I have just flipped through the first printed copy – hot from the printing press - of “The Maltese Missionary Experience”; and what a gem of a book it turned out to be.

The book is ably penned and published by Maltese missionary Fr John Caruana.

My friend John selflessly served the Church in Malta and Brazil. His life has been dedicated to the Church. Back in the 1970s he was instrumental in the introduction of a wage structure for Maltese clergy. He worked in parishes and at the Seminary. John was one of the most active members of the Council of Priests and also president of the now defunct Clergy association called Christux Rex. This was a very important pressure group constantly working for Church reform.

For over thirty years Fr Caruana served as a missionary in Brazil. Besides being active in his parish he was a stalwart of the Movement of People without Land. This work put him in many dangerous situations as the greedy landowners do not take to heart anyone who works for land reform.

He narrates part of his story in “The Maltese Missionary Experience”. But the greatness of the book lies in the wide spectrum of stories of Maltese missionaries in close to 70 countries. The experiences of bishops, diocesan priests, male and female religious and lay people working in the missions is recounted through their own words. This is a truly ecclesial book as it brings together so many happy and not so happy stories. It gives us stories of the struggle that Maltese missionaries had to undertake to preach the Gospel particularly its component of social justice. It bring us into direct contact with their work in education, health and most of all evangelisation.

"The Maltese Missionary Experience” has a coffee table format measuring 230mm by 240mm. Its 450 pages are full of unique photos of Maltese missionaries. It hits bookshops today, Christmas eve, but will be officially launched on Monday at 10am in Sala San Pawl on the first floor, at the Catholic Institute, Floriana. The public is invited.

Throughout his life Fr John did many beautiful things for the Church in Malta and abroad. The publication of this book is the latest is this long stream of beautiful things. His book is an excellent Christmas present to the Church in Malta.

Although he is now over 70-years-old, he will be returning to Brazil in the beginning of January where he will continue working within his parish.

Well done Fr John.

I wish all my readers a very Happy and Holy Christmas.

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