Club News

A Message From Our President

President's Installation Ceremony Address

I am truly honored to once again serve as President of our Club. I am grateful for the faith and trust you have placed in me, and I will do my very best to uphold the traditions and values that make our Club so special, while also welcoming new ideas and ways to make our Club even stronger. .

I would like to thank Mary Ann Ciappara Milla, who has served as Secretary since 2022. She graciously stepped into the role at a time when the position was not filled and her dedication and willingness to help has truly been appreciated. In addition, I would like to thank Joe Vella, who agreed to return to the Board as Parliamentarian following the passing of Mary Anne Fassler. His willingness to step in is sincerely appreciated.

I also want to acknowledge the dedication of past presidents, Board members, and volunteers. Their hard work has built the strong foundation we enjoy today and inspires me to continue moving our Club forward.

Our Club is more than just an organization—it’s a community where friendships flourish, memories are made, and our heritage is celebrated. Clear communication will be key this year, and I encourage everyone to stay engaged, share ideas, and support one another. I look forward to working with our Board and all of you to make this year one of growth, enjoyment, and connection.

Thank you for your confidence and support. Together, we can make this a truly special year for everyone.

Message from the Honorary Consul General of Malta, Louis Vella

Greetings from Malta, dear friends of the Maltese American Social Club and the Maltese Community in California. Another month, another membership meeting. An organization like the Maltese Club and other Maltese groups that we have in the SF Bay Area exist, thrive, and grow because of the participation of members of the community. We are blessed with having several organizations that work together and support each other. There is no reason why every Maltese/American should not associate himself or herself with one or more of these organizations. Every member of the Maltese American community should make an effort to participate..

The month of February in Malta is dominated primarily with two main celebrations. The feast of St. Paul of the Shipwreck and Carnival. The feast of St. Paul Shipwreck is celebrated in a big way in Valletta and among those attending the church ceremonies we usually find, the President and Prime Minister of Malta and many cabinet members. Also, in attendance there are usually many members of the highest courts and other dignitaries. The festa Mass is celebrated every year by the Archbishop of Malta. Our church dedicated to St. Paul of the Shipwreck located on Jamestown in San Francisco is, without a doubt, a Maltese church dedicated to the patron Saint of the islands of Malta. The procession with the historic statue of St. Paul and the celebrations in the streets of Valletta, once again had to contend with some wet weather but nothing could dampen the spirit, the enthusiasm, and the jubilation of the thousands of people that every year participate in this one of the main festa in Malta. The City of Valletta was totally en fe’te in a major way. It is written that in the year AD 60, the apostle Paul together with 274 men sailing from Crete to Rome on board a large wooden ship, were caught in a violent storm. After 14 days battling the seas, the ship ran aground in Malta. And according to historical accounts Malta became a Christian country as a result of this unplanned but yet historic visit by the apostle Paul. Malta is still a Christian country to this day almost 2,000 years later.

Always remember that, it is not what we take but what we give that make us rich.