Fr Robert Farrugia O.Carm (1938 – 2017)

Fr. Hermann Duncan O.Carm writes:

On November 19, 2017, in the Carmelite Priory in Balluta, Fr. Robert Farrugia passed to eternal life at the age of 78.

Born on December 6, 1938, in Valletta to Vincent Farrugia and Maria née Caruana, he was baptised soon after with the name John. As a child he served as an altar boy in the Carmelite basilica-sanctuary in Valletta where his attraction grew towards religious life. John hailed from a family who were blessed with vocations. His two uncles became priests, Fr. Elias and Fr. John Caruana, and their cousin too, Fr. Anastas Caruana. His brother Fr. Joseph joined the Carmelite Order and served as a missionary in Bolivia as well as his cousin Fr. Edmond Caruana who today works in the Vatican City. He also had a cousin, Fr. Charles Caruana, who became a Jesuit.

At 17, John joined the Carmelites, and as was tradition in those days chose the name Robert. He did his novitiate at the Mdina priory and on October 20, 1957, he made his simple profession. On December 11, 1960, he made his solemn profession. He followed philosophical and theological studies at St Cyril College in Balluta. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Michael Gonzi in St...