Book by Fr Dionysius Mintoff to mark St Francis’s Jubilee Year

Fr Dionysius Mintoff, OFM, will on Wednesday present his book Bla Sold u Bla Qorq (Penniless and Barefoot) to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order.

Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of St Francis from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, to mark the eighth centenary of the saint’s death.  “The year of St Francis must not become yet another chapter rich in special spiritual effects,” said Bishop Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary in an interview with Vatican Media, “but a silent passage from enthusiasm to deep maturity, from spectacular celebration to imitation in daily life.”

Bla Sold u Bla Qorq is Fr Mintoff’s contribution to the Jubilee Year in a Franciscan spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood, and he shares this contribution “in the hope that someone, somewhere, may find comfort, courage, help, and light”.

In the book he weaves together a series of events related to the life of St Francis and his first companions, St Clare and her community, and thereafter followed by a multitude of other saints and people from every walk of life who, in one way or another, have walked the Franciscan path. Fr Mintoff uses their lives, words and deeds to guide readers on a virtual pilgrimage across time and space within St Francis’s spirituality.

A virtual pilgrimage across time and space within St Francis’s spirituality

In the author’s own words, every morning, “we look at the date, and every day we find something that moves us, so that – using a few simple words – we recall exactly what happened, just like on that very day, even if we already know it by heart. Each time, there is some small or large detail, or a new aspect, that pierces the heart. Without realising it, we continue living life in a deeply Franciscan spirit, inspired by the poverty and goodness of St Francis.”

The author Fr Dionysius Mintoff, OFM

Fr Mintoff was born on April 1, 1931. He joined the Order of Friars Minor and was ordained a priest in 1955. Throughout his years of priestly ministry, Fr Mintoff has worked in the field of education and played a key role in introducing social studies and education for peace in the local school curriculum.

He has worked tirelessly for peace and justice, and for this purpose founded the Pope John XXIII Peace Laboratory, which also serves as a centre open to migrants. His work in this regard was recognised during the visit of Pope Francis in 2022.

Fr Mintoff has two special devotions: to the Immaculate Virgin Mary and to St Francis.

The book, published by Preca Publications, will be launched during a public event at the auditorium of the Society of Christian Doctrine (MUSEUM) in Blata l-Bajda on Wednesday, at 7pm. It comprises a talk by the author and readings from the work. Admission is free.