Jana Vukovic writes:

Fr Joe Saliba OFM Cap was such a dedicated priest. True, his homilies were long at times. But every word coming out of his mouth was so inspiring.

He would not stop hammering relentlessly on a sensitive topic, to make jolly sure the message penetrated everybody’s head... even the thickest one! He wouldn’t play on words.

He once told me he was aware of the duration of his homilies and also that some people grumbled. But he just could not help it because people needed to be taught and open their heart to the truth.

I used to love listening to him preach.

He was a humble teacher of God’s Word. He would explain in great detail the readings of the day. His facial language further enhanced what he meant to convey to the congregation.

On the last Friday of his life, he was celebrating the 5.30pm Mass at Mensija chapel and one of the things he mentioned was “that unknown hour” - the hour when the Master of Life calls us to Him.

It can be said that his parting was truly at a very unexpected hour. He lived near the altar he loved so much and collapsed near it. When God called him on the morning of November 16, He found him faithfully at work. He had just finished celebrating Mass.

Three weeks before, he had paid a comforting visit to my dying brother, Sandro, and also to a dear dying friend, Sr Rose Azzopardi SJA. His presence was enough to radiate the spirit of the Creator, let alone his words.

At San Ġwann parish church and at Mensija chapel, he will be greatly missed.

Fr Joe has been called to the Father’s House. He certainly is now where he long deserved to be: at home with Jesus and Mary.