During the past week, Archbishop Cremona has once again been welcomed with much joy and enthusiasm by the Maltese community in Toronto, Canada. On Sunday morning, Mass was celebrated to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Missionary Society of St Paul, following which the Archbishop met the members of the community. In the afternoon, he called upon the members of several Maltese Clubs and Movements. In general, most people were very appreciative of the fact that the Church in Malta has never ceased to remember our fellow brothers and sisters who emigrated from Malta. From his end, Mons Cremona also showed his appreciation for these emigrants and shared words of solace and support with those who confided in him and recounted their difficult experiences.
On Monday 10th May, the Archbishop paid a courtesy visit to Mrs Fiona Formosa, the Maltese Consul. On behalf of the Government of Malta, Mrs Formosa welcomed us and imparted information regarding the services which her offices provide to the Maltese Community. Another company who has made a name for itself in Toronto, is Bank of Valletta plc. The Director of the Bank in Toronto, Mr Manuel Ciappara, explained that the Maltese are very hard working and have made a good name for themselves and for our country in the world of finance and banking. A visit was also paid to the offices of Melita Travel, a company which is owned in partnership between Maltese and Gozitan businessmen and which is very popular with the Community. Melita Travel is notable for the professional and efficient which it provides.
Other interesting meetings were held with Maltese priests and other clergy who are descended from Maltese families, and who are serving the local church with much generosity of spirit. We also met the elderly patients at Runnymede Hospital, which is run by a Maltese woman, as well as the directors of other associations, who in spite of not having a regular meeting place, also contribute towards strengthening the Maltese community. One example of such association is that which promotes the Maltese language and culture.
On Wednesday, 12th May, we visited the communities in the Niagara Falls region. Here mass was celebrated, followed by a meeting with the community. This activity was organized by Fr Raymond Fenech Gonzi, who is the parish priest of the church dedicated to St Anne, which forms part of the diocese of St Catherine of Alexandria. It is worth noting that this diocese was dedicated to St Catherine at the bequest of a gentlemen whose surname was Scicluna and who hailed from Zejtun, Malta. This gives testimony to the fact that the Maltese have always held on to their faith and traditions, no matter how far they travelled from home – and they do this to this very day.
As part of his programme, Mons Cremona has also had meetings with several bishops of the places he has been touring. These bishops have all spoken very highly of the Maltese communities and have always found them to be extremely helpful. This is a source of joy and consolation, yet at the same time, it is an strong indication of the responsibility which we should hold towards this same community of Maltese people who left our islands, so that their faith may endure and that they may continue to give witness and thank God for this great gift, most especially during this year when our Church is commemorating the 1950th anniversary of the Shipwreck of St Paul on our islands.
Archbishop Cremona will now visit New York, where several meetings are scheduled, in order that he may make direct contact with the Maltese families who live in this city and learn more about their communities.
Fr Alfred Vella
