Category: Maltese Franciscans

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Fr. George Aquilina OFM

George Aquilina is a Franciscan Friar Minor from Malta. He was born in 1939 and entered the Franciscan Province of Malta in 1955. He was ordained priest in 1964.

Main publications:

Marco da Viterbo (1304-1369 Ministro Generale dei Frati Minori, Cardinale e Nunzio Apostolico, Roma 1971. L-Ispiritwalità Franġiskana, Malta 1982.

‘The Maltese Franciscans and Marian Devotions in the 17th. and 18th. Centuries, in Marian Devotion in the Islands of St Paul, (V. Borg, ed.) Malta 1983.

Il-Moviment Franġiskan, Malta 1984.

Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira tal-Belt, Malta 1986

‘Una Devozione Nazionale a Malta per il Crocefisso di Frate Umile’, in Frate Umile da Petralia, (Atti del Convegno, Mojo Alcantara 20/21- XI- 1985, S. Agati-S. Nibali, edd.), Catania 1987, 81-88.

Catalogue of the Records of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Vol. II, Part 8, Malta 1991. ‘Les Hospitaliers à Malte (1530-1798), in L’Ordre de Malte dans les Pays-Bas Méridionaux (XIIe-XVIIIe Siécles, (in French an in Flemish)1993, 31-40.

‘The Carmelites, the Oratorians and the Nuns in Birgu’, in Birgu the Maritime City, (L. Bugeja, et al., edd.), Malta 1993.

The Origin of Franciscanism in Late Medieval Malta, in conjunction with S. Fiorini, Malta 1994.

‘Organs and Organ-Builders in 17th. to 19th. Century Malta’, in Old Oragns in Malta and Gozo. A collection of studies., (H. Agius-L. Buono, edd.), Malta 1999, 133-168.

Il-Franġiskani f’Għajnsielem. Il-Knisja u l-Kunvent ta’ S. Antnin, 100 sena ta’ storja, Malta 2000.

Il-Qaddejja ta’ Alla Madre Margerita De Brincat: Evanġelizzatriċi ta’ l-Imħabba, (in Maltese, English, Italian), Malta 2000.

Documentary Sources of Maltese History,Part IV, Documents at the Vatican, Visita Apostolica di Mons. P. Dusina, (inconjunction with S. Fiorini), Malta 2001.

San Ġorġ Martri ta’ Kristu. Tagħrif storiku. Malta 2003.

‘San Giorgio, il Santo della Palestina’ in San Giorgio e il Mediterraneo, (Atti del II Colloquio internazionale per il XVII Centenario, Roma, 28-30 nov. 2003, G. de’ Giovanni-Centelled ed.), Citta’ del Vaticano 2004, 21-40.

Is-Sorijiet Ġerosolimitani: Il-Knisja u l-Monasteru ta’ SantUrsola, Valletta, Malta 2004 (transtaled in Italian 2005).

Documentary Sources of Maltese History, Part IV, Documents at the Vatican, Cancelleria Apostolica and related sources at the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, 417-1479, (in conjunction with S. Fiorini), Malta 2005.

The full clause explaining the “et coetera” abbreviation in two manuscripts of the National Library of Malta, Malta 2005.

Fra Diego Bonanno OFM. Fran?iskan li ?aseb fil-fqir, Malta 2006. ‘Le Arti Figurative nelle relazioni conventuali tra Sicilia e Malta, in Sicilia e Malta Le Isole del Grand Tour, R. Bondin – F. Pantano, edd.), Malta 2007, 125-133.

‘Malta e il Conte Ruggero. La Liturgia dopo la Conquista Normanna per un nuovo Status Quaestionis’, in Ruggero I Gran Conte di Sicilia 1101-2001, (Atti del Congresso internazionale di studi per il IX Centenario , Troina 29 sett.- 2 Dic. 2001, G. de’ Giovanni-Centelles, ed.), Roma 2007, 25-33.

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Fr. Marcello Ghirlando OFM

Marcello Ghirlando is a Franciscan Friar Minor from Malta. He was born in 1962 and entered the Franciscan Province of Malta in 1978. He was ordained priest in 1986.

Publications

Books

  • The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5, 17-21):  A Ministry of the New Covenant, of the Spirit and of Rightiousness (2 Cor 3, 4-11) in the Service of Evangelisation, Dissertatio ad Doctoratum in Facultate Theologiae, Pontificia Universitas Gregoriana, Malta 2004.
  • Kristu Rebbieħ fuq ix-Xitan, Sfida Dejjem Żagħżugħa, Ed. Tau, Malta 1997.
  • Fraħt Meta Qaluli Sejrin f’Dar il-Mulej, Talb għall-Pellegrinaġġ fl-Art Imqaddsa, Kummissarjat ta’ l-Art Imqaddsa – Ed.  Tau, Malta 2000.
  • San Pawl fil-Ħajja tan-Nisrani, ĊAK Publications, Malta 2008.
  • Il-Bibbja f’Idejna – Introduzzjoni Ġenerali għall-Kotba Mqaddsa, (Compendium of 84 Articles published between January 2003-July 2008 in the series Il-Bibbja f’Idejna), Ed. Tau, Kummissarjat tal-Art Imqaddsa, Malta 2008.
  • (In Preparation 2009) Ħarsa lejn L-Ambjent tal-Ġdid Testment.

Articles

  • Il-Purċissjoni ta’ Kuljum lejn is-Santu Sepulkru, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 7, Nru. 32, 1986, 40-42.
  • It-Tmien Bibien ta’ Ġerusalemm, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 8, Nru. 39, 1987, 207-208.
  • Marija fin-Nukleju Storiku tal-Vanġeli tal-Infanzja, (1),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 9, Nru. 45, 1988, 342-349.
  • Marija fin-Nukleju Storiku tal-Vanġeli tal-Infanzja, (1),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 9, Nru. 47, 1988, 399-401.
  • “Iżżu ħajr lil Alla f’kollox” (2 Tess 5, 16), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 10, Nru. 53, 1989, 108-111.
  • “Alla Ħabbeb id-dinja miegħu”, Ir-Rikonċiljazzjoni f’ 2 Kor 5, 17-21,(1),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 11, Nru. 57, 1990, 216-222.
  • “Alla Ħabbeb id-dinja miegħu”, Ir-Rikonċiljazzjoni f’ 2 Kor 5, 17-21,(2),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 11, Nru. 58, 1990, 243-246.
  • “Alla Ħabbeb id-dinja miegħu”, Ir-Rikonċiljazzjoni f’ 2 Kor 5, 17-21,(3),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 11, Nru. 59, 1990, 281-285.
  • “Alla Ħabbeb id-dinja miegħu”, Ir-Rikonċiljazzjoni f’ 2 Kor 5, 17-21,(4),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 11, Nru. 60, 1990, 312-316.
  • “Alla Ħabbeb id-dinja miegħu”, Ir-Rikonċiljazzjoni f’ 2 Kor 5, 17-21,(1),  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 61, 1991, 343-348.
  • San Pawl, Appostlu u Missier, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru 62, 1991, 371-374.
  • “Jiena Lhudi minn Tarsu”, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 63, 1991, 403-408.
  • Fit-Triq lejn Damasku, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 64, 1991, 435-442.
  • “Għamilt Safar bla Għadd”, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 65, 1991, 467-469.
  • L-Ewwel Vjaġġ Missjunarju, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 65, 1991, 470-475.
  • Il-Konċilju ta’ Ġerusalemm, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 66, 1991, 499-503.
  • It-Tieni Vjaġġ Missjunarju, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 13, Nru. 67, 1992, 3-10.
  • It-Tielet Vjaġġ Missjunarju, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 13, Nru. 68, 1992, 35-41.
  • Proċessi u Difiżi f’Ġerusalemm u f’Ċesarija, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 13, Nru. 69, 1992, 67-72.
  • Jaħtieġ li tagħti Xhieda f’Ruma, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 13, Nru. 70, 1992, 98-103.
  • Il-Missjoni ta’ l-Art mqaddsa, Missjoni bħall-oħrajn?, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 14, Nru. 76, 1993, 303-308.
  • L-Istudju Bibliku Franġiskan, Ċentru ta’ Tagġlim u Kultura Biblika f’Ġerusalemm, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 14, Nru. 76, 1993, 313-316.
  • L-Ewwel Ittra lit-Tessalonkin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 14, Nru. 77, 1993, 337-343.
  • It-Tieni Ittra lit-Tessalonkin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 14, Nru. 78, 1993, 370-373.
  • L-Ewwel Ittra lill-Korintin,(1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 79, 1994, 393-397.
  • L-Ewwel Ittra lill-Korintin, (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 80, 1994, 429-437.
  • Ibqa’ Magħna Mulej! (Lq 24, 13-35), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 80, 1994, 442-446.
  • It-Tieni Ittra lill-Korintin, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 81, 1994, 460-464.
  • It-Tieni Ittra lill-Korintin, (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 82, 1994, 490-493.
  • “Mur u Agħmel Hekk Int Ukoll, Itinerarju ta’ l-Imħabba (Lq 10, 25-37), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 82, 1994, 506-509.
  • Nitgħallmu Nitolbu bil-Kelma ta’ Alla (Lq 10, 38-42), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 83, 1994, 530-533.
  • Illum Twildilkom Salvatur li Hu Kristu l-Mulej (Lq 2, 1-20), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 84, 1994, 556-563.
  • Ġwanni l-Battista Leħen jgħajjat fid-Deżert, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 84, 1994, 69-573.
  • Il-Franġiskani u l-Bażilka tal-Qabar ta’ Kristu – Ħjiel Storiku; Riti Ortodossi fil-Bażilka tal-Qabar ta’ Kristu; Ftuħ u Għeluq tal-Bieb tal-Bażilka tal-Qabar ta’ Kristu; “Statu Quo”, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1994, 23-32.
  • Sant’Antnin u l-Iskrittura, in Min kien Sant’Antnin ta’ Padova, Istitut Franġiskan  Provinċja Franġiskana Maltija, Ed. Tau, 1995, 79-91.
  • L-Ittra lill-Galatin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 85, 1995, 3-9.
  • L-Ittra lir-Rumani, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 86, 1995, 42-45.
  • Telqu kollox u Marru Warajh(Lq 5, 5-11), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 86, 1995, 46-49.
  • Ħjiel fuq il-Festa ta’ l-Għid u l-Ażżmi, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 86, 1995, 59-62.
  • L-Ittra lir-Rumani, (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 87, 1995, 73-77.
  • Intom Xhud ta’ Dan (Lq 24, 36-49), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 87, 1995, 90-93.
  • L-Ittra lir-Rumani, (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 88, 1995, 104-107.
  • L-Ittra lir-Rumani, (4), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 89, 1995, 131-133.
  • L-Ittra lir-Rumani, (5), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 16, Nru. 90, 1995, 165-167.
  • Bethleħem, Il-Belt ta’ David u tal-Messija; Għajnuna lill-Pellegrini; Il-Parroċċa ta’ Betleħem; L-Iskola Parrokkjali; Għajnuna lill-Morda, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1995, 19-28.
  • L-Ittra lill-Filippin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 91, 1996, 199-203.
  • L-Ittra lil Filemon, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 92, 1996, 231-233.
  • Id-Dawl, Simboli Bibliċi (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 92, 1996, 234-240.
  • L-Ittra lill-Kolossin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 93, 1996, 263-269.
  • In-Nar, Simboli Bibliċi (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 93, 1996, 277-282.
  • L-Ittra lill-Efesin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 94, 1996, 293-298.
  • L-Ittri Pastorali, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 96, 1996, 355-359.
  • Bħal Tarbija f’Ħoġor Ommha, Hekk hi Ruħi ġewwa fija, Salm 131, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 96, 1996, 363-367.
  • De Profundis, Innu lill-Maħfra ta’ Alla (Salm 130), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 17, Nru. 96, 1996, 372-376.
  • Il-Vanġelu ta’ Nażaret, Ġużeppi r-Raġel Ġust ta’ Nażaret; Ħawt tal-Magħmudija; Kont Taf?; Nażaret u l-Franġiskani, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru 1996, 2-5, 20-21,24-29.
  • L-Ewwel Ittra lil Timotju, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 97, 1997, 387-390.
  • Ġesu’ Kristu Skond il-Vanġelu ta’ San Luqa, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 97, 1997, 395-400.
  • It-Tieni Ittra lil Timotju, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 98, 1997, 423-426.
  • Il-Makkabin, Difensuri ta’ Poplu, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 98, 1997, 442-445.
  • L-Ittra lil Titu, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 99, 1997, 451-453.
  • Il-Mulej Hu r-Ragħaj Tieghi, Salm 23, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 100, 1997, 488-493.
  • Id-Dnub ta’ Adam fit-Teoloġija ta’ San Pawl, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 101, 1997, 538-541.
  • Il-Kotba ta’ l-Għerf fl-Antik Testment, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 102, 1997, 550-555.
  • Kurżitajiet Biblici, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 18, Nru. 102, 1997, 567-569.
  • Is-Sejħa ta’ l-Imgħallem; “L-Għadira ta’ Ġesu’” Qalba tal-Ministeru, Ippriedka, Għallem, Fejjaq…; Il-Franġiskani madwar l-Għadira, Presenza u Impenn,  L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru 1997, 2-6, 22-28, 30-31.
  • Introduzzjoni għal Ġudajiżmu, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 103, 1998, 20-26.
  • Introduzzjoni għal Ġudajiżmu, (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 104, 1998, 38-42.
  • Imbierek min Ġej f’Isem il-Mulej, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 104, 1998, 47-48.
  • “Min Ra Lili Ra lill-Missier”, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 104, 1997, 54-56.
  • Introduzzjoni għal Ġudajiżmu, (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 105, 1998, 71-74.
  • Introduzzjoni għal Ġudajiżmu, (4), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 106, 1998, 99-101.
  • Introduzzjoni għal Ġudajiżmu, (5), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 107, 1998, 131-135.
  • Introduzzjoni għal Ġudajiżmu, (6), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 19, Nru. 108, 1998, 163-166.
  • Hawn “Tgħabba bi Tbatijietna”, “Ishru Miegħi”; Ħaġġruh barra l-Belt,  L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru 1998, 18-19, 30.
  • Sataniżmu u Okkult, in Is-Sataniżmu, Knisja 2000, Sena VIII, 1998, 9-16.
  • Bagħathom Tnejn Tnejn (Lq 10-1-24), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 20, Nru. 112, 1999, 291-294.
  • L-Apokalissi ta’ San Ġwann, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 20, Nru. 113, 1999, 323-327.
  • Ix-Xitan fl-Iskrittura, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 20, Nru. 113, 1997, 335-346.
  • Fl-Ewkaristija…jitwettaq Patt ma’ Alla bid-Demm ta’ Kristu;  Fuq l-Għolja Sijon – Santwarji Oħra;  Fiċ-Ċenaklu Ġesu’ jwiegħed u jippreżenta l-Ispirtu s-Santu, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Jannar-Frar 2000, 4-7, 25-27, 29-32.
  • Kif taqra l-Bibbja, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 115, 2000, 387-390.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Il-Ħdud tar-Randan B, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 115, 2000, 399-406.
  • L-Ilma, Simboli Bibliċi (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 116, 2000, 419-422.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Il-Ħdud ta’ l-Għid B, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 116, 2000, 439-446.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Il-Ħdud Matul is-Sena XVII-XXV B, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 118, 2000, 469-478.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Il-Ħdud Matul is-Sena XXVI-XXXII B, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 119, 2000, 501-511.
  • Il-Vanġelu ta’ San Ġwann, (1) L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 120, 515-520.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Il-Ħdud ta’ l-Avvent u l-Milied C, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 21, Nru. 120, 2000, 533-541.
  • Il-Vanġelu ta’ San Ġwann, (2) L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 121, 2001,555-560.
  • Il-Festi tal-Pellegrinaġġ Lhudi, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 121, 2001, 561-563.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Il-Ħdud tar-Randan sat-tielet Ħadd ta’ l-Għid C, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 121, 2001, 565-576.
  • Il-Vanġelu ta’ San Ġwann, (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 122, 2001, 42-45.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, Ir-raba’ Ħadd ta’ l-Għid sat-Twelid tal-Battista C, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 122, 2001, 53-61.
  • Luqa 7, 36-50, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 124, 2001, 114.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 124, 2001, 115.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, XXII – XXX Matul is-Sena C, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 124, 2001, 117-124.
  • L-SBF ta’ Ġerusalemm:  Ċentru ta’ Kultura Biblika, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 125, 2001, 137-139.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 125, 2001, 146-147.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, XXXI – XXIV Matul is-Sena C, Ħdud ta’ l-Avvent u l-Milied Sena A,  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 125, 2001, 149-158.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 126, 2001, 178-179.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, L-Ewwel tas-Sena, Epifanija, I – V Matul is-Sena, I –II Randan Sena A, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 22, Nru. 126, 2001, 181-189.
  • Ġrajja ta’ Għolja – Ħjiel ta’ Ġeografija u Storja, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru –Diċembru 2001, 20-21.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (4), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 127, 2002, 209-211.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, III-VI Randan, I-V Għid Sena A, Vol 23, Nru. 127, 2002, 214-221.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, VI Ħadd ta’ l-Għid, Lapsi, Pentekoste, Trinita’ Qaddisa, Corpus Christi, X-XII Matul is-Sena A, Vol 23, Nru. 128, 2002, 245-252.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (5), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 128, 2002, 254-256.
  • Fis-Salib il-Ħajja, Bis-Salib Imqaddes tiegħek inti fdejtna;  Via Dolorosa, Il-Kappelli u l-Istazzjonijiet fit-toroq ta’ Ġerusalemm Illum,  L-Art Imqaddsa Suppliment Marzu-April 2002, 9-10, 20-25.
  • Min hu l-Ispirtu s-Santu, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 129, 2002, 265-270.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (6), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 129, 2002, 273-275.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, XIV-XXII Matul is-Sena A, Vol 23, Nru. 129, 2002, 277-284.
  • Il-Kelma ta’ Alla għalina illum, XXIII – XXX Matul is-Sena A, Vol 23, Nru. 130, 2002, 309-316.
  • Il-Barka fl-Iskrittura, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 131, 2002, 323-326.
  • Pawlu Appostlu ta’ Ġesu’ Kristu, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 131, 2002, 327-329.
  • L-Ittra ta’ Ġakbu, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 131, 2002, 330-334.
  • P. Gabriele M.Allegra OFM, Appostlu tal-Kelma fic-Ċina, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 23, Nru. 131, 2002, 335-340.
  • Il-Ktieb tal-Proverbji minsuġ f’Ambjent Skolastiku, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 133, 2003, 406-416.
  • Il-Profetiżmu, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 134, 2003, 433-434.
  • Il-Moviment Sapjenzjali;  Il-Ktieb tal-Proverbji,  L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 134, 2003, 436-447.
  • Il-Profetiżmu, (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 135, 2003, 463-469.
  • Il-Ktieb ta’ Ġob, (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 135, 2003, 472-478.
  • Il-Profetiżmu (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 136, 2003, 483-485.
  • Il-Ktieb ta’ Ġob. (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 136, 2003, 501-510.
  • Il-Ktieb ta’ Koħelet, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 137, 2003, 536-541.
  • Persunaġġi Nisa fil-Bibbja, (7), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 24, Nru 138, 2003, 566-567.
  • Ġwanni l-Battista – Leħen igħajjat fid-Deżert;  Marija Arka tal-Patt il-Ġdid – Is-Santwarju tal-Viżitazzjoni;  Il-Benedictus – Innu lill-Ħniena ta’ Alla, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru 2003, 2-6, 7-10, 11-13.
  • Prinċipji Ġenerali ta’ Storja Biblika skond il-Profeti, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 25, Nru. 141, 2004, 67-70.
  • Marija tgħożż f’qalbha, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 25, Nru. 141, 2004, 87-90.
  • Nitolbu bis-Salmi fil-Liturġija tas-Sigħat, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 25, Nru. 141, 2004, 91-93.
  • Il-Vokazzjoni Profetika, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 25, Nru. 142, 2004, 112-120.
  • Persunaġġi Bibliċi – Abjatar, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 25, Nru. 143, 2004, 153-155.
  • Persuanġġi Bibliċi – Abija, Abraham, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 25, Nru. 143, 2004, 181-191.
  • L-Istudju Bibliku Franġiskan, Ċentru ta’ Tagħlim u Kultura Biblika f’Ġerusalemm;  L-Istudju Bibliku Franġiskan f’Hong Kong, L-Art Imqaddsa Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru 2004, 4-9, 24-26.
  • Il-Konverżjoni fil-Ġdid Testment, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 26, Nru. 145, 2005, 207-210.
  • Persunaġġi Bibliċi – Absalom, Akis, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 26, Nru. 145, 2005, 215-218.
  • Persunaġġi Bibliċi – Adam, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 26, Nru. 149, 2005, 345-350.
  • Il-Vanġeli tat-Tfulija, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 26, Nru. 150, 2005, 372-380.
  • Fit-Triq Lejn Damasku:  Konverżjoni jew Ħolqien Ġdid?, San Pawl l-Appostlu tal-Ġnus, Knisja 2000, Sena XVI, Nru. 76, 2006, 3-9.
  • Iċ-Ċirkustanzi Soċjali tal-Lhud fil-Palestina u d-Diaspora fi żmien il-Ġdid Testment, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 29, Nru. 159, 2008, 32-33.
  • L-Inbid fil-Bibbja, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 29, Nru. 159, 2008, 34-35.
  • It-Tieġ f’Kana (Ġwanni 2, 1-12), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 29, Nru. 159, 2008, 36-39.

Book reviews

  • G.C. BOTTINI – L. DI SEGNI – E. ALLIATA (ed.), Christian Archaelogy in the Holy Land, New Discoveries.  Essays in Honour of Virgilio C. Corbo OFM, Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (Collectio Maior 36) Jerusalem 1990, pp.596, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 12, Nru. 62, 1991, 400.
  • G.C. BOTTINI, Introduzione all’opera di Luca.  Aspetti Teologici, (SBF Analecta 35), Jerusalem 1992, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 14, Nru. 73, 1992, 225.
  • Ġ. ABELA OFM, L-Art Imqaddsa mal-Franġiskani. Gwida għas-Santwarji, Kummissarjat ta’ l-Art Imqaddsa – Ed. Tau. Malta 1994, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol 15, Nru. 82, 1994, 510-512.
  • Jordan, published by the Jordanian Ministry of Information, Amman, Jordan, Second (revised) Edition, 160pp., 1981. The Holy Land, Illustrated Quarterly of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, Spring 1988, p.39.
  • Rabinovich A., Jerusalem, The Measure of The Year, Carta Publishers, Jerusalem 1985, 160pp,  The Holy Land, Illustrated Quarterly of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, Summer 1988, p. 100.110.

Translations

  • (In Preparation – 2009)  MURPHY-O’CONNOR J., Jesus and Paul, Parallel Lives, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota 2007, pp. 121.
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Fr. Noel Muscat OFM

Noel Muscat is a Franciscan Friar Minor from Malta. He was born in 1957 and entered the Franciscan Province of Malta in 1977. He was ordained priest in 1984.

List of publications:

Franġiskani Veri. Ħajjiet ta’ Qaddisin Franġiskani b’messaġġ għal żmienna [True Franciscans. Lives of Franciscan Saints with a message for our times] , TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 1987, pp. 131.

The Life of Saint Francis in the Light of Saint Bonaventure’s Theology on the “Verbum Crucifixum”, TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 1989, pp. 271.

“The Liber Naturae as a source of Revelation in the Sermones of Anthony of Padova”, offprints Melita Theologica, Vol. XLVI, 1995, no. 1, 37-49.

Assisi mal-Franġiskani [Assisi with the Franciscans. Guide book to the Franciscan shrines of Assisi, La Verna and Valle Reatina], TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 1996, pp. 104.

Storja qasira ta’ l-Ordni Franġiskan Sekular [Short History of the Secular Franciscan Order], TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 1999, pp. 16.

“Aħna li għexna miegħu”. Il-Ħajja ta’ San Franġisk t’Assisi mill-Pinna ta’ l-Ewlenin Sħabu, Leggenda dei Tre Compagni, Anonimo Perugino [“We who were with him”. The Life of St. Francis of Assisi from the pen of his early companions: Legend of Three Companions and Anonymous of Perugia], Introduction and Translation in Maltese, TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 2002, pp. 128, ISBN 9909-48-24-0.

“Tota Pulchra es Maria”. John Duns Scotus, il-Franġiskani u l-Immakulata. 150 Sena mill-Proklamazzjoni tad-Domma ta’ Fidi ta’ l-Immakulata [“Tota Pulchra es Maria”. John Duns Scotus, the Franciscans and the Immaculate Conception. 150 Anniversary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception], TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 2004, pp. 115, ISBN 99909-48-28-3.

“Francesco esemplificazione della Theologia Crucis di Bonaventura”, in Doctor Seraphicus, Bollettino d’informazioni del Centro di Studi Bonaventuriani, (Anno LII: La “Theologia Crucis” di Bonaventura e la sua attualità), Maggio 2005, 55-77.

Fonti għall-Ħajja ta’ San Franġisk t’Assisi [Sources for the Life of St. Francis of Assisi], Translation by Noel Muscat ofm, Marjanu Vella ofm, Joseph Benedict Xuereb ofm, Introductions by Noel Muscat ofm, Presentation by Johannes B. Freyer ofm, Rector Magnificus Pontifical University “Antonianum”, 2 Volumes, TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 2005, pp. 599. ISBN 99909-48-29-1 (Vol. 1) – 99909-48-30-5 (Vol. 2).

Fonti għall-Ħajja ta’ Santa Klara t’Assisi [Sources for the Life of St. Clare of Assisi], Translation by Maria Immaculata Bellizzi osc, Noel Muscat ofm, Joseph Benedict Xuereb ofm, Introductions by Noel Muscat ofm, Presentation by Rose Therese Ellis osc, Abbess, St. Clare Monastery and TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 2006, pp. 460. ISBN 99909-48-33-2.

Fonti għall-Ħajja ta’ Sant’Antnin ta’ Padova [Sources for the Life of St. Anthony of Padua], Translation by Noel Muscat ofm and Joseph Benedict Xuereb ofm († Oct 11, 2007), Presentation by Raymond Camilleri ofm, Founder of TAU Edition on the occasion of the 25th anniversary (1982-2007), TAU Edition, Franciscan Friars, Malta 2008, pp. 556. ISBN 99932-0-595-1.

“Actus hierarchicus”, in Dizionario Bonaventuriano. Filosofia, Teologia, Spiritualità, a cura di E. Caroli, Editrici Francescane, Padova 2008, 139-148.

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Fr. John Abela OFM – (1954-2011)

John Abela is a Franciscan Friar Minor from Malta. He was born in 1954 and entered the Franciscan Province of Malta in 1971. He was ordained priest in 1979.

Books / Libretti

  • Il-Bibbja : ġrajja ta’ ġens, Sensiela fidi u kultura 12 B, Istitut Kattoliku, 1991, pp 48.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa mal-Franġiskani. Gwida għas-santwarji, Edizzjoni TAU, 1985 (l-ewwel edizzjoni), pp 127; 1994 (2 ed.), 1998 (3 ed.), 2009 (4 ed.), pp 255.
  • Il-Bibbja fl-ambjent tagħha, Edizzjoni TAU, 1998, pp 266.
  • Għaliex int? : rakkont Marjan, Edizzjoni TAU, 1983, pp 36.
  • Int fejn sejjer? Il-ħajja ta’ Francesco t’Assisi, MASK, 1983, pp 22.
  • Jien min jien?, MASK 1984, pp 31.
  • Jien Hu, MASK, 1984, pp 29.
  • L-imsikket, MASK, 1986, pp 52.
  • Mislub f’Ħaġar Qim : ġrajja bla bidu u tmiem, MASK, 1987, pp 69.
  • Francesco : tliet atti dwar San Frangisk t’Assisi, MASK, 1987, pp 76.
  • Ħati? : ġrajja ohra tal-istess ġrajja, MASK, 1988, pp 67.
  • Nisrani illum, (ma’ R. Camilleri), Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, pp 235.
  • Qalbiena : fi żmien il-Franċiżi, MASK, 1988, pp 69.
  • Tamietna : fil-bidu tal-ġrajja, MASK, 1989, pp 69.
  • Ħelsien minn jasar il-bniedem, MASK, 1990, pp 72.
  • Dawl fid-dalma tal-ħajja : dramm f’żewġ atti, MASK, 1991, pp 64.
  • Skondsanġwann, SKENE, 2001, pp. 92.
  • It-Triq tas-salib, Edizzjoni TAU, 2002, pp 60.
  • The way of the Cross, Edizzjoni TAU, 2002, pp 60.
  • Droga Kryzowa (http://sandys.republika.pl/index.htm)

Articles

  • L-edukazzjoni fid-dawl ta’ l-Antik Testment, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 1, Nru. 5, 1980,  4-7.
  • Minn fuq l-Għolja tan-Nebo, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 2, Nru. 10, 1981,  16-18.
  • Alla jimliek bil-għomor, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 3, Nru. 12, 1982,  6-9.
  • Kafarnahum: id-Dar ta’ Pietru, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 3, Nru. 12, 1982,  17-19.
  • Nażaret, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 5, Nru. 21, 1984,  11-16.
  • Ġetsemani, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 6, Nru. 27, 1985,  12-14.
  • Toroq tal-P|alestina, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 9, Nru. 47, 1988,  395-398.
  • Iż-żwieġ fil-Bibbja u fl-Art Imqaddsa, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 9, Nru. 48, 1988,  410-414.
  • Is-santwarju ta’ Għemmaws, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 15, Nru. 80, 1994,  447-450.
  • Knisja ġdida tal-Qaddisa Omm Alla, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 15, Nru. 83, 1994,  538-543.
  • B’liema lsien kien jitkellem Ġesù? L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 15, Nru. 84, 1994,  564-568.
  • Il-Ġnien tal-Golgota, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1994, 2-14.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa matul is-sekli (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 16, Nru. 85, 1995,  19-25.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa matul is-sekli (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 16, Nru. 86, 1995,  50-58.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa matul is-sekli (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 16, Nru. 87, 1995,  ????.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa matul is-sekli (4), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 16, Nru. 88, 1995,  ????.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa matul is-sekli (5), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 16, Nru. 89, 1995,  145-153.
  • Is-Sinagoga u l-Knisja, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 16, Nru. 89, 1995,  156-158.
  • Is-Santwarju fuq l-Għar ta’ Bethlehem, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1995, 6-12.
  • L-Art Imqaddsa matul is-sekli (6), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 17, Nru. 92, 1996,  248-254.
  • Il-ġrajja apokrifa ta’ Ġesù, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 17, Nru. 93, 1996,  270-276.
  • Ġesù jitlob waħdu, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 17, Nru. 93, 1996,  284-286.
  • It-tixrid ta-Vanġelu, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 17, Nru. 94, 1996,  304-308.
  • Ġesù u l-Liġi, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 17, Nru. 94, 1996,  311-316.
  • Skavi fil-Ġordanja. Fost l-oħrajn knisja misjuba wara 1400 sena!, (ma’ M. Piccirillo) L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 17, Nru. 95, 1996,  341-348.
  • Is-santwarju tat-tħabbira ta’ l-Anġlu matul is-snin, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1996, 6-14.
  • L-għar tal-Misteru fis-sikta tal-hemda, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1996, 15-17.
  • Fuq ġwienaħ il-ħsieb, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1996, 18.
  • Is-santwarju ta’ San Ġużepp jew tas-Sagra Familja, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1996, 22-23.
  • Ħawt tal-Magħmudija, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1996, 24.
  • Kont taf?, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1996, 25.
  • Kafarnahum “għamara tal-Mulej”, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1997, 7-21.
  • Umm al-Rasas Kastron Mefa’a. Excavation Campaign 1997. Church of St. Paul: northern and southern flanks, (Report with A. Acconci) in Liber Annuus, 47 (1997), 484-488.
  • It-tnax-il tribù ta’ Iżrael, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 19, Nru. 104, 1998,  49-53.
  • Fil-Ġetsemani “L-għaraq sar demm”, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1998, 5-15.
  • Fil-Ġetsemani arrestaw lill-Imgħallem, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1998, 16-17.
  • Il-Qabar ta’ Marija fil-Wied ta’ Kidron, “Meta għalqilha ż-żmien fuq din l-art…”L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1998, 23-27.
  • Il-Wied ta’ Kidron, …tifkira ta’ dmugħ, imwiet, idolatrija…, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 1998, 28-29.
  • Umm al-Rasas, Church of St. Paul: Southeastern flank, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 48 (1998), 542-546.
  • Il-pellegrinaġġ għal Ġerusalem, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 20, Nru. 109, 1999,  211-215.
  • Id-deżert fl-esperjena biblika, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 20, Nru. 114, 1999,  371-375.
  • Umm al-Rasas – Campagna 1999. Chiesa della Tabula Ansata, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 49 (1999), 479-483.
  • Lejn l-Art tal-Wegħda, L-Art Imqaddsa  (Speċjali żjara Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II fl-Art Imqaddsa), Vol. 22, Nru. 117, 2000,  419-425.
  • Il-pellegrinaġġ – Rakkont, L-Art Imqaddsa (Speċjali żjara Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II fl-Art Imqaddsa), Vol. 22, Nru. 117, 2000,  431-442.
  • Sijon Nisranija. Sekli ta’ għożża, tbatija, inġustizzji…, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Jannar-Frar, 2000, 13-20.
  • Waħeda tgħasses fis-sikta tad-deżert, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 22, Nru. 118, 2000,  491-495.
  • Umm al-Rasas Campaign 2000 – Excavation Report, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 50 (2000), 472-494.
  • Ġrajjiet il-Ġdid Testment (1), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 22, Nru. 122, 2001,  49-51.
  • Ġrajjiet il-Ġdid Testment (2), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 22, Nru. 124, 2001,  78-81.
  • Ġrajjiet il-Ġdid Testment (3), L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 22, Nru. 125, 2001,  141-145.
  • Il-figura ta’ Melkisedek, L-Art Imqaddsa, Vol. 23, Nru. 130, 2001,  317-319.
  • Umm al-Rasas – Archaeological Campaign 2001, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 51 (2001), 364-366.
  • Nitlob tul it-triq. Nimmedita ma’ Ġesù  fit-triq tas-Salib, L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Marzu – April, 2002, 26-32.
  • Umm al-Rasas – Kastron Mefaa Archaeological Campaign 2002, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 52 (2002), 475-478.
  • Żjara f’Għajn Karim, , L-Art Imqaddsa, Suppliment Novembru-Diċembru, 2003, 14-20.
  • Umm al-Rasas 2004, Excavation Report, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 53 (2004), 419-424.
  • Umm al-Rasas 2005, Excavation Report, (Report with M. Piccirillo and C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 55 (2005), 491-498.
  • Umm al-Rasas. The XXth Archaeological Archaeological Campaign 2006, (Report with C. Pappalardo) in Liber Annuus, 56 (2006), 568-572.

NISRANI LLUM

  • Għandi dritt jew dmir li nitgħallem?(Settembru 1984), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 24-31.
  • Ħajti tiegħi? (Diċembru 1984), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 48-55.
  • Dis-sena, ż-żgħażagħ, (Frar 1985) Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 63-71.
  • Xogħol għal kulħadd, (Mejju 1985), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 86-92.
  • Sess qabel iż-żwieġ: nista’? (Lulju-Awissu 1985), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 100-106.
  • X’inhu d-dnub? (Marzu 1986), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 154-161.
  • Il-Madonna jew il-Madonni? (Mejju 1986), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 169-175.
  • Nitkellem jew niskot? (Awissu-Settembru 1986), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 184-190.
  • Progress! Xi progress? (Jannar 1987), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 206-214.
  • Moħħ il-kalmanti, (April-Mejju 1987), Nisrani illum, Edizzjoni TAU, 1988, 229-235.

Plays performed not published

  • In-nisa t-tajba, 1st Perf. at  Gozo Friary by Local Talent – 1972
  • Il-maskot, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1973
  • Il-bniedem tal-paċi, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1973
  • Marija, Marija.. Marija, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1974
  • Kontra l-Gestapo, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1974
  • Dalma imdawwla, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1975
  • Għaliex? Għaliex jien? 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1975
  • Ħabbâr is-sliem, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1975
  • Mas-sebħ tal-għodwa, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1975
  • San Ġużepp, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1975
  • Minn qalb l-ghollieq, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1975
  • X’nitghallmu minn Ġużeppi, 1st Perf. at Rabat Friary by Local Talent – 1977
  • ..u ma laqgħuhx, 1st Perf. at Valletta Church by Antonjani – 1981
  • Jien Pawlu minn Tarsu, 1st Perf. at Catholic Institute by MASK – 1983
  • Ġrajjietna, 1st Perf. at Catholic Institute by MASK – 1985
  • Ilħna, 1st Perf. at Trade Fair Grounds by MASK – 1983
  • Qalbiena, 1st Perf. at Malta Arts Festival by MASK – 1985
  • Għal Tereż iż-Żgħira, 1st Perf. at Catholic Institute by Koperatturi – 1990
  • Ħajjitna, 1st Perf. at Catholic Institute by MASK – 1992
  • Chiara, 1st Perf. at Catholic Institute by MASK – 1993
  • Karba, 1st Perf. at Catholic Institute by MASK – 1996
  • Imġarrbin, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2002
  • Riflessi, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2003
  • Dawlfiddlam, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2004
  • Żerniq, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2005
  • Imsallbin, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2006
  • Meħlusin, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2007
  • Inhobbok, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2008
  • Sallabtni, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2009
  • Sikktuh, 1st Perf. at Metanoia Theatre by SKENE – 2010
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Fr. Ġorġ Aquilina OFM – (1939-2012)

In memoriam

Early in the morning of Saturday 29th September 2012, feast day of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Fr. Ġorġ Aquilina ofm passed away at the Franciscan friary of Saint Mary of Jesus (Ta’ Ġieżu) in Valletta. He was 73 years old.

Marjanu Aquilina was born in Qormi on 18th July 1939, the son of Joseph and Rosaria Saliba. He received his education at the Government schools and at the College run by the Franciscan Friars at “Ta’ Gliex”, close to Saint Anthony’s friary in Għajnsielem, Gozo. As a teenager he was at home at the Franciscan Friary of Ta’ Ġieżu in Valletta, where he received his Franciscan calling. He entered the Novitiate house at Saint Anthony’s friary on 9th October 1955, changing his name to Ġorġ, out of his devotion to the patron saint of his parish in Qormi. He made his first Temporary Profession on 14th October 1956 and his Solemn Profession on 31st July 1960. He studied philosophy and theology in the Franciscan friaries of Ta’ Ġieżu in Rabat and Valletta. On 14th March 1964 he was ordained priest.

After his priestly ordination Fr. Ġorġ was sent for higher studies at the Pontificio Ateneo Antonianum in Rome (nowadays the Università Pontificia Antonianum), where he specialised in Ecclesiastical History acquiring a doctoral degree after defending his thesis on the Franciscan Minister General, Marco da Viterbo, entitled: Marco da Viterbo [1304-1369]. Volume 47 di Studi e Testi Francescani, Roma 1971. In Rome he also attended the Diploma course at the Scuola Vaticana di Paleografia Diplomatica e Archivistica.

Back in the Maltese Franciscan Province Fr. Ġorġ Aquilina took over the work of the late Maltese Franciscan historian Fr. Ġorġ Xerri (†1942). He lectured Church History to the Franciscan students of the Province and became Provincial Librarian and Archivist, a post he was to hold until his death. For many years Fr. Ġorġ was also the Chronicler of the Maltese Franciscan Province. During his long years as Librarian and Archivist he revamped the Provincial Library of the Maltese Province, housing it in a more spacious environment on the floor above the south aisle of Saint Mary of Jesus Church in Valletta, overlooking Grand Harbour. He also moved the Provincial Archives from the cramped space they occupied in the Provincial Curia to the premises of the old theological seminary. He took care of the microfilming and cataloguing of the entire archive.

In the Maltese Franciscan Province Fr. Ġorġ was also Provincial Secretary (1973-1978) and Provincial Vicar (1990-1996). He also promoted and supported the building of the Church and Friary of Saint Mary of the Angels in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. His love for Franciscan life and studies, which he communicated with love and care to younger friars, was also mixed with a sense of enthusiasm for fresh initiatives in Franciscan life, which the Maltese Franciscan Province undertook particularly during the period 1982-1996. Fr. Ġorġ stood up to defend what he truly believed in, even though, like many other learned and enthusiastic Franciscans before him in the history of the Order, he was sometimes misunderstood and misjudged. For those who knew him well, his loud voice, in years gone by, was only the cry of a heart yearning for renewal and seriousness in concrete choices regarding Franciscan values in the field of study and care for the artistic and historical patrimony of the Province.

The long years of research as a historian at the Archives of the Order of St. John in the National Library at Valletta, at the Cathedral Museum in Mdina, at the Notarial Archives, and at many other archives in Malta and abroad, particularly the Archivio Segreto Vaticano, and the Archivio di Stato in Palermo as well as in other towns in Sicily, were the basis of many publications of local and international renown regarding the history of the Order of the Knights of St. John, and the history of the Franciscan Order in Malta and Sicily.

Whoever knows Ġorġ Aquilina in our Franciscan friary of Saint Mary of Jesus (Ta’ Ġieżu) in Valletta, knows him as a laborious historian, always studying old documents in the Provincial library and archives, or in the National Library, the Notarial Archives, the Monastery of St. Ursola, where he has been chaplain of the nuns for about 35 years. Ġorġ Aquilina has made extensive research in the State Archives in Palermo, Rome and other Italian towns, as well as in the Secret Archives of the Vatican. It was in the Vatican that he discovered important documents shedding light on the arrival of the Friars Minor in our islands towards the end of the 15th century. With the collaboration of other eminent historians, like Prof. Fiorini, Ġorġ Aquilina published the earliest documented history of Franciscan presence in Malta, particularly with reference to the friary of Saint Mary of Jesus in Rabat. This monumental work was published through the encouragement of Fr. Raymond Camilleri ofm, founder of the Maltese Franciscan publishing house, Edizzjoni TAU. The last work that he published, and which can be said to be the synthesis of his life’s dedication to historical research, was the complete history of the Maltese OFM Friars, ever since the foundation of the first friary in Rabat in 1482 till more recent times during the Second Vatican Council. The voluminous work covers 483 years of history of Franciscan life in Malta. It was published in 2011. Another work regarding the history of the Franciscan church and friary of Ta’ Ġieżu in Valletta was next in line on the author’s desk. Unfortunately he did not conclude it in time.

For many years, Fr. Ġorġ Aquilina ministered to many Franciscan sisters, particularly to the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus and to the Franciscan Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was instrumental in the canonical process of the Servant of God Madre Margherita Debrincat, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus. As vice-postulator in the canonical process of Beatification of Nazju Falzon, Fr. Ġorġ worked tirelessly to see that this Tertiary cleric who was buried in the Franciscan church of Valletta be promoted to beatification, as indeed happened in Pope John Paul II’s pastoral visit to Malta in 2001.

For 35 years, as we have said, Fr. Ġorġ has been chaplain to the Nuns of the Monastery of St. Ursola in Valletta. Every morning at 6 am he would celebrate Mass for the Jerosolymitan Cloistered Nuns. For them Patri Ġorġ, “il-Kappillan”, as they affectionately called him, was more than a chaplain. He took care to plead with the highest authorities of the Order of the Knights of St. John in Rome to officially recognise the Nuns of St. Ursola as part of the Jerosolymitan Order. He worked hard to raise funds and sensibilise local associations for the restoration of the 17th century monastery. The publication on the history of the Jerosolymitan Nuns saw three editions in Maltese, Italian and English, with a presentation by the Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra Andrew Bertie (†2008). Through his close collaboration and friendship with the Order of Malta and with the local authorities Fr. Ġorġ managed to bring to the monastery the relics of Blessed Gerard, founder of the Jerosolymitan Order, where they are now venerated. For his services to the Jerosolymitan Order Fr. Ġorġ was decorated with the title of Magistral Chaplain of the Order. His last contribution to the monastery church was the placing of an old artistic marble altar that used to belong to the Church of St. Alphonse of the Discalced Carmelites in Birkirkara. Fr. Ġorġ was earnestly preparing for the solemn celebration of the blessing of the new altar on the occasion of the feast of Saint Ursola on 21st October. He did not live to see this joyful event. Patri Ġorġ died just as he was preparing himself to go to say Mass at St. Ursola’s Monastery, as he used to do every morning. To the very end he meticulously carried out his religious duties. May the merciful God reward him for his faithfulness to his Franciscan calling.

Postscript:

The following is the list of the most important among the publications of Fr. Ġorġ Aquilina during his long years as a leading Maltese historian:

• Marco da Viterbo (1304-1369 Ministro Generale dei Frati Minori, Cardinale e Nunzio Apostolico, Roma 1971.
• L-Ispiritwalità Franġiskana, Edizzjoni TAU, Malta 1982.
• The Maltese Franciscans and Marian Devotions in the 17th. and 18th. Centuries, in Marian Devotion in the Islands of St Paul, (V. Borg, ed.) Malta 1983.
• Il-Moviment Franġiskan, Edizzjoni TAU, Malta 1984.
• Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira tal-Belt, Edizzjoni TAU, Malta 1986
• Una Devozione Nazionale a Malta per il Crocefisso di Frate Umile, in Frate Umile da Petralia, (Atti del Convegno, Mojo Alcantara 20/21- XI- 1985, S. Agati-S. Nibali, edd.), Catania 1987, 81-88.
• Catalogue of the Records of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Vol. II, Part 8, Malta 1991. Les Hospitaliers à Malte (1530-1798), in L’Ordre de Malte dans les Pays-Bas Méridionaux (XIIe-XVIIIe Siécles), (in French an in Flemish)1993, 31-40.
• The Carmelites, the Oratorians and the Nuns in Birgu, in Birgu the Maritime City, (L. Bugeja, et al., edd.), Malta 1993.
• The Origin of Franciscanism in Late Medieval Malta, in conjunction with S. Fiorini, Malta 1994.
• New Documents relating to the Origins of Religious Orders in Malta, in Proceedings of History Week 1994, The Maltese Historical Society 1996, 1-23 (in conjunction with S. Fiorini).
• Organs and Organ-Builders in 17th. to 19th. Century Malta, in Old Oragns in Malta and Gozo. A collection of studies, (H. Agius-L. Buono, edd.), Malta 1999, 133-168.
• Il-Franġiskani f’Għajnsielem. Il-Knisja u l-Kunvent ta’ S. Antnin, 100 sena ta’ storja, Malta 2000.
• Il-Qaddejja ta’ Alla Madre Margerita De Brincat: Evanġelizzatriċi ta’ l-Imħabba, (in Maltese, English, Italian), Malta 2000.
• Documentary Sources of Maltese History, Part IV, Documents at the Vatican, Visita Apostolica di Mons. P. Dusina, (in conjunction with S. Fiorini), Malta 2001.
• San Ġorġ Martri ta’ Kristu. Tagħrif storiku, Malta 2003.
• San Giorgio, il Santo della Palestina, in San Giorgio e il Mediterraneo, (Atti del II Colloquio internazionale per il XVII Centenario, Roma, 28-30 nov. 2003, G. de’ Giovanni-Centelles ed.), Citta’ del Vaticano 2004, 21-40.
• Is-Sorijiet Ġerosolimitani: Il-Knisja u l-Monasteru ta’ Sant’Ursola, Valletta, Malta 2004 (translated in Italian 2005 and in English 2008).
• Documentary Sources of Maltese History, Part IV, Documents at the Vatican, Cancelleria Apostolica and related sources at the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, 417-1479, (in conjunction with S. Fiorini), Malta 2005.
• The full clause explaining the “et coetera” abbreviation in two manuscripts of the National Library of Malta, Malta 2005.
• Fra Diego Bonanno OFM. Franġiskan li ħaseb fil-fqir, Malta 2006.
• Le Arti Figurative nelle relazioni conventuali tra Sicilia e Malta, in Sicilia e Malta Le Isole del Grand Tour, (R. Bondin – F. Pantano, edd.), Malta 2007, 125-133.
• Malta e il Conte Ruggero. La Liturgia dopo la Conquista Normanna per un nuovo Status Quaestionis, in Ruggero I Gran Conte di Sicilia 1101-2001, (Atti del Congresso internazionale di studi per il IX Centenario, Troina 29 sett.- 2 Dic. 2001, G. de’ Giovanni-Centelles, ed.), Roma 2007, 25-33.
• Il-Franġiskani Maltin (Ta’ Ġieżu)1482c-1965c (sal-Koncilju Vatikan II), Midsea Books Ltd., Malta 2011.

Fr. Noel Muscat ofm
Jerusalem, 30th September 2012