Appreciation - John Micallef

Patrick Pace writes:

"He was a friend, faithful and just to me."

When delivering the funeral oration on the death of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony in Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar uses these words to describe Julius Caesar. I find these words more than fitting to describe the person of John Micallef, who went to meet the Risen Lord a few days ago.

I got to know John when I was co-opted into the sectional committee of the Nationalist Party about four years ago. He was then the secretary of the PN committee. He was an activist by nature. He always strove to get things done well, if not to perfection. Besides being actively involved in local politics, he was a devout believer in God and a fervent practicing Catholic. In fact, he strenuously gave sterling service to the parishioners of Sacro Cuor, Sliema, where he resided.

John was imperturbably good-natured and of nobility of character. To me, he was more of a father-like figure. He believed what he said and he always said what he believed. He firmly believed that in politics one should always be ruled by righteousness and not by the mania for power. Those fixated with power will live shortly in politics.

To his dear wife and family my deepest sympathy and promised prayers. I have lost a true friend but I have earned one who will look down to me from Heaven.

May God grant him eternal rest.