Mgr Joseph Bonanno: an ecclesiastic of high stature – Fabian Mangion
Joseph Bonanno was born on June 18, 1882, and nurtured in Senglea, a city which, since its foundation in 1554, had given birth to personalities who had made a name for themselves and enriched the prestige of their birthplace. He was baptised two days later by Canon Paul Ferris, at the Senglea collegiate, and was diligently brought up by his parents Joseph and Carmen née Demajo in a wealthy family that fostered firm Christian values.
Bonanno grew up with a decisive foresight and manifested an early desire to answer to God’s invitation and embrace the priestly vocation. No one within his family or among his relatives had inherited titles of nobility; nonetheless, nobleness was ingrained in his generous heart.
He began his studies at St Ignatius College, St Julian’s, and continued his priestly course at St Thomas Aquinas University, Rabat. During his studies, he was much esteemed and acclaimed by both Jesuits and Dominicans.
On January 19, 1904, while still a sub-deacon, he was elected canon of the Senglea collegiate chapter. In the meantime, Canon Archpriest Francesco Briffa chose him as director of the Institute of Catholic Education, founded in Senglea in 1886 for the formation...