Amid liturgical innovations and the emergence of a new horizontal relationship between clergy and laity, a transformative change has been quietly unfolding within the Church - a church of bridges, infused with a fresh vocabulary that subtly nuances the gospel of joy. As time-honoured structures gracefully paid their respects, the traditional figure of the old parish priest, once the linchpin of the Maltese parish, has gently receded into history, paving the path for a new form of priesthood and a redefined role for the parish priest.

In the parish of Żabbar, the then Mgr Joseph Zarb had dedicated 32 years of unwavering service to his role as parish priest. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the coronation of the titular painting of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces and diligently supervised the establishment of various structures in Mediatrix Square. These include the esteemed Sanctuary Museum, Notre Dame Hall and the Convent for the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition. As the moment arrived for Mgr Zarb to bid his final farewells, he gracefully passed the torch to his successor, Fr Joseph Vella, who continued the mission, building upon the sturdy foundation he left in his wake.

Fr Vella was born in Paola on 31 July 1937. He was the son of Joseph and Mary nee Calleja, he was baptised in the parish of Paola, a church that began to be used as parish some years later. He attended Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph School, Paola between 1942-1948, the Lyceum between 1948-1954, during which period he was especially active in the Paola Catholic Action. For two years, between 1955 and 1957, he taught in the Żabbar and Tarxien primary schools.

In 1957 he embarked on his journey of priestly formation, during which he served as the president of the Seminarians in Catholic Action. His formation as a priest unfolded between 1957 and 1965. On 3 April 1965, he was ordained a priest by H.G. Archbishop Michael Gonzi in St John's Co-Cathedral, along with 21 other men, comprising 12 religious and nine diocesan priests.

His first solemn High Mass was reverently celebrated in the Paola parish church on 18 July 1965. In the initial year of his priesthood, he ministered in the Church of Christ the King in Paola. Subsequently, he was appointed as the vice-parish priest of Żabbar, serving alongside Fr Joseph Zarb, where they dedicated their efforts to the people of the Xgħajra area. Additionally, he served as the chaplain of the female section of the Żgħażagħ Ħaddiema Nsara. His notable apostolate encompassed caring for children and tending to the needs of the sick.

On 17 September 1967, he assumed the role of parish priest of Kalkara. There, he tirelessly worked alongside the parishioners, overseeing the construction of the parish centre. Upon his appointment as parish priest, Archbishop Gonzi, a devoted benefactor of the parish, presented him with a stole, symbolising his deep connection to the parish.

On 17 September 1970, the medical officers of the Bighi Naval Hospital presented him with Giuseppe Cali's Bon Pasteur painting, which found its place in the Kalkara church. This painting had previously adorned the aforementioned chapel.

Then, on 5 March 1975, he assumed the role of parish priest for the parish of Żabbar. Shortly after taking on this responsibility, a tragic incident occurred when an Avro Vulcan B2 crashed, resulting in one of the largest aviation accidents on record. This disaster claimed six lives and caused injuries to 20 individuals on the ground. Despite the chaotic and confusing circumstances caused by the crash, Fr Vella displayed unwavering courage by entering houses engulfed in flames to ensure no one was in danger.

Among his many accomplishments, he covered the small domes of the altars with lead, commissioned the pedestal for Our Lady's statue designed by Ġużè Galea and crafted the wooden altar table for the parish of Żabbar.

In the period between March 1986 and January 1992, he assumed the role of parish priest in Luqa. During his tenure, he undertook significant restoration work, including the meticulous restoration of the lunettes depicting the four Evangelists. He also oversaw the expansion of the parish cemetery and showed great attention to the maintenance of the church's clock. At times, he even personally repaired Michelangelo Sapiano's clock, notably in 2003. In addition, he organised a parish congress and played a pivotal role in forming a group dedicated to caring for individuals with special needs in the parish, generously contributing a sum of money to support this cause.

Throughout the parishes where he served, he is fondly remembered for his woodworking skills. In the parishes of Kalkara and Żabbar he crafted the altar table used for mass celebrations and was renowned for his ability to repair various objects. In Luqa, he even installed the floodlights.

Upon his retirement in 1992, he embarked on a new role at the Missions Office in Valletta as the Diocesan director. There, he introduced modernisations such as fax machines and a computer network, greatly enhancing the efficiency of the office's operations. He is warmly remembered for his skill in repairing mechanical equipment. Additionally, he served as the rector of All Souls Chapel in Tarxien, where he celebrated daily mass and provided spiritual guidance to parishioners.

Following his passing, it was discovered that during his lifetime, he had provided financial assistance to those in need. Despite his diverse talents, he remained, above all, a dedicated priest with a deep compassion for the less fortunate. An incident exemplified his compassionate approach when he discovered missing money from a parish money box located near one of the niches. Rather than resorting to mundane retribution, he discreetly resolved the matter by hiding behind another niche. When the culprit attempted to take the money once again, Fr Vella caught him red-handed, surprising him by tapping on his shoulder and exclaiming, "now I've caught you!" While thoughts of retribution may have crossed his mind, he chose the Christian path of forgiveness, making the offender promise never to repeat the act.

On 26 July 2003, Archbishop Mercieca honoured him by appointing him Monsignor of the Mdina Cathedral Chapter, only eight months before his passing. When illness struck, he faced it with great Christian fortitude, fully aware that he would soon meet his Creator. Mgr Vella passed away on 13 February 2003 at the age of 66.

Thanks to John and Lucianne Bason for their contribution on this article

Photos: Vivian Vella