Ignatius Falzon, more commonly known as Nazju in Maltese, was born on July 1, 1813. He had three brothers, two of whom became lawyers and later priests. He studied for the priesthood, received the minor orders like tonsure and acolyte, but was never ordained a priest as he felt he was not worthy to celebrate the Eucharist. He learned how to speak English and taught catechism to young children as well as sailors and soldiers, since Malta was still a British colony and many of them were present in Malta. They trusted him even with leaving personal belongings with him, as they feared not surviving during their travels and war-time confrontations. This way he would pass on these belongings to their respective families. Nazju Falzon never practiced as a lawyer, but was always available to give advice about legal matters without any payment. He also gathered many sailors and soldiers who were Anglican in a Jesuit church, close to the University of Malta. Some of them converted and even became priests. He died on his birthday, July 1, 1865, when he turned 52. His process of beatification started in 1882 and was declared Servant of God in 1889. But 100 more years had to pass for him to be proclaimed Venerable. Then he was beatified in Malta by Pope St. John Paul II in May 2001, after another miracle through his intercession was approved by the Vatican.
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