Inspirational teenage athlete Jake Vella died last week, aged 15.

Malta mourned his death. A life cut short by an extremely rare condition. But despite his short life marked with tragedy, Jake's legacy lives on.

Jake never gave up. He cycled, he swam, and he took part in marathons. His courage, his determination to keep going, notwithstanding the huge challenges that he faced was what inspired Maltese and Gozitans alike - regardless of their age and physical condition. He led by example.

He fought on. His smile was addictive as I had the pleasure to learn first hand. For a considerable period before his demise, Jake, together with his parents, lived at the Mater Dei Hospital. It had become impossible for this inspiring young man to live at home since he required constant medical attention.

But even there, his charisma and his perseverance won hearts and minds.

Together with other well wishers he ran charity events, which were a resounding success. It got him media attention, though his aim was never self-promotion but to translate his challenges for a good cause. And he played the guitar too - from his hospital bed. It was never a dull moment with Jake.

I had the good fortune of knowing Jake and his remarkable parents, Marosuka and Josie. They never gave up. They never complained. Instead, they supported their son, showering him with love. They gave him unwavering support.

Jake had bold dreams, and he pursued them. When you pursue bold dreams, it helps to have champions by your side. His parents are champions and undisputed ones, too.

Tomorrow, we bid Jake farewell at the Birzebbuga Parish Church. His legacy lives on.

My sincere condolences to his parents, family, and his many friends. Thank you, Jake. You did us all proud.

The humble priest

We lost another hero this week. He lived a long life but made sure that it was entirely dedicated to those in need.

Dun Ang Seychell, affectionately known as Dun Ang, founder of Fondazzjoni Nazareth, died on Saturday, aged 91. He had one main purpose in life, which he achieved without fanfare: to remove vulnerable persons from institutionalised care and place them in homes, offering them an alternative family structure.

That was a revolutionary idea way back when Dun Ang set along to achieve his mission.

It was the custom to place vulnerable people, especially those who did not have anyone to support them, in institutionalised care. Dun Ang was determined to change that. And he did. Fondazzjoni Nazareth's mission was inspired by this objective.

Based in Zejtun, my hometown, Dun Ang oozed love and compassion. I had the good fortune of knowing Dun Ang, too. I learned a lot from him. He was a humble, unpretentious priest from humble origins who never ceased to be humble even when he became famous for his voluntary work.

We paid our last respects to Dun Ang earlier this week at the Zejtun Parish Church. He shall be missed, but his legacy too shall live on forever. Farewell, Dun Ang, and thank you.

Authentic and unique

The Malta Village Festa season is ending.

During the summer months, at night, the cloudless skies were adorned with the beautiful tapestry of Maltese fireworks. They dazzle, shine, and sparkle. A true gem indeed.

Streets across towns and villages, in Malta and Gozo, were transformed into beautiful canvas of streetlights, bandalori, and pavaljuni.  

Churches were dressed up for the occasion. Band marches brightened the mood with their jovial music.

Hundreds of young and not so young volunteers worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that their village feast was nothing short of remarkable. And remarkable they were. The Malta Village Festa is the fulcrum of celebrations in our communities and squares, which provides a strong cultural element.

As Minister responsible for culture, but also as a Maltese citizen who appreciates Malta's rich culture, I attended many a feast. The Malta Village Festa is a true manifestation of Malta's culture.  This is what makes us Maltese and what makes Malta unique. In November 2023, the Malta Village Festa was finally inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

As a government, we have invested and shall continue to invest heavily to ensure that the Maltese feast is not only preserved for future generations but strengthened.

Suffice it to mention the efforts which we made to create a fund through which government bought band club premises that were at the risk of eviction.

I salute all the volunteers who make the Maltese feast authentic and unique. Malta is deeply grateful for your relentless work and dedication.

Beethoven's Ninth and Verdi's Requiem

This week, I launched the 2024/2025 season of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has long made a significant contribution to our country's musical culture. It's commitment to artistic excellence stands out not only in Malta but also internationally.

This year's programme promises to be an interesting one indeed. No less than 60 concerts, featuring major performances such as Beethoven's Ninth - famous for its setting of Friedrich Schiller's poem 'Ode to Joy', Verdi's Requiem - a rare combination of secular expression and sacred sentiment and the Foundation Day Concert with the MPO and the Youth Orchestra.

Chamber Concerts will also be held. This is a children's series titled Do-Re-Mi, collaborations with KorMalta, performances by both local and international soloists, and participation in the Spoleto Festival.

These prestigious collaborations strengthen Malta's cultural sector.  I invite you to come and enjoy these unique and high-quality musical events.