|
MALTA
|
21.04.2001 |
On the first of July 1813, some years after the beginning of British Rule in Malta, a baby-boy was born to Giuseppe Francesco Falzon, a doctor of laws and Maria Teresa n~ Debono. The baby was baptized on the following day at the Parish Church of Saint Mary of Porto Salvo (St. Dominic), Valletta and was given the names: Rocco, Angelo, Sebastiano, Vincent, Nazju (short for Ignatius) and Rosario. However, he was always called Nazju
The names given to the child reflect very clearly the times and the environment in which he was born. At the time of Nazju's birth a cholera epidemic was raging in Malta and the Maltese often used to pray to saints Rocco, Angelo and Sebastian for protection.
The names Vincent and Rosario were added by the Parish Priest, because St. Vincent and the Holy Rosary are held in special honor by the Dominican Order, that was in charge of the parish where Nazju was baptized. Nazju's parents, who used to live in quite a big house in Strait Street, Valletta, were a very pious couple and led an exemplary life. They had 4 children: Calcedonio, Francesco, Nazju and Antonio (Calcedonio was appointed Canon Treasurer of the Cathedral Chapter. Francesco became a priest and later was nominated private chaplain to His Holiness. Nazju became a lawyer and a cleric. Antonio became a lawyer. Their father, Dr. Giuseppe Francesco Falzon was very well known as a lawyer and later became a judge and was chosen to sit on the council for the drafting of the first Constitution for Malta under British Rule.)
Maria Teresa took great pains to see to it that her children received a sound religious instruction. Nazju's brother, Fr. Francesco Falzon, testifies that when the children grew older, they were sent to the Church of St. Barbara for catechism lessons. From an early age, Nazju used to show a special devotion towards Our Lady and as a child he loved to linger in front of the statue of the Queen of Heavens while he recited the Hail Mary.
On the 3rd August 1822, Nazju received the Sacrament of Confirmation. His godfather was Baron Joseph Delicata. Unfortunately, we cannot say when Nazju received his First Communion, because documents are lacking. However, it must have been when Nazju was twelve or thirteen.
According to Fr. John Mary Galea, Nazju "was still a small boy, when he was known as the little saint because he revealed a propensity to a holy life and had a very kind and generous heart. Moreover, he always showed great respect towards his parents and all his superiors."
Fr. Francesco Falzon, Nazju's brother, said that "Nazju never went to bed before reciting the fifteen decades of the rosary." As soon as he learned to read, he started to recite the Little Office of Our Lady, which he always carried with him.
 Return to Nazju Falzon's main page
|
