A significant milestone in the history of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSSP) will be celebrated this April as five distinguished priests mark their Diamond Jubilee. Frs. Emanuel Adami, Norbert Bonavia, Bernard Mangion, Vincent Magro, and George Scerri will commemorate 60 years of priestly ministry, having been ordained together on April 3, 1965, by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi at St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The occasion will be marked by a concelebrated Mass, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi, at the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Home, Santa Venera, on April 6 at 5:30 p.m.
For six decades, these priests have dedicated their lives to mission and ministry, their journeys spanning continents and cultures. Among them, Fr Emanuel Adami, born in Birgu, found his calling in the Australian and Peruvian missions. His service extended to chaplaincy for migrant communities in Australia, while in Peru, he established Aldea, an orphanage dedicated to abandoned children with severe disabilities. Though now retired due to health concerns, his commitment to ministry continues through prayer and writing.
Fr Norbert Bonavia, a native of Birkirkara, immersed himself in education, liturgy, and spiritual formation. As a teacher and spiritual director at St. Paul’s Missionary College, he guided young minds in faith, later serving as the Diocesan Master of Ceremonies. His dedication to the MSSP’s legacy is evident in his work promoting devotion to Founder Joseph De Piro through publications, as well as his ongoing engagement with benefactors and the production of Aħna Lilkom.
For Fr Vincent Magro, originally from Żejtun, missionary life in Peru became his lifelong vocation. For over 42 years, he dedicated himself to strengthening the Church’s presence in the region, overcoming cultural and logistical challenges to establish numerous groups of the Legion of Mary. His pastoral work, particularly among the poor, continues to be a lasting testament to his deep missionary zeal.
A different path led Fr Bernard Mangion from Mosta into education and leadership. Instrumental in shaping St. Paul’s Missionary College, he fostered a strong community among students, parents, and staff. His service then took him to Pakistan, where he played a key role in founding an interdiocesan seminary for philosophy studies. Later, he assumed leadership as Superior General of the MSSP for twelve years before returning to Pakistan to continue his mission. Today, he resides at St. Agatha’s in Malta, reflecting on a life of service that has influenced countless individuals.
Meanwhile, Fr George Scerri, hailing from Ħad-Dingli, has spent an extraordinary 57 years in Peru, becoming an enduring presence in the local missionary community. His early years in priesthood were devoted to caring for boys at St. Joseph’s Home, but his heart was set on missionary service. Over the decades, he has remained steadfast in his calling, a beloved figure among those he serves.
As these five priests celebrate their Diamond Jubilee, their unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the MSSP mission serves as a beacon of faith and service. Their journey is not just a testament to their individual vocations but also an inspiration for future generations. Though advancing in age, their dedication remains strong, a reminder of the transformative power of priestly life. The MSSP community invites the faithful to join in prayer and thanksgiving, seeking God’s continued blessings upon these men and encouraging new vocations to follow in their footsteps.