From Mr P. Galea

A person made a will leaving a considerable sum of money to be distributed charities. He also indicated which Church institutions were to benefit from it.

However, after the death of the testator, this money was withdrawn by the notary, who transferred the whole amount to his own bank account. The notary said that he had distributed them to several Church institutions and religious orders. However, the testator had indicated none of these Church institutions or religious orders. Although this money was in the personal account of the notary, he said that he had distributed it in seven instalments over a period of four months.

The institutions mentioned by the notary were asked whether they had in fact received this money. After verifying with their records, most of them replied that they had not received anything and that they knew nothing about it. However, later, after consulting with the notary concerned, these same persons changed their version completely. Among them were some who even took an oath in order to substantiate their contradictory version.

Some of the comments made by members of these institutions included one that said they did not care who donated the money. For them, what mattered was that they receive the money. They also insisted that once they received the money, they would decide how to administer it.

One doubts whether money donated to charity is in fact used according to the wishes of the donor.

The Church authorities in Malta have long been informed about these abuses, but up to now there is no indication that any action is being taken about the matter.

Is it not true that one who permits a wrongdoing becomes an accomplice in that same wrongdoing, and is as culpable as the one who performs it?

The actions of these institutions are surely a black spot on the Church.

Paul Galea

QORMI