On Saturday 23 March 2019 Fr Edwin Agius mssp celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priesthood ordination. The MCCV held a reception to mark the occasion. Before the reception, Fr Agius concelebrated mass with Fr Lonnie Borg mssp at St Paul’s Chapel in Parkville. A large number of well-wishers from the Maltese community attended mass and participated in the celebrations at the Maltese Community Centre.
MCCV Vice President Victor Borg addressed the gathering and provided some background about Fr Edwin’s life. Mr Borg congratulated Fr Edwin Agius on the 50th anniversary of his ordination and thanked him for his significant service to the Maltese community in Victoria. He praised Fr Agius for his solid commitment and dedication to his religious vocation, always ready to serve when called, day and night.
Fr Agius then addressed those present recalling some of his extraordinary experiences in the service of those in need of his help, particularly those in hospital.
After the addresses, Fr Agius cut the celebratory cake, a creation by a highly talented young Maltese pastry chief from the western suburbs of Victoria, Sarah Camilleri.
Celebration in Sunshine
The day before, Friday, 22 March Fr Agius concelebrated a thanksgiving mass with another 18 priests for the 50th anniversary of his priesthood at St Bernadette’s Church, North Sunshine. The Church was packed with about 500 people standing.
In his homily, Fr Edwin spoke of his early life in Malta and his vocation. He spoke on his ongoing work among the Community. The Provincial of the MSSP, Fr Ivano Burdian, spoke highly of him and invited all the congregation to join him when he gave him a special blessing.
The MCCV and affiliated associations congratulate Fr Edwin on his wonderful milestone in the service if the Lord and wish him many more years of service to the Maltese community.
Fr Edwin Agius – a profile
Fr Edwin Agius was born in Birkirkara, Malta, on 18 June 1944. At the age of 12 he felt the vocation for Priesthood with the MSSP. He studied at St Aloysious College in Birkirkara and started his novitiate with the MSSP at St Agatha, Rabat, Malta on 1 October, 1961. He studied philosophy and theology at the Religious Institute INSERM and was ordained as priest by the Archbishop of Malta, Mons Michael Gonzi, on 22 March 1969.
After spending some time teaching at St Paul’s Missionary College, in Rabat, Malta, he came to Australia on 22 February 1971.
After 10 years in Australia he returned to Malta where he was made in charge of the teaching of the Novices. After six years he was elected to the General Council of the MSSP and became Director of St Joseph Institute, Santa Venera.
Another six years passed and he returned to Australia where he served as Assistant Parish Priest at St Bernadette’s Parish, North Sunshine. After another six years he became Parish Priest of that Parish.
In 2004 he moved to the MSSP residence in Parkville with the responsibility of Rector. He still serves as Chaplain of the Maltese Community in Melbourne.
As the Provincial, Fr Ivano Burdian said, Fr Edwin never says “no” to what is asked of him. He is always there to conduct engagements, marriages, baptisms, funerals, special Masses for the Maltese community, especially the Feasts of different Patron Saints organised by Maltese associations, and the Masses in Maltese in different parishes on Saturday nights.
Apart looking after the Maltese community, Fr Edwin also looks after the Italian community and serves as Chaplain in hospitals, where most of the time he is “on call” and attends patients even during the night as the need arises.
Every September the Reskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group organises the Feast of Maria Bambina on behalf of the MSSP. Fr Edwin is always there to provide his assistance which is greatly appreciated by the organisers.
Report by: Edwin Borg-Manche & Paul Vella
Photos: Nicole-Aquilina Troy-Oborne (Parkville) & Paul Vella (Sunshine)
