It is rare to find historical figures whose lives are so consistently defined by a love for their neighbour and a steadfast piety. In a world often governed by the erratic whims of chance and the disorder of human emotion, the life of Dr Giuseppe Agius Muscat offers a refreshing sense of purpose and service towards the other.
Born in Birgu on August 2nd, 1893, Giuseppe was one of fourteen children born to Carmelo Agius from Lija and Felicità (née Muscat) from Żurrieq, nine of whom survived into adulthood. Migrating to Żabbar at an early age, he exhibited a profound sense of discipline and spirituality. This was likely instilled during his time at the Malta Garrison School and the Lyceum, institutions that provided not just an education but a rigorous character formation—a quality that many feel has diminished in post-war curricula.
He followed a steady academic path into medicine at the University of Malta, graduating as a Doctor of Medicine on October 17th, 1919. This professional calling would define his life’s work, particularly his service to the most vulnerable members of society.
His medical ethics were inseparable from his personal character. He was a man of peace; when a “hotheaded” gentleman in Marsascala once challenged him, claiming Agius Muscat had come to “destroy the Labourites,” the doctor replied with his characteristic calm that his profession was dedicated to saving lives, not destroying them.
This kindness was most evident in his treatment of the poor, whom he often served without charge. His generosity occasionally invited mischief from those looking to take advantage of his good nature. One local “trickster” was known to remove all the valuables from his house whenever the doctor was due for a visit, hoping to appear destitute so Agius Muscat would waive the fee. It was a relative of Agatha Barbara who eventually alerted the doctor to the ruse. The Barbaras and the Agius Muscats were much respectful to each other. Armed with this knowledge, Agius Muscat eventually caught the man in the act during a surprise visit—though even then, he handled the situation with the grace of a man who looked for the best in everyone.
Agius Muscat’s political journey began with the Unione Politica Maltese (UPM) in 1924. Though his first attempt was unsuccessful, he persevered, and by the 1927 general elections, he was elected to represent the Partit Nazzjonalista in the fourth district. His popularity grew steadily, reaching 1,170 first-preference votes by 1932.
In 1934, he married Vincenza Bonello from Cospicua, and together they had five children: Anne, Lora, Renato, Marya, and Lino. Despite the heavy demands of his career, he remained a devoted family man. Upon his marriage, the family moved from 83, Main Street to Villa Josvin, Triq il-Ġnien in Żabbar.
The Nationalist Party of that era was often caught in the friction between pro-Italian factions and the “Stricklandian” faction. Agius Muscat positioned himself as a balanced Nationalist: firm in principle, yet humane and realistic in outlook. His conscience was guided by the daily realities of disease and suffering he witnessed as a doctor, allowing him to rise above petty partisanship. It is noted that during the rift between Mintoff and Boffa, Boffa told his wife that if she were ever in dire need, she should seek out Agius Muscat for assistance, knowing the doctor’s integrity transcended political lines.
His conduct during World War II was particularly admirable. As a member of the Air Raid Precautions (ARP), Dr. Muscat was a constant presence at scenes of tragedy. While the world was upended, he offered medical succour and spiritual comfort. He would often assemble the youth of his street to recite the Rosary, providing a much-needed spiritual anchor during the chaos of the war.
His devotion to the Angelus was equally central to his life. At the stroke of noon, regardless of his company or the task at hand, he would pause to pray. This practice reflected a life governed by the essential rather than the trivial, a focus he maintained even as he continued his political role after the war, securing significant electoral support in 1947 and 1950.
Beyond his professional roles, Agius Muscat felt the heartbeat of the community. He served as President of the Società Filarmonica Maria Mater Gratiae and was a vital medical advisor to the Società Mutuo Soccorso and the Franciscan Capuchin Order in Kalkara. He had asked his sister, Mary Ruggier to prepare him a seat so that he could see the Coronation of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces, which was bound to happen on the 2nd September 1951, an event he did not have the fortune to see. He was the honoury president of the Committee that organised the festivities.
As his health deteriorated in his later years, he traveled to Italy for treatment, accompanied by his brother, Dun Tarċis Agius. He remained steadfast in spirit until the end. His final moments at his residence in Żabbar were described as deeply moving. He told his Sister Mary Ruggier:
“If you see me faltering, give me the crucifix to hold in my hands.”
In a poignant final chapter of his life, his wife sought the spiritual assistance of Dun Ġorġ Preca (now Saint Ġorġ Preca). The saint told her to leave everything in his hands. The pharmacist Arthur Felice, who was present at the bedside, noted that the agonizant doctor, looked toward the door, saluted with his head, smiled and closed his eyes again—an event some attribute to the bilocation of Saint George Preca coming to assist the Christian doctor. He died on the 7th June, 1951. The funeral took place in the parish church, it was one of the biggest funerals in Żabbar.
On June 9th, 1990, a bust by artist Alfred Camilleri Cauchi was inaugurated in Żabbar by Dr Eddie Fenech Adami. During the ceremony, Dr Carmelo Caruana spoke of Agius Muscat’s refusal to charge the poor. Agatha Barbara, entered the Nationalist club for the first time on that day. During the reception, she remarked that she should have been the one to give the speech. She added a detail that Caruana had omitted: Agius Muscat not only treated the poor for free—he often reached into his own pocket to pay for their medicines.
Dr Giuseppe Agius Muscat graced the streets of Żabbar with his service; he had given the Maltese a lesson to rise above political factionism and tribalism and to seek to serve everyone. Indeed he inscribed in his heart and lived by the gospel words: “If anyone says, ‘I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” May we who are remembering the facts of the life of this great gentlemen, learn to embody his examples.
Manuel Abdilla
The historical events narrated here have been shared with the author by Mr. Edgar Ruggier, his nephew.
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