Mt St Joseph was recently the venue for a reunion organised by past students of St Michael’s Teachers Training College to celebrate completing their two-year residential course back in 1959, 50 years ago. And what an anniversary it was!

It was a joy watching old friends and colleagues warmly welcoming and greeting each other after so many years. Incredulously, some had never met since leaving college until this memorable occasion.

The absence of six dear friends and colleagues who have since passed away provided the only sad note of this event but a touching memorial service conducted by Fr Reno Grech SJ made all those present feel spiritually reunited with their dear departed colleagues – Sebastian Bonaci. Salvu Borg, Richard Ellis, Carmel Falzon Santucci and Charles Sciberras. They were also remembered fondly through the recollection episodes of college life shared with the rest of us.

Coffee break did not break the nostalgic interchange of reminiscences of the good old times spent together at St Michael’s Training College and the strong community spirit could still be seen 50 long years later!

After thanksgiving Mass, celebrant Fr Reno read out a fitting and special message sent by Archbishop Paul Cremona, which was very much appreciated by all present. Copies of the Archbishop’s message together with a commemorative bookmark were distributed as mementos of the occasion to all present.

A hearty lunch with flowing wine and unending conversation and exchange of telephone numbers and e-mail addresses was enjoyed by one and all.

A very special guest was John Scerri, the group’s former PE teacher who at the age of 89 showed that he could still conduct a PE lesson. He expressed his thanks for the invitation and declared that he was enjoying every moment of sharing this event with his former students.

As the sun was going down on such an eventful day, those present gathered for the group photo and then bid each other au revoir but not adieu amid further hugs and handshakes.

Alfred Agius