magazines such as Dawl Frangiskan, besides lecturing and explaining the Holy Bible on the local media. He also toured various parishes in Malta and Gozo where he gave Biblical courses. In 1974 Donat felt the need to spread further Bible reading into the Maltese households. Thus, he launched the small booklet Kliem il-Hajja (the Word of Life) which has become synonymous with him. This booklet is issued every quarter and helps and simplifies the daily reading of the Bible. He was the editor since its origin and today is the Director General. Today, this booklet finds its way in many homes throughout Malta and Gozo - and also amongst our Maltese emigrants abroad. It is worth mentioning that over 20,000 Kliem il-Hajja booklets are distributed thanks to the many volunteers. On the 30th Anniversary of this publication, he inaugurated a Kliem il-Hajja office and library inside the Capuchins Friary at Floriana, Malta where most of this booklet is prepared. All those interested in Biblical studies have now another place where to study the Bible more in depth, besides going through the many works of Donat Spiteri. Donat Spiteri was honoured with the Gieh il-Marsa and Gieh San Gwann by the respective Local Councils as appreciation for his service to their community. On 13 December 2009 Donat Spiteri was awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika (Medal for Service to the Republic) by the President of Malta George Abela, on behalf of the government and people of Malta. Donat died at the Christus Sacerdos Home for Elderly Priests at Fleur-de-Lys, on December 19, 2011, aged 89. External links Fr Donat Spiteri OFMCap References Spiteri, Fr Donat 1922 births 2011 deaths People from Marsa, Malta Maltese Franciscans 20th-century Maltese Roman Catholic priests