The Gozo Branch of the Friends of Australia Association (F.O.A.A.G.) has announced the death of Fr. Emmanuel Spiteri, a priest for 50 years, 35-years as migrant in Australia, 34-year service in Gozo as a priest and for the last three years the spiritual director of the F.O.A.A.G..

Fr Emmnauel Spiteri was born in Sannat, Gozo on the 26th of December 1933. He attended the Sannat primary school, going on to the Lyceum in Victoria and in 1953 joined the Sacred Heart Seminary in Victoria, where he continued his studies leading him to be ordained a priest at the Gozo Cathedral on the 2nd of April 1960, by Bishop Joseph Pace. Following his ordination, Fr Emmanuel served two years at the Gozo Minor Seminary as a teacher and an internal prefect.

In July 1962, Fr Emmanuel emigrated to Australia on the ship, ”Aurelia’ as chaplain and Welfare Officer aboard. When he arrived, he decided to continue to be a priest in this continent, where Bishop Patrick Lyons of the Diocese of Sale in the east of the State of Victoria appointed him deputy and later Chaplain. In total he served there for 35 years. In August 1977 he returned to Gozo where he served for another 34 years.

F. Emmanuel became a member of the F.O.A.A.G. in 2007 and one year later he was appointed as spiritual director.

Last July, Fr Emmanuel, celebrated his 50th year as priest. For that event the Founding-President of the F.O.A.A.G., Dr Raymond C. Xerri and the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Anne Quinane both attended for this memorable occasion.

The F.O.A.A.G. urges the 1900 Gozitan-Australians who live in Gozo to pay respect to a priest who dedicated most of his life to the migrant cause. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, the 22nd of February 2011, commencing at 4pm, at the Church of Santa Margerita, Sannat, Gozo.

The F.O.A.A.G. will be paying respects to Fr Emmanuel Spiteri, during an annual event called, Queen’s Birthday which will be organised around June 2011.

Permalink: Fr Emmanuel Spiteri, Spiritual Director of F.O.A.A.G. dies