Blessed Nazju Falzon

The Maltese Islands today celebrate the feast of a holy cleric who was loved and cherished especially by the British sailors who happen to be stationed in Malta. Back in 2001, Pope St. John Paul II beatified three holy people in Malta. The first one was St George Preca, eventually canonized in 2007, the second one was the mystic Blessed Adeodata Pisani, a Benedictine nun, and the third one was Blessed Nazju (Ignatius) Falzon. He 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 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 was also available to give advice about legal matters without any payment, although he never actually practiced as a lawyer. He also helped many sailors and soldiers who were Anglican and used to gather them in a Jesuit church, close to the University of Malta. Some of them converted and even became priests. He published a magazine entitled “The Comfort of the Christian Soul.” He was well loved and many people found comfort and protection with him. 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 by Pope John Paul II in May 2001, after another miracle through his intercession was approved by the Vatican.