This visit is in accordance with the promise which Archbishop Cremona made, on his ordination as Archbishop of our Diocese.  The Maltese residing overseas remain our brethren and it is our desire to help them continue to discover, love and live their faith.  Not only, but by his presence the Archbishop wishes to show his appreciation for their sacrifices and to share with them their successes, as well as to express solidarity with them in their difficulties.  In such a way, he continues to manifest that these brethren are -and remain always – in our heart.

At the start of our visit, after leaving Toronto, we made a stop-over at Windsor en route to the state of Michigan in the United States.  At Windsor, which lies on the frontier between Canada and the United States, we were welcomed by a small Maltese community.

Many Maltese had originally emigrated to Detroit, seeking work, mainly in the automobile industry.  During these years, which were those following the end of the Second World War, the prospects were good, but were also difficulties.  Among other defining features, the Maltese are characterized as being industrious and intelligent people and in Detroit they built successful careers.  Now that the generation of the original emigrants is diminishing, they continue to seek each others’ company, finding their relaxation within the ambit of Maltese clubs. It is their desire that the younger generations will continue to socialize in the same way. Of course, it stands to reason that youths have a very different lifestyle than that of the older generations and as a consequence, they do not feel they belong in these clubs.   It is hoped that, as they grow older they will feel the need to understand better the point of departure of their forefathers and return in order that the Maltese spirit may be kept alive in these clubs.

During his visits to these clubs, Archbishop Cremona encouraged the members, showed them his appreciation and prayed with them during Holy Mass.  In his homilies, he spoke of the example set by St George Preca, the first Maltese saint.  This priest, who had no ambitions except to embody the love of God, did everything in his power to spread this love of God.  The Archbishop emphasized that our life should be similar to that of St George Preca: we should be grateful for all that God has done for us and share such gratitude with all those whom we encounter.  By so doing, the Maltese will be apostles and in the same way that our forefathers received the faith from St Paul 1950 years ago, so too should we pass it on to our neighbours. The Archbishop also shared his thoughts regarding the way in which Pope Benedict XVI was heartily welcomed by the Maltese, describing how the papal visit was a joyful experience for one and all.

A mass was celebrated on Sunday 2 May in the Holy Trinity parish, where we prayed for the repose of the souls of departed Maltese emigrants, many of whom originally settled in this area when they first arrived in Detroit.  In this location, a club has been founded to commemorate the first Maltese migrants.

After spending two days in Detroit, we returned to Canada, stopping over in London, where several Maltese live. Here, there is another club where the people meet regularly.

Of notable mention is the contribution that many priests have given, and continue to give, to these Maltese communities.  The number of these priests has now diminished, but some still remain and the Archbishop encouraged them and showed his appreciation for all they have done and continue to do.  These priests have always upheld the reputation of the Maltese clergy in these missions.

During the visit to Detroit we were accompanied by H.E. Mr Mark Miceli Farrugia, Malta’s ambassador to the United States and Canada.

Fr. Alfred Vella

Main photo (above): Sunday, 2nd May, 2010, Archbishop Paul Cremona OP, is seen celebrating Mass at Saint Andrew’s the Apostle Church, London Ontario in Canada, in memory of the deceased Maltese Emigrants.