Hajja Salesjana July-September 2021

15 H AJJA S ALESJANA 3. In which way are you part of the Salesian Family? Like any other Salesian confrere, my part also is to be the animating heart of the whole Salesian family. I worked for vocations; started Librerija Tag˙lim Nisrani; I was rector, vice- rector, bursar, etc for many years. I worked hard to see an oratory built in Dingli and the Juniors’ Club in Sliema, a home in Balzan, Ìnien Ìenna, and an LTN office in Sliema. I wrote the history of the Salesian Sisters in Gozo after I myself had witnessed their arrival there in 1964. I introduced the VDBs and the CDBs to Malta and Gozo. I worked with the Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco as well as with ADMA. I am also happy with the active LTN helpers group in the social communication line. What message would you like to pass on to the readers of Óajja Salesjana? Try to understand Don Bosco more and more. Try to penetrate his mind, his heart, his will. If you find yourself in a confused situation, not knowing what to do, ask yourself: “How would Don Bosco tackle the situation?” Work heartily with the Salesians and the whole Salesian family. Keep cheerful all the time and let nothing disturb your peace and tranquillity. 6. 4. Is there a phrase or a sentence from Don Bosco that inspires you in your life? Don Bosco’s prayer to God always was: “Give me souls, take away all the rest”. Like Dominic Savio, this prayer of Don Bosco, attracted my attention and influenced my choices since I was a boy. I was watching a filmstrip when I saw this sentence framed and hung against the wall in the office of Don Bosco. I have been always impressed how Don Bosco wanted nothing else from life but to give glory to God through the saving of souls which is Christ’s mission on earth for all times and nations. 5. Who is Don Bosco for you and what strikes you most about him? When I was almost about 20 years old, still a member of the MUSEUM, I had to choose between ‘tafal’ (pottery) and ‘tfal’ (children). I wanted to follow a career, or a vocation, that would help in building the Church and society. In Don Bosco, with his ‘good Christians and honest citizens’ ideal, I found the right man to emulate and decided to follow Christ on the road Don Bosco’s had trekked upon before. The Salesian Congregation became the project of my whole life. At the age of 25 I started the novitiate and I’ve been now professed for the last 55 years – that’s who Don Bosco is for me! I have been struck with his clarity of mind and his determination of the will, notwithstanding the difficulties of everyone’s life. 1969 - Teacher at Savio College