The Franciscan Friars have announced that they will take responsibility for the funeral of Nadab John, the 15-year-old altar server from Pakistan who tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in Xgħajra. The decision was taken with the agreement of his parents.
Nadab, who served at the Church of Ta’ Ġieżu in Valletta, will be laid to rest in the Franciscan Friars’ graves at the Addolorata Cemetery. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 24 July, at 9:00am at the Church of Ta’ Ġieżu.
The Franciscan community revealed that Nadab was part of a family of five and had arrived in Malta with his younger brother and sister just six months ago, following many sacrifices by his parents.
During a visit to the family by Fr Ramon Farrugia OFM, Minister Provincial, and Fr Arslan Masih OFM, Nadab’s parents shared how their son had found “a family” at Ta’ Ġieżu. They explained that following his investiture as an altar server six weeks ago, they witnessed a remarkable transformation in him, saying they had “never seen him so happy before.” They added that he felt listened to, accepted and appreciated.
His father also shared that, despite the family’s immense grief, he believes that God was preparing Nadab to meet Him through his investiture.
The Franciscan Friars said they will accompany the family in accordance with their mission of serving ethnic communities and invited the public to attend the funeral. The liturgy will be celebrated in Urdu, the language of the Pakistani community, while everyone is welcome as “a concrete sign that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.”
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