Social Studies Project - Proġett Pessonaġġi Maltin

Dun Karm Psaila

He was a Maltese priest, writer and poet. He I widely recognised as the Maltese national poet.

He was born on 18 October 1871 in Zebbuġ, Malta.

He was educated at the seminary between the years 1885 and 1894 and then proceeded to study philosophy in 1888 and theology in 1890 at the University of Malta. He was ordained priest in 1894.

He was the author of the verses of the imnu Malti in 1921. It was sung by the first time in 1923, music scored by Robert Sammut. In 1941 it was officially designated as the national anthem.

His poetry reflects a background of village life with an atmosphere of family feelings.

He died on 13 October 1961 in Valletta, Malta.

Dun Mikiel Xerri

He was a Maltese priest and political activist.

He was born on 29 September 1737 in Zebbuġ, Malta.

He lived under the Knights of St John during their time in Malta and the French under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte when they took over the Maltese islands in 1798.

He was a Maltese patriot that planned an attack to the French forces in Valletta and in Cottonera, but they discovered the plot and all of them were captured and then executed.

Before his execution he shouted to the crowd: May God have pity on us! Long live Malta!

He died on 17 January 1799 at the age of 61 in Valletta, Malta.

San Ġorġ Preca

He was a Maltese priest and the founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine as well as a Third Order Carmelite.

He was born on 12 February 1880 in Valletta, Malta.

He was ordained priest on 22 December 1906.

He celebrated his first mass on 25 December - Christmas in Hamrun.

His pastoral care and religious teaching earned recognition.

He was beatified in 9 May 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

He was canonized in 3 June 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.

He died on 26 July 1962 in Santa Venera, Malta.