After over 50 years in Brazil, Jesuit Fr José Sciberras SJ passes away at the age of 87

It is with deep sadness that the Jesuit Province of Brazil announces the death of Fr José Sciberras, SJ, on Wednesday morning 3rd July in Fortaleza (CE). He leaves us at the age of 87, having dedicated 70 years of his life as a Jesuit.

Hailing from Zurrieq, from an early age Fr Sciberras felt God’s call to religious life. He entered the Novitiate of the Society of Jesus in Naxxar (Malta) on 6 December 1953, at the age of 17. After professing his two-year vows, he completed his humanities studies (Juniorate) and was sent to Italy, where he studied philosophy (1956 to 1958, in Gallarate) and theology (1958 to 1962, in Naples). In the latter city, he was ordained a priest on 9 July 1961, by Bishop Raimundo Calabria.

Back in Malta, he worked for ten years as a teacher of religion, maths and chemistry at St Aloysius College in Birkirkara, as well as assisting the students’ spiritual guide.

He spent a short time in Auriesville (United States) to complete his Tertianship. His definitive incorporation into the Society of Jesus, with the profession of final vows, took place on 2 February 1967.

In 1973, Fr Sciberras was assigned to work as a missionary in Brazil. When he arrived in Salvador (BA), he worked as a teacher and director of the chemistry laboratory at the Colégio Antônio Vieira. He stayed there until 1987, also working as a community minister, doing pastoral work at Vila América parish, as well as Spiritual Exercises guide and rector of Santo Antônio da Barra church.

In 1987, he was assigned to the city of São Luís (MA), where he served as minister and counsellor at the São Luís Residence and serving at the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Parish. Returning to the educational apostolate, he worked at Colégio São Francisco de Sales (Diocesano) in Teresina (PI). From 1994 to 2000, he worked in pastoral ministry at the school. Still in Teresina, he was sent to the Socopo neighbourhood to work as a minister and spiritual guide at the Retreat House (2001-2004).

With the creation of the Northeast Brazil Province (BNE), Fr Sciberras returned to Salvador to work as an archivist at the Provincial Curia (2005 to 2011). He also helped to attend to the faithful at the Shrine of Fatima, next to the Antônio Vieira College.

Fourteen years ago, Fr Sciberras’ health required more attention and care. That’s why, in 2012, he was assigned to the São Luiz Gonzaga Health and Wellness Community in Fortaleza (CE), where he has been ever since. While looking after his health, he still provided various services to the community and the people. He was a confessor for many years at Christ the King Parish, assisted in the house’s finances and maintenance and, from 2014 to 2023, was a consultant to the superior.

In recent weeks, Fr Sciberras felt that the time was approaching for him to definitively embrace Christ, to whom he had been fully dedicated since his youth.

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon (3rd July) at the Parque da Paz Cemetery in Fortaleza (CE).

Together with the Province of Brazil, the Jesuits in Malta stand with the family and friends of Fr Sciberras, and offer their deepest condolences, blessings and prayers. May our dear companion rest peacefully with the Lord he served so well.