Reading Lino Bugeja's article on the importance of Vittoriosa (The Sunday Times, August 17) reminded me of that eventful March 30, 1979, on the eve of HMS London's farewell to Malta as a British naval base.

As archpriest of Vittoriosa, I also had another role as Officiating RC Chaplain RN. It was in this capacity that I was the last priest to celebrate Mass on HMS London, on the eve of its departure.

I remember that occasion very clearly. The captain, various officers and ratings, were among the congregation. After the service, I was formally 'seen off', as the captain and officers saluted me from the deck as I was escorted to the boat which took me home, right opposite the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa.

The honour I was given that day was not directed at me personally, but to all the clergy, to all Maltese and to all the people of Vittoriosa whom I was representing on that occasion.

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