On July 3, Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona ordained four new priests during Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral. We used to congratulate newly-ordained priests by greeting them with “ad multos annos”, wishing them a long apostolic life.

This ordination reminds me of Fr Salvatore Mellone, who died on June 29 at the age of 38.

Two years before his ordination, he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer; however, by special permission and with the blessing of Pope Francis, he was ordained nevertheless.

He had been a priest of the Archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie for two and a half months.

Despite his failing health, he was able to say Mass daily, baptise a child, console other sick patients in hospital and inspire hope in everyone.

Two days before his April 16 ordination, Fr Mellone received a phone call from Pope Francis: “The first blessing you’ll give as a priest, you’ll give it to me. Salvatore, I’m with you. You’ll be ordained and you’ll celebrate Mass.”

During the last days of his life, when he was losing his sight, Fr Mellone said that he had learned to pray with nature.

With his weak voice, he constantly prayed to the rhythm of life that came into his room from the balcony.