the illuminating article (May 16) by Mgr Philip Calleja on the inspiring life and work of Dun Mikiel Azzopardi.

For some years, Dun Mikiel and my late father, Lawrence, who was responsible for health education, were colleagues in the Department of Education.

They were of the same age and, nor rarely, their paths crossed. They became good friends. Sometimes, Dun Mikiel would open his heart and confide in him. My father, who held Dun Mikiel in the highest esteem, was certainly one of the first to learn of the vision of Dun Mikiel for his magnum opus, Id-Dar tal-Providenza, in Siġġiewi. It is a work of massive charity and generosity, which is a jewel of the Maltese Church and also of our nation.

It is a work that is supported by the good hearts of many from different segments of our good people, including contributions from migrants.

Thank God for the likes of Dun Mikiel. Our country, our people, our Church, his “angels”, as Dun Mikiel so lovingly called the handicapped; we all owe him a lot.