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Mark Montebello

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Mark Montebello
Born(1964-02-07)February 7, 1964
Mtarfa, Malta
Alma materUniversity of Malta, Malta
Angelicum, Rome
Complutense, Madrid
University of Leicester, England
Occupation(s)Philosophy, Criminal Justice

Mark Montebello (Mtarfa, Malta, 7 February 1964) is a Maltese philosopher and author. He is mostly known for his controversies with Catholic Church authorities but also for his classic biographies of Manuel Dimech and Dom Mintoff.

Private life

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Montebello, the son of Joseph, a RAF corporal, and Lucrezia (k.a. Grace) née Sultana, a primary school teacher, both from Sliema, was born in Malta at the Mtarfa military hospital, the third of four siblings, and grew up at Sliema.[1]

Montebello took his primary education at St. Francis School, Msida (1968–75), his secondary at St. Albert the Great College, Valletta (1975–80), and his higher education at St. Aloysius College, Birkirkara (1980–82). Montebello joined the Dominican Order at Rabat, Malta, in 1980, in which he made his religious profession in 1983. He was ordained a priest in 1989.[2]

Controversies

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Mainly due to his unconventional thinking and candour, unusual for a Catholic priest in the Maltese Islands, since 1992 Montebello became a well-known controversial personality.[3] This was augmented by bans periodically issued by the local Catholic authorities silencing him from speaking publicly for specific periods of time ranging from a few months to as long as three years.[4]

The first ban came in 1992. Following a talk show on radio Live FM, Montebello was temporarily barred by the local archbishop Joseph Mercieca from speaking publicly for a year about the Catholic Church, faith or morals.[5] This repeated itself in 2005 following an article in the Church-run weekly Il-Ġens, in which Montebello called the papal election of Joseph Ratzinger “a bad joke”.[6][7][8]

In 2009, mainly following an article in the left-wing It-Torċa submitting that Jesus accepted divorce, the archbishop Paul Cremona banned Montebello from speaking publicly for a year.[9] Due to this and other issues which precipitated the ban, Montebello was recalled to Rome by the Master General of the Dominican Order, Carlos Azpiroz Costa. As a result, Montebello was distanced from the Maltese Islands for three months at Mexico, serving with bishop José Raúl Vera López.[10]

In 2011, ahead of the referendum on divorce held in the Maltese Islands, Montebello harshly criticised the Church's campaign and actions.[11][12]

In 2015 Montebello was again chastised, this time by the archbishop Charles Scicluna, when he blessed the engagement of a gay male couple.[13][14][15] On this occasion it was his congregation which banned him from speaking publicly for three years and also threatened to defrock him.[16] Years later, in October 2023, in a response to “doubts” addressed to him by five of his cardinals,[17] and later in the declaration "Fiducia supplicans" of December 2023,[18] Pope Francis himself seems to have vindicated Montebello’s actions by acknowledging such blessings unless they are not confused with sacramental blessings.[19][20]

Studies and publications

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Montebello studied theology (1985–89) and philosophy (1983-85) in Malta. He specialised in philosophy in Rome (1989–93) and Madrid (1994-95), acquiring degrees in Plato and Aristotle, and studied criminal justice with Leicester University (2003–04).[21] He began lecturing in ancient and medieval philosophy at the University of Malta and other higher academic institutions in 1991.

Montebello's publication of 2011

In 1993 Montebello began researching the philosophical tradition of the Maltese people, a relatively new area of systematic study, continuing in his investigations of prime sources both locally and abroad for more than twenty-five years.[22] He published his findings in such books as Stedina għall-Filosofija Maltija (An Invitation to Maltese Philosophy, 1995), Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (The Book of Philosophy in Malta, 2 volumes, 2001), 20th Century Philosophy in Malta (2009) and Malta’s Philosophy & Philosophers (2011). Monographs in this line included Daniel Callus: Historian & Philosopher (1994) and Angelo Pirotta: A Maltese philosopher of the first water (2006).

Other focused critiques include the study of the 15th-century Maltese poet and philosopher Peter Caxaro, publishing books such as Pietru Caxaru u l-Kantilena tieghu (Peter Caxaro and his Cantilena, 1992; second edition, 2015) and Bejn ix-Xieraq u l-Għelt: L-istruttura kjażtika tal-Kantilena (Between Rectitude and Incongruity: The chiastic structure of the Cantilena, 2016).

In his studies Montebello also thoroughly explored the life and personality of Malta's early-20th-century social reformer Manuel Dimech. His related publications include Dimech (2004; second edition in two volumes, 2013, 2018), Jien, Manwel Dimech (I, Manuel Dimech, 2006; second edition, 2017), Manwel Dimech: Fi kliemi (Manuel Dimech: In my own words, 2010), Manwel Dimech: Ivan u Praskovja u Kitbiet Oħra (Manuel Dimech: Ivan and Praskovia and other writings, 2011), Aphorisms: Wisdom of a philosopher in exile (with Francis Galea, 2012), Manwel Dimech: Ilbieraħ–Illum–għada (Manuel Dimech: Yesterday–today–tomorrow, 2013) and The Amazing Story of Manuel Dimech (2014).

Montebello's philosophical publications mostly explore the individual's relation to institutions.[23] They include Il-Verità Teħlisna (The Truth Shall Set You Free, 1993), De Missione Christianorum (The Mission of the Christian, 1994), Il-Bejjiegħ ta’ l-Inċens u ċ-Ċnieser (The Incense and Incensory Vendor, 1994), Taqtigħ f’Salib it-Toroq (Struggle at the Crossroads, 1995), A Philosophy of Madness (1998), Il-Fidwa tal-Anarkiżmu (The Redemption of Anarchism, 2010; eBook, 2014), Four Havens of Intimacy (2012) and Il-Faqar tal-Paternaliżmu (The Poverty of Paternalism, 2017).

The Tail That Wagged The Dog: The life and struggles of Dom Mintoff (1916-2012) (2021)

In 2021 Montebello published the first fully-researched biography of Malta’s 20th-century four-time maverick prime minister Dom Mintoff, The Tail That Wagged The Dog: The life and struggles of Dom Mintoff (1916-2012).[24] The book was commissioned[25] and issued by SKS Publications,[26] a branch of Malta’s Labour Party. Though at first welcomed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, the leader of the party,[27] he later repudiated the biography,[28] though the book was not withheld from being sold by the publisher.[29] The vacillation was mainly due to Mintoff’s children disassociating themselves from the publication.[30][31][32] Montebello firmly stood by his work.[33][34] Seven years in the making,[35] the 640-page book was nonetheless positively hailed by critics,[36][37][38][39][40] and even shortlisted for the national book prize.[41]

Endeavours

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In 1995, together with others Montebello began a community centre in Cospicua run by the humanitarian NGO Daritama (house of hope) for the entire harbour district of Cottonera. The centre included a community school, a community radio (Radju Kottoner 98FM), a self-help group for prisoners and their families (Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl)[42] and a support group for prisoners of crime (Victim Support Malta).[43] The NGO was terminated in 2010, allowing Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl and Victim Support Malta to ensue independently.

In his varied humanitarian endeavours, not lacking notable controversy was Montebello’s work with and on behalf of the prisoners of the Corradino Correctional Facility at Paola.[44][45] In this line of work within the criminal justice ambit Montebello’s publications include L-Iskutella ta’ l-Abbandunati (The Basin of the Forsaken, 2000), Daphne (2003), Jean-Joseph Lataste: Apostle of Prisons (2006), The Right to Information of Victims of Crime in Malta (2006), Making Malta Saver for International Visitors (2007) and The Resettlement of Maltese Prisoners (2008).

As an intellectual, also very often unconventional,[46] in 2012 together with others Montebello established the foundation Philosophy Sharing for public discussion and tutoring.[47]

Throughout his public career Montebello regularly contributed to local weeklies, especially to It-Torċa (1993-2021) and media outlets. Other books by Montebello include Pietà-Gwardamanga: Il-Baħar–Il-Ħniena–Is-Sliem (Pietà-Gwardamanga: The Sea–Mercy–Tranquillity, 2008) and Min Qatel il-Patri? Ġrajja storika (Who Murdered the Friar? A historical account, with Marlene Mifsud Chircop, 2016).[48]

Montebello has also been a missionary in Ethiopia (2008) and Peru (ongoing since 2021).[49][50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Curriculum Vitae". Malta Academia. November 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  2. ^ Ibid.
  3. ^ Peregin, Chrisitan (20 May 2018). "We Spoke To Malta's Most Controversial Priest. He Didn't Disappoint". Lovin Malta. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  4. ^ Schembri Wismayer, Mario (16 March 2021). "An interview with Rev. Dr Mark Montebello OP". Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  5. ^ Schembri Wismayer, Mario (16 March 2021). "An interview with Rev. Dr Mark Montebello OP". Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  6. ^ "Fr Mark Montebello Silenced". The Malta Independent. 10 May 2005. Retrieved 21 January 2006.
  7. ^ "No Reaction from Curia on interview with Fr Mark Montebello". The Malta Independent. 17 May 2005. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Silence of the stray lamb". VivaMalta. 16 May 2005. Retrieved 12 June 2005.
  9. ^ Peregin, Christian (27 November 2009). "Fr Mark Montebello disciplined for 'offending Maltese sentiment'". Times of Malta. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
  10. ^ Debono, James (3 November 2010). "From Mexico with love, Mark Montebello talks of life away from Malta". Malta Today. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
  11. ^ "Fr Mark Montebello attacks Church actions ahead of referendum". Times of Malta. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  12. ^ "More Praise than criticism against Fr Mark Montebello for courageous divorce referendum blogpost". The Malta Independent. 22 May 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  13. ^ "Fr Mark Montebello to face Archbishop after blessing gay couple's engagement". Malta Today. 13 April 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  14. ^ "Archbishop encourages Fr Mark Montebello, but cannot bless rings of gay couples". Times of Malta. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  15. ^ "Archbishop encourages Fr Mark Montebello, but cannot bless rings of gay couples". Times of Malta. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  16. ^ Pace, Maria (30 July 2018). "Fr Mark Montebello's three-year writing ban lifted". Malta Today. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  17. ^ "El Papa responde los Dubia de cinco cardenales". Vatican News. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  18. ^ "Fiducia supplicans". Holy See. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  19. ^ Debono, James (3 October 2023). "Fr Mark Montebello vindicated: Pope suggests gay unions can be blessed". Malta Today. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  20. ^ "At last a stream of light for LGBTIQ Catholics". Malta Today. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  21. ^ "Curriculum Vitae". Malta Academia. November 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  22. ^ Montebello, Mark (26 May 2009). "Philosophy in Malta". Mark Montebello’s Blog. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  23. ^ Schembri Wismayer, Mario (16 March 2021). "An interview with Rev. Dr Mark Montebello OP". Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Dom Mintoff's biography launched". The Malta Independent. 19 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  25. ^ Vella, Matthew (8 May 2021). "Dimech biographer Mark Montebello pens Dom Mintoff biography". Malta Today. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  26. ^ "SKS Publishers". Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  27. ^ "Presentation of Mintoff's biography to the Prime Minister". SKS Publishers. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  28. ^ Martin, Ivan (6 July 2021). "Labour pulls Dom Mintoff biography from its shelves". Times of Malta. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  29. ^ Vella, Matthew (7 July 2021). "Labour publisher SKS 'unaware of directive' to pull Mintoff biography". Malta Today. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  30. ^ Galea, Owen (6 July 2021). "Mintoff's children disassociate themselves from Fr Mark's biography of their father". TVM News. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  31. ^ Bonnici, Julian (6 July 2021). "Dom Mintoff Daughters 'Disassociate' Themselves From Controversial Book On Malta's Former Prime Minister". Lovin Malta. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  32. ^ "'Profoundly unethical and immoral': Mintoff's daughters blast new biography". Pressreader. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  33. ^ Vella, Matthew (8 July 2021). "Montebello defends Mintoff biography: 'I have no reason to lie'". Malta Today. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  34. ^ Martin, Ivan (8 June 2021). "'I was asked to censor my book on Mintoff': Author of controversial biography defends his work after attack by family". Times of Malta. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  35. ^ "Dom Mintoff biography that was seven years in the making officially launched". Times of Malta. 19 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  36. ^ "La vita pubblica e quella privata del leader s'intrecciano con forza nella nuova biografia di Frate Mark Montebello". Corriere di Malta. 5 July 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  37. ^ "Mintoff's life and struggles as never seen before" (PDF). Maltese eNewsletter. May 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  38. ^ Vella, Matthew (5 July 2021). "Dom in the flesh: carnal passions of the great socialist". Malta Today. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  39. ^ "New biography highlights Mintoff's life and struggles as never seen before". Gozo News. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  40. ^ "Sex and socialism: Dom's bedroom secrets". Malta Today. 4 July 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  41. ^ Farrugia, Claire (2 August 2022). "Controversial Mintoff biography makes National Book Prize shortlist". Malta Today. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  42. ^ "Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl".
  43. ^ "Victim Support Malta".
  44. ^ Morgante, Patrizia (June 2010). "Il freezer delle esistenze". Mosaico di Pace. Retrieved 20 October 2010.
  45. ^ Micallef, Mark (18 March 2006). "Corradino 'anything but correctional'". Times of Malta. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  46. ^ Psaila, Shaun (3 October 2012). "Mark Montebello On Anarchism and Institution". SkizziAssurd. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  47. ^ "Philosophy Sharing Foundation". Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  48. ^ "Ballad singing and the murder of a priest". University of Malta: Newspoint. 6 January 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  49. ^ See: "Parroquia Santa Rosa". Facebook. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  50. ^ See: "A mission deep in the Peruvian highlands". Times of Malta. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
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