Nazju Falzon

Blessed Nazju Falzon
Born	July 1, 1813 Valletta
Died	July 1, 1865 Valletta
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	May 9, 2001 by Pope John Paul II
Feast	July 1

Blessed Nazju (sometimes Ignatius) Falzon (July 1, 1813-July 1, 1865) was a Maltese priest; he was beatified in 2001.

Falzon was born the child of a judge, Francis Joseph; his mother, Mary Teresa, was the daughter of a judge. He had three brothers; all four became lawyers, and two of the brothers entered the priesthood. Falzon himself received minor orders at 15, and earned his degree in theology; he did not, however, feel worthy of the priesthood. He taught catechism to local children, and was known to help some of the poorer ones when they needed money.

Falzon also worked with the British soldiers and sailors who were stationed on Malta. He would meet them by hanging around the various places to which they were assigned. Many were rough men; those who were interested, he brought to his own home for services. As more grew interested, he was forced to move, finding a new home for his work at Valletta's Jesuit Church. He imported simple texts in various vernacular languages, distributing them to his flock to read; he was also a writer, responsible for The Comfort of the Christian Soul. Hundreds were converted through his efforts. He became a mentor to those who remained on the island, serving them as pastor and performing marriages, baptisms, and funerals.

Falzon was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001; the beatification miracle involved the complete healing, in 1981, of a cancerous man in 1981.

Reference

• CatholicForum page
• Family tree