Mgr Charles Vella, Milan writes:

Whenever I receive the news that one of the early pioneers of the Cana Movement has passed away, I very much feel that part of me has gone too. This is the case of an old-time friend and co-worker in the movement, Dr Misael Cassar, 85, of Rabat.

Misael was very much like the Biblical name he bore, because he was a man of God. He was fully dedicated to his family, in particular his wife Valerie, his patients and the Church.

Misael had a very warm human touch, care and professional skill for all his patients.

As a general practitioner he entered most homes and convents, for at whatever time he was called through many decades of medical practice Dr Cassar was ready to go to his patients.

In the medical profession, Misael stood out as a model for all doctors, never seeking to profit from his patients.

Rabat is replete with religious convents and priests, nuns and religious people. All called upon him for medical care. He was very close to the Missionary Society of St Paul at St Agatha’s Convent. He cared for so many priests, such as the saintly Fr Michael Callus, the one-time superior, Fr Wistin Azzopardi, and hosts of others.

He was imbued by the humble spirit of the saintly founder, Mgr Joseph Depiro, hopefully on the way to beatification. These religious people and hosts of others from various Orders will all be praying for their friend Misael.

When the time came nearly 50 years ago, I asked Misael to help and to be our president. He not only believed in the Cana Movement but loved it so much that he opened the Cana House at St Agatha. He was one of the best teachers in marriage preparation, a believer in the natural methods and very anxious to see that the Church backed the movement. His joy this last year was following Pope Francis.

In all this, and more, Misael worked as a Samaritan ready to “pour wine and vinegar” on the physical, psychological and spiritual wounds of countless people. This he did with sincere love, humanity and joy typical of his noble Christian character.

Miseal was a man to all men and women who sought his help, for he believed that he found more joy in giving than in receiving. This is why he did not seek glory, money or political career, because his deep spirituality was Christ-like.

His dear wife Valerie, his children, particularly David, a doctor, deserve our thoughts and encouragement.