HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP FRANCIS MICALLEF, OCD
retires after 24 years of humble service
in the Lord's vineyard.
The Catholics in Kuwait thank God for the gift of Bishop Francis Micallef and for his 24 years of service to the Church in Kuwait as Bishop. In the few weeks before his departure, the faithful had the opportunity to express their love and gratitude to His Lordship and to pray with him and for him as he prepared to leave Kuwait for good.
A native of Malta, Bishop Francis was ordained a Priest of the Discalced Carmelite Order on May 9, 1954. He served in various capacities as the Conventual, Prior (Superior) of the Monastery in Malta, as Master of Novices and finally as the Provincial Superior of the Maltese Discalced Carmelite Province. In 1973, he was elected one of the Four Definitors General of the Order. From 1979-81, he was Rector at the Carmelite International College (TERESIANUM) in Rome. Being a man of tremendous talent and wisdom, he was given the responsibility to look after the Carmelite missions world over.
He was ordained as Bishop for Kuwait by Pope John Paul II on January 6, 1982. He came here shortly thereafter and was formally installed as Kuwait's third Vicar Apostolic on January 15, 1982.
Bishop Francis retired on July 14, 2005, having reached the age of retirement. He is succeeded by Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI.
On Saturday, October 29, 2005, he returned to Malta, where he will reside at the St. Teresa's Monastery, a Religious Community of Carmelite Friars.
A soft-spoken and unassuming man, the much loved Bishop has won the hearts of all his faithful who will miss his familiar presence deeply.
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Bishop's Postal Address:
St. Teresa's Monastery,
St. Teresa's Street,
Cospicua CSP 02
MALTA
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FAREWELL MESSAGE OF H.L. BISHOP FRANCIS MICALLEF
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
I am leaving Kuwait for good after almost 24 years of pastoral service as Bishop. I thank God for the many graces and blessings He showered on me personally, on the Vicariate Clergy, Religious Sisters and Priests, on the Catholic Faithful and on the State of Kuwait.
I want to thank in a special way, my clergy who have so generously ministered and continue to minister to the spiritual and social needs of our Catholic faithful. During these 24 years of my presence in Kuwait I have witnessed the development and progress of Kuwait in all sectors of Kuwait, the growth of the ecclesial community and the many initiatives started and sustained by the different language, cultural and ritual congregations of our faithful.
When I was installed as the new Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait in January 1982, in my interview with the Press, I said that Kuwait was to be my second home. I remained true to what I had promised then. Yes, I feel that Kuwait became my second home. This explains why I will miss very much the people I had been placed and honoured to serve in the Lord. But that is part of the life of a Bishop. I am looking forward to joining one of the Religious Communities of Carmelite Friars in Malta being a Carmelite myself.
Needless to mention, I will carry with me in my heart and in my mind the cherished fond memories of the people, and of the events I have served and have witnessed during my years in Kuwait.
I remain united in prayers especially with all of you who also endeared me so much and who have been such an incentive to dedicate myself generously to work in this portion of the Lord's vineyard till the eleventh hour. May He be honored and glorified forever!
I entrust you to the motherly care, love and protection of our Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Arabia. God bless you all.
I miss you!!!
Your Bishop Emeritus,
Francis Micallef OCD
October 25, 2005
avg@vol.net.mt
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Distance cannot sever what time and love have joined together!
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FARE - YE - WELL BELOVED BISHOP !!!
~ Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts and
we are never, ever the same. ~
... The time has come for us to say Goodbye, and though we wish that we could have you longer with us in Kuwait, we know that we must let you go to enjoy some much-deserved rest after selflessly serving as Bishop of our Vicariate, each precious day of the last twenty-four years.
Beloved Bishop, how can we thank you enough for all that you have done? Over the years, you have won not only our respect and admiration, but also, our love and deep gratitude.
How can we ever forget your compassion and commitment to your people during those terrifying days of the Invasion? In the footsteps of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, you never once abandoned us, but were willing to lay down your own life for your 'sheep'. A "beacon of hope", we came to rely on your strong presence and your spiritual consolation.
After the liberation, we moved forward together in hope, putting the worst behind us. Under your leadership, we were once again able to rebuild as a community. Our renovated cathedral, church, chapel and newly built parish halls, along with the vibrant and prayerful communities that worship within them - are clear and loud testimonies of your love and concern for your faithful that have made all these good things possible. Everywhere, around us, we shall always be reminded of your valuable contribution and hard work.
Though the distance may be vast between us, we have cherished memories of the many Jubilees, feasts and parish celebrations which have endeared you to us for years and years to come. You have truly been one of us and one with us.
You leave behind a legacy for us to emulate - that of holiness, simplicity, compassion for our fellow beings and dedication to God's work. You never enforced your ideologies, but by your silent witness, you have awakened within each of us, the spirit of a true Christian.
We wish you God speed, our thoughts and prayers go with you as you embark on a new phase of your life in your beloved homeland, Malta. We pray and implore the Almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit to shower Your Lordship, your family and your religious community with abundant blessings. May our Blessed Mother, "Queen of Carmel", whom we also lovingly call "Queen of Arabia", accompany you with her powerful protection. May the heavenly Angels be your constant companions and all the Saints, your intercessors, along life's way.
Keep us in your memory, and above all, in your prayers, beloved Bishop! ... we dare not ask for more. Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we'll miss you until we meet again!
~ May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May song birds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
May happiness fill your heart each day --
And remain with you, your whole life through. ~
WE LOVE YOU!!!
~ Your ever-loving faifthful in Kuwait ~
October 25, 2005
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Dedication to H.L. Bishop Francis Micallef
Composed by Charlotte Noronha, Kuwait
B efore you were born,
I called you by name, to
S erve my people and
H elp those in dire distress, the
O ppressed, poor and needy
P rivileged were they to be cared by you!
F or all your selfless love,
R endered to God’s people
A lways tending to your flock,
N ever neglecting your duties,
C ared with Fatherly love -
I n person, offered your time and
S ervice as part of God’s Will
M ay you be richly blessed,
I nspirational as you were
C aring, sharing and loving,
A lways wearing a smile
L eaving a trail of wonderful memories,
L ovable Bishop Micallef,
E very Catholic Faithful of the Vicariate of Kuwait
F ull of gratitude in our hearts will ……
Remember You Forever!
Thank You for all you have done!!
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