On Saturday 2nd February the MCCV hosted a function at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville to celebrate the 80th birthday of Fr Tarcisio Micallef mssp. Among those present were MCCV Vice President Victor Borg, the Provincial of the MSSP Fr Ivano Burdian, Fr Edwin Agius mssp, Fr Dennis Carabott mssp, Fr John Taliana mssp and Fr Raymond Zammit mssp, Fr Karmel Borg as well as Sr Doris Falzon and Sr Valentine Attard, both of the Dominican Sisters of Malta.
MCCV Vice President Victor Borg congratulated Fr Micallef on reaching his 80th birthday milestone. Mr Borg thanked Fr Micallef on behalf of the Maltese Community for his spiritual leadership and assistance throughout the years. He is known in the community as a patient and gentle person, compassionate and understanding. He said that Fr Micallef has an unflappable character and always dealt with challenges that came his way from time to time in a calm and confident manner.
In response, Fr. Micallef spoke of the responsibility trust upon him in relation to the construction of the Community Centre. He said he had no knowledge of the building trade or consultation with the builders and engineers. He was responsible for the construction of the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville with the assistance of a building committee from the MCCV Executive.
Fr Micallef thanked God for giving him a long life and his ability to serve the community and spiritual direction he provided.
The Provincial of the MSSP Fr Ivano Burdian congratulated Fr Micallef on his 80th Birthday and thanked him for his services to the Maltese community in the various States in which he served. He also recalled his first meeting with Fr Micallef prior to him joining the Order of the MSSP.
MCCV Public Relation Officer Joseph Stafrace spoke of his family’s long-time friendship with Fr. Micallef and presented him with a gift from the MCCV.
On completion of the formalities, Fr Micallef mingled with the guests and shared many past experiences of his stay in Melbourne.
Fr Micallef was ordained in Malta on 11th March 1967 and arrived to serve in Australia on the 26th January 1978. He initially served the Maltese community in Perth for two years before his transfer to Melbourne where he served a period of 18 years. On 23rd March 1998 he was transferred to serve the Maltese community in Sydney.
Fr Micallef has served three terms as the Provincial of the MSSP in Australia. He was recalled from Perth Western Australia, following the tragic death of Fr. George Xerri on 4 August 1980 and again when Fr Honoratus Galea passed away on 30 April 1982.
Ad multos annos!
[Photos courtesy of Maurice Spiteri]
Maltese community joins in Fr Tarcisio Micallef’s 80th birthday celebration
