Dun Ang. Raggio (1852 – 1928): A priest who lived a holy life        Angelo was born in Senglea on the 8th December 1852 and he always felt the call for priesthood. He lived a recluse d life at St Philip Church in Senglea. He was ordained as a priest on the 17th June 1877 and he celebrated his first High Mass at St Philip’s Church. When he was thirty years old he was elected Provost of the Philippines and he remained in this post from 1882 to 1928.

       From 1917 to 1926 he was helped by Dun Guzepp Bonanno because he was suffering from ill health. In those days St Philip’s church was attracting a lot of people because of the saintly fame Dun Ang had and which he kept on till he died. Dun Ang Raggio whilst he was a devoted person he was also of very good nature, jolly and loved the company of children. As a sign of appreciation for his exemplary lifestyle the Arch Bishop Caruana obtained from the title of Prelate for the local church. He died on the 29th September 1928 and his funeral the people showed the love and reverence they had for Dun Ang. During the funeral eulogy Friar Lwigi Attard, called Dun Ang ‘the prim example among the whole clergy of Malta’. In 1953 on the 25th anniversary from his death there were plans to transfer his remains from the Addolorata Cemetery to St Philip’s Church but these plans never materialised.

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