Many have heard of Fr Saviour Grima, the hard-working young parish priest "in Valletta", but not many from outside the parish of St Augustine in Valletta and the Augustinian Community probably know of a change that has recently occurred.
Following the Community's Chapter in May, Fr Emanuel Borg Bonello OSA has replaced Fr Luċjan Borg OSA as provincial. Fr Luċjan will be leaving for Cuba in early August. Although expected, a harder blow was the news that Fr Grima's second term as our kappillan has expired and he is to move on.
Fr Saviour first came to our parish when he was ordained and has spent a total of 12 years in our parish. At the age of 29, he became St Augustine's parish priest, a position he has fulfilled for the past eight years.
His hard work, good qualities and heart of gold have touched many and soon became the focal point of our parish, especially in the Mandraġġ area. He went out of his way to educate and help those mostly in need. Fr Saviour loves children and youth, for whom along with helpers, he organised Christian Doctrine, Skola Sajf, St Augustine's Youth Group (SAY) and personally directed in many educational programmes. The IT learning centre for the less fortunate children of the parish and even adults is another of his milestones.
No one was far from reach of his good nature and he is loved by all, even though a staunch Birkirkara supporter, about which many enjoyed teasing him. The elderly of the parish looked at him more as their young nephew and most of us as a family member. We're all human and there were times when our ideas did not agree, but with his calm disposition and smile, he always sought a solution. But his greatest love is to give and to see people happy.
Fr Saviour has now "gone to Paceville", as we joke with him, but in reality has been assigned the post of new director of the Millennium Chapel in St Julians, where he will be working closer with youth and those who need him.
Yes, we'll miss him and there were tears in many eyes the other day when, assisted by Fr Deo, he celebrated Mass and administered First Holy Communion to children from the parish. He concluded the service with the words "I'll be leaving you and it's not easy, but I'll be taking much of you with me; what I've learnt and experienced but mostly the cherished thoughts of you.
"I will leave part of me with you as a memory to all these years that we have spent together."
We wish you good luck and may the good Lord guide you throughout your mission.
I also take this opportunity to welcome Fr Ray Francalanza OSA as our new kappillan.