Recently during Net TV’s Iswed fuq l-Abjad, on the 30th anniversary of Tal-Barrani, the many qualities of Mary Fenech Adami were referred to by her daughter Maria Cassar and Louis Galea. They were answering questions posed by Frank Psaila to accentuate the vital role of this exceptional woman even in the most difficult times.
Above all, her faith in God was outstanding. She was a perfect witness to the gospel teachings with joy – the source of her wisdom. She gave her all for patients whom she visited in London despite her lack of eagerness to travel for leisure. A popular anecdote emphasising her faith was when accompanying her husband and his delegation in China. Before Mass she said: Jesus follows us wherever we go, even in China.
Although it is an interesting experience to live in a palace while carrying out one’s duties – uniquely when First Lady – she opted for a continuation of her ordinary lifestyle communicating with people in her own special way.
Transmitting joy around her she could be altruistic, empathetic and forgiving, endearing herself to people irrespective of different opinions and beliefs. These included Labour supporters who still refer to her with respect. She was fully aware of the value of gratitude and humility and of doing away with arrogance, antagonism and discrimination.
This brings to mind Edith Cavell. She was a British nurse known for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides without discrimination and in helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during World War I, for which she was sentenced to death. On her memorial in St Martin’s Place, London, one can read her own words which are far from easy to put into practice: “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred and bitterness for anyone.”
This is what Mary Fenech Adami’s legacy is all about – the basis of Christian values for a truly better world where – as Henri Frederic Amiel says – there is no respect for others without humility in one’s self. This authentic great-hearted lady deserves a similar memorial – and it would be an inspiration to all.