I have always been fascinated by the prologue of John’s Gospel.

Biblical scholars say it is a mystical hymn which reflects on the Divinity and Incarnation of Jesus Christ as the Logos, the Word made Flesh. It is not therefore a coincidence if within the space of 18 lines “The Word” is mentioned four times. Structurally, it seems that it is purposely countering the four times wherein “the world” is featured within the same prologue. Obviously, “the Word”, Jesus Christ, will have the last say.

The prologue also refers to John the Baptist and qualifies his mission with regard to “The Word”. It says of the Baptist: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light” (John 1: 6-8). Such beautiful phrases remind me of my beloved father John, whom many knew as Ganni. He entered eternal life on 31 March, Freedom Day. Since his grandfather was from Xewkija, it was natural that his father Pupul would name his first-born son after his father who also had the name of Ganni.

My father’s interesting life reminds me of the spiritual journey the entire universal Church is currently undertaking. As Pope Francis rightly said during this year’s Ash Wednesday’s homily, “Lent comes providentially to awaken us, to shake us from torpor, from the risk of ‘not’ going forward out of inertia... Because there are things that are not well in us, in society, in the Church and we are in need of changing, of turning, of being converted!” My father too felt the need to return to the Lord, not because he was evil but because in him he could find the peace he always yearned for.

His was a natural and gradual journey of gently encountering the Lord.

The catalyst for Ganni’s yearning for God has surely been my entry into the Franciscan Capuchin Order 20 years ago. In 12 October 1993, a seed was been planted in my father’s heart to return back to the Eternal Father who, in Pope Francis’ words, “is faithful, ... rich in goodness and mercy, and is always ready to forgive and start over again”.

Even though he was a sinner, as you and I certainly are, my father’s heart was totally imbued with that filial trust in God, which is the backbone of an authentic conversion. When I think of him I can see Jesus’ word coming alive in his beautiful life. “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3-4).

One of the things that really convinced me that my beloved father was taking Jesus seriously in his life was frequently receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. With what fervour, faith and simplicity of heart Ganni used to receive this powerful sacrament! Thanks to the Capuchin confessors at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church in San Gwann, my father’s experience of confession was undoubtedly positive and healing in many ways. These spiritually seasoned priests greatly helped my father Ganni to have a first-hand experience of the transfigurative aspect of confession. In Pope Francis’ words to the Apostolic Penitentiary this year, these humble priests listened to my father’s confessions “with the heart of God and wishe[d] to support [his] soul on the path of reconciliation”. Moreover, these faithful priests helped Ganni realise that “confession is not a court of condemnation, but the experience of forgiveness and mercy”.

Having experienced the Father’s unconditional merciful love at the confessional, my father used to approach daily and joyfully the Eucharistic table to have life and life in abundance! In order to keep savouring Christ’s redeeming love in his heart, Ganni “spent time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament” everyday (Ecclesia De Eucaristia § 25).

This is the essence of the transfigured life of a man called Ganni, my beloved father, whose example I ardently want to emulate!

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann