Carmel Bezzina writes...

The passing away of Valentino Chetcuti, better known to the people of Balzan and to the many church enthusiasts all over the island as Valent is-Sagristan, leaves us bereft of a gentleman who dedicated practically his whole life to the service of his native village and, especially, to its parish church.

Born in Balzan in June 1929, Valent was a model of hard work, dedication and loyalty to the parish church of Balzan. Although initially employed as an engine driver, who served for a number of years at Ta’ Qali and Attard pumping stations since his teenage years, Valent involved himself in the village life and the organisation of the titular feast of the Annunciation. With the demise, in July 1951, of Mikiel Micallef, the sacristan who, in a way, served as his role model, Valent took over the care of the parish church. Helped and supported by his wife, Marjanna, and his two daughters and, for the past 40 years, also by George Muscat, his right-hand man, Valent never looked back.

Valent’s 60-year stint as sacristan spanned the term of office of seven parish priests, with whom he worked faithfully and collaborated towards the progress of the fabric of the church. Throughout these years, our parish church underwent major works of embellishment and restoration, chief among which was the continuation of the decoration and painting of the church vault by Emvin Cremona after a lapse of almost 50 years since Giuseppe Calì’s input. This project was later entrusted to Paul Camilleri Cauchi who eventually completed it in 1999.

Both Chev. Cremona and Chev. Camilleri Cauchi found in Valent a very helpful and talented helper. The latter artist felt he should acknowledge Valent’s sterling work by including him in the Adoration of the Magi painting in the nave of the church.

The parish church was for Valent what he treasured most in life. Most of the initiatives undertaken in our parish church throughout the last 50 years were Valent’s ideas. He had a way how to put forward these ideas to the respective parish priests and would not stay put till he saw them through.

The church became his second – if not his first – home. I am convinced that he could sing with the Psalmist: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts... Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise” (Psalm 84, New Revised Standard).

His care in the handling of church decorations and his attention to detail, especially in the run-up to the village festa, were exceptional. He made it a point to instil this same care and attention in those close collaborators who gave their helping hand throughout the festa days.

Another aspect of Valent was his strong moral and religious convictions. He was a true Christian, understandably quite traditional in his approach to faith and style of life. From his words one could detect his nostalgia for the good old days when church attendance was more numerous and religious celebrations much more patronised.

I admired Valent for his enthusiasm and the way he gave his best in all that he undertook. His meticulousness in the way he adorned the church in preparation for liturgical celebrations was due partly to his staunch belief that the Blessed Sacrament deserves nothing less than the best and partly to the perfectionist trait in his character. His ardent devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially in the mystery of the Annunciation, was unparalleled.

May you rest in peace, dear Valent, and heartfelt condolences to your dear wife, children and relatives. May your example be an inspiration to all of us who have the village and its parish church at heart.