I refer to the article ‘Asphar reunion in Malta’, (The Sunday Times of Malta, October 23). I would like to point out that there is a bronze bust of Joseph John Fatullah Hannah Asphar by Francesco Saverio Sciortino (1875-1958) in the foyer of the Salesian Theatre in Sliema. Unfortunately this was not mentioned in the write-up.
Some time ago Fr Joe Forte provided me with some information on Mr Asphar. In a speech at the inauguration of the theatre on May 8, 1908, while referring to his parents and his wife’s father Mr Asphar, Alfons Maria Galea said: “The business of their lives was the formation of their children’s characters.”
Today their preserved union and cheerful characters can be noticed in at least four generations in the group photo published in The Sunday Times of Malta last week.