Robbie, as he was affectionately called, was born at Valletta, Malta, on 12 February 1934. He joined the noviciate at Loyola House, Naxxar, on 2 October 1951 and made his first vows on 3 October 1953.
In 1954, he came to India as a missionary and worked here till 1990. He was ordained at Guhiajori on 24 March 1963 and made his Solemn Profession at Sahibganj on 15 August 1969. In 1965, he was sent to St Joseph’s College, Bangalore, as Spiritual Father of the boys. The following year he was back in the Santal Mission and in the subsequent years, was apppointed at various places in ministries such as Assistant Pastor, vice-Principal, in-charge of boarders, Minister and Treasurer. In 1972, he was appointed the National Promoter of the Leadership Training Service (LTS) and resided first at St Xavier’s college, Calcutta, and then at Prabhu Jisu residence, Calcutta. During the 18 years that he held this office, he travelled to many parts of India to promote and establish the Movement in many Christian Colleges and conducted training coures. He prepared and printed Manuals and other litertature for the members. This was Robbie’s great work for the holistic formation of youth.
In 1991, Robbie returned to Malta, and in the subsequent years took up different ministries like Pastoral Co-ordinator, Chaplain of the University of Malta, Co-ordinator of the Ignatian Pedagocial Paradigm, in-charge of the pastoral care of our benefactors, Administrator of the Province Infirmary and as Superior. On 1 November 2020 he was diagnosed with Covid-19 and was admitted at Mater Dei Hospital where he died on 4 November. Robbie had a warm personality and was particularly generous with youth in their formation, and with the disadvantaged in their needs.
- John Scicluna, SJ
