Ten years ago the start of the millennium saw coming into being the fruit of an initiative by Fr Hilary Tagliaferro. Well known in sport and social circles, Fr Hilary founded a small complex including a remarkably attractive chapel designed by Richard England, aptly named the Millennium Chapel.

Set in the heart of Paceville, the chapel, an oasis of serenity, began attracting a steady flow of people throughout the day, but mostly in late evening and the night. They included the faithful dropping in for a renewal of faith in the Lord, finding Him in the simplicity which is His hallmark and the hallmark of the chapel.

Others too came along. Among them young and older people alike to whom faith was stretched but who felt a need to escape the harsh reality of their lives to seek fresh hope and solace in the Lord.

Fr Hilary’s initiative, surely inspired from above and fired with the energy of a man of deep faith, succeeded magnificently. It gave its results in the form of individuals with head bowed for minutes or even hours seeking in the chapel what they had lost or could not find elsewhere.

The outcome moved Fr Hilary to take another initiative. Another simple thought, dubbed WOW – Wishing Others Well – saw the small complex around the Millennium Chapel developed into the framework for another kind of haven. Having helped to create an oasis where the spiritually parched could slake their thirst, Fr Hilary set about putting together an unobtrusive network of people ready to extend a hand of help to those who need it. A group which gave support in the form of a listening ear, guidance and friendship, yes. But also materially, with quiet mobilisation of assistance to be able to help the needy who sought assistance from WOW, throughout the year and with a very substantial number of hampers around Christmas time.

Self-inflicted drug addicts, victims of peer pressure or exploitation, the materially poor and other marginalised individuals – they stepped into the Millennium complex attracted by the greatest gift of all – hope. Fr Hilary and those who selflessly helped him offered hope if nothing else.

The initiative became an institution with its founder as its committed, ever smiling, ever open director. Yet no initiative, if it is to be a sustainable success, can rest solely on any individual. We are mortal. Fr Hilary had discussed the point briefly in the homily he gave two years ago when I reached my 70th and he celebrated at the Mass of thanksgiving. Discussing senior age and retirement he spoke of three kinds of fools – pathetic old fools, bitter old fools and holy old fools, in each case none wanting to give up.

Knowing the lesson, now 75, he heeded it. Fr Hilary advised the Order of St Augustine, to which he and his initiatives belong, that it was time to appoint a successor, though he would continue to give his undiminished input as the founder. Fr Saviour Grima was selected for the mission, for more than a task that is what it is.

Fr Saviour is an apt choice and can be expected to help maintain and freshen up the Millennium Oasis. Among other things he has run the St Augustine parish in Valletta with good success, not least in social matters.

The wisdom of introducing change when one is able to help it work is probably not the last contribution by Fr Hilary to the Millennium initiative.

Long may it last.