Bishop Francis Micallef was born on December 17, 1928, at Birkirkara, Malta and
was christened Francis George. His parents were George and Marianna.
His home was not far from the Discalced Carmelite monastery which
instilled in him the seed of vocation and resulted in his
entry into the Discalced Carmelite Order as a novice on August 15, 1947.
He made his first religious profession in the same Order, on
August 22, 1948. He dedicated his life to the Order by ending final vows (profession)
on October 15, 1951.
Bishop Francis had his studies in Malta as well as in Rome,
Italy. Ordained as Priest on May 9, 1954 and having finished his Master's
(Licenciate) in Theology, he returned to Malta where he taught moral theology.
Having returned to Malta he served as the Conventual, Prior
(Superior) of the Monastery, Master of Novices and finally as the Provincial
Superior of Maltese Discalced Carmelite Province.
The Discalced Carmelite Order recognized his service and at the General chapter held in Rome in the year 1973, he was elected one of the Four Defenitors General.
Later he was Rector at the Carmelite International College (TERESIANUM) in Rome from 1979-81. Being given the responsibility to look after the Carmelite missions world over,
he had the opportunity to get acquainted with missions all over the world including
Kuwait.
Little did he realize then, that a few years later he would have to
shepherd the flock here.
As Msgr. Victor San Miguel was retiring due to his age,
Bishop Francis George Micallef was appointed as third Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait on November 11, 1981, the office and responsibility which he reluctantly accepted.
He was ordained Bishop by Pope John Paul II on January 6, 1982 at the Vatican.
He came to Kuwait on January 13, 1982 and took possession (charge) of the Vicariate of Kuwait on January 15, 1982
Bishop Francis retired on July 14, 2005. He was succeeded by Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI.
As evident, Bishop Francis was a man of simplicity and rejoiced
in humble service of the least of his brethren. His motto as Bishop was "To see the
bright side of people and things". It was in this very manner that he administered to the needs
of his flock after the example of the Good Shepherd. "There is no greater love, than to lay down
one's life for his friends".
