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| Blessed Nazju Falzon, Intercede for us! |
⛪ Saint of the Day: July 1
⛪ Other Names: Ignatius Falzon
⛪ Born: 1 July 1813 at Valletta, Malta
⛪ Died: • 1 July 1865, Valletta, Malta of cancer • Buried in the family vault in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the Church of the Franciscan Minors, Mary of Jesus in Valletta
⛪ Beatified: • 9 May 2001 by Pope John Paul II • Beatification miracle involved the complete disappearance of cancer in 64 year old man in 1981
Early Life
Nazju Falzon, also known as Rocco Angelo Sebastiano Vincenzo Naju Rosario Falzon, was born on July 1, 1813, in Malta. He was the son of Francis Joseph Falzon, a judge, and Maria Teresa Debono, daughter of Judge Calcedonio Debono. Falzon was baptized on July 2, 1813, in the church of Porto Salvo. He had three brothers: Anthony, who became a lawyer and married, and Kalcidon and Francis, who both entered the priesthood.
Education and Vocation
Falzon obtained a doctorate in law on September 7, 1883. He received the tonsure and his clerical habit on December 20, 1828, and was instituted as a cleric the following day by Mgr. Publius M. Sant. He received the minor orders on August 21 and December 18, 1831. Despite his qualifications and encouragement from the local bishop, Falzon felt unworthy of ordination to the priesthood.
Falzon obtained a doctorate in law on September 7, 1883. He received the tonsure and his clerical habit on December 20, 1828, and was instituted as a cleric the following day by Mgr. Publius M. Sant. He received the minor orders on August 21 and December 18, 1831. Despite his qualifications and encouragement from the local bishop, Falzon felt unworthy of ordination to the priesthood.
Apostolic Work
Falzon was an active catechist and became proficient in English due to the British presence in Malta. He worked extensively with British soldiers and sailors stationed on the island, providing religious instruction and spiritual support. He initially welcomed them into his home for services and later moved his activities to a Jesuit church in Valletta. Falzon also facilitated the safe keeping of the soldiers' valuables, ensuring they were passed on to their loved ones if the soldiers were killed or went missing.
Falzon was an active catechist and became proficient in English due to the British presence in Malta. He worked extensively with British soldiers and sailors stationed on the island, providing religious instruction and spiritual support. He initially welcomed them into his home for services and later moved his activities to a Jesuit church in Valletta. Falzon also facilitated the safe keeping of the soldiers' valuables, ensuring they were passed on to their loved ones if the soldiers were killed or went missing.
Contributions and Devotion
Falzon distributed religious texts in various languages and authored "The Comfort of the Christian Soul." He conducted catechism classes, performed baptisms, marriages, and funerals, and served as a mentor and pastor. His devotions included a strong reverence for the Eucharist, the Archangel Raphael, Saint Joseph, and Benedict Joseph Labre.
Falzon distributed religious texts in various languages and authored "The Comfort of the Christian Soul." He conducted catechism classes, performed baptisms, marriages, and funerals, and served as a mentor and pastor. His devotions included a strong reverence for the Eucharist, the Archangel Raphael, Saint Joseph, and Benedict Joseph Labre.
Death and Legacy
Falzon died on July 1, 1865, due to a heart attack after experiencing prolonged heart spasms. He was initially interred in the Falzon Vault but was later moved to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the local Franciscan church. Franciscan priest Marjan Vella wrote a biographical account of Falzon titled "Glorja tal-Kleru Malti."
Falzon died on July 1, 1865, due to a heart attack after experiencing prolonged heart spasms. He was initially interred in the Falzon Vault but was later moved to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the local Franciscan church. Franciscan priest Marjan Vella wrote a biographical account of Falzon titled "Glorja tal-Kleru Malti."
Beatification
The cause for Falzon's beatification began with an informative process from 1882 to 1889. His spiritual writings were approved by theologians on December 16, 1902. The formal introduction to his cause was granted by Pope Pius X on April 13, 1904, bestowing upon him the title of Servant of God. He was named Venerable on October 23, 1987, by Pope John Paul II, who confirmed that Falzon had led a life of heroic virtue.
The cause for Falzon's beatification began with an informative process from 1882 to 1889. His spiritual writings were approved by theologians on December 16, 1902. The formal introduction to his cause was granted by Pope Pius X on April 13, 1904, bestowing upon him the title of Servant of God. He was named Venerable on October 23, 1987, by Pope John Paul II, who confirmed that Falzon had led a life of heroic virtue.
A miracle attributed to Falzon involved the 1981 cure of a cancer-stricken man. This miracle was investigated, approved by a medical board on February 19, 2001, and confirmed by theologians and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Pope John Paul II beatified Falzon during his visit to Malta on May 9, 2001.
Blessed Nazju Falzon remains an inspiring figure for his commitment to religious instruction and pastoral care, especially among British soldiers in Malta. His life of service, devotion, and humility continues to inspire and guide many.
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