Appreciation - Sr Ubaldina Portelli

Fr Julian Cassar, Oregon, writes:

As students, we have the tendency to remember and highlight teachers who taught us during the last few years of our education. But let's never forget those who laid a strong foundation for us, even as far as our early years in nursery schools. Today I give tribute to my Kindergarten teacher Sr Ubaldina Portelli, who passed away on January 21, at the age of 94.

Starting my schooling at the Sisters of Charity Nursery school at Tal-Kirxa in the Balluta/St Julians area, I spent two years being tutored by Sr Ubaldina, with the patience, love and tenderness that any nun could convey to young children. Looking back in time and when I observe kindergarten students in our schools, I realise how short their attention span is and how unpredictable they can be. I heard a funny description of what it's like teaching a Kindergarten class.... "it's like trying to keep 25 pieces of cork underwater, with one hand, all at the same time!" Who knows how many hours patient nuns spend teaching the basics to young children, learning the 123s and the ABCs, trying to tie shoe-laces, making the sign of the cross, and so much more. Sr Ubaldina had a tremendous effect on my life as a priest, and she was delighted and honoured when I reconnected with her eight years ago, where she was still teaching catechism to young children at Bir¿ebbuġa and working at the parish office, at the age of 86!

One curious anecdote I remember so well is the fact that she used to pull me out of the class and take me down to the Nuns' refectory to eat with them during lunch break. In hindsight, I conclude that this was either because I was a troublemaker (which I don't think I ever was,) or because she singled me out as a teacher's pet. Or simply because the nuns wanted a young child to eat with them and enjoy the spontaneous remarks and antics young children say and do.

Let us not forget our religious sisters and priests who dedicated their lives for the service of the Church. Sr Ubaldina was one of hundreds of sisters who had a great impact on so many people, and therefore on the religious fabric of Maltese life. We don't give them too much credit for helping build a solid foundation which have kept so many families and parishes united together. Rest in peace, Suor Baldina, as we affectionately used to call her.