ReachExtra
Eyes Set on Heaven: a book by Joe Caruana
Eyes Set on Heaven is available at: The Heritage Trust shop John Mackintosh Square, Sacarello’s News Agents Main St., Tracy’s Book Shop Irish Town, Cornerstone Bookshop Main St. and the Gibraltar National Museum.
The book was launched at the Calpe Rowing Club on Bishop Caruana Road, Gibraltar. A biography of Fr. Charles Caruana (1932- 2010) who was Gibraltar’s Catholic bishop from 1998 to his retirement in 2007.
Presenting ‘Eyes set on Heaven’ the Speaker of the Gibraltarian Parliament Adolfo Canepa called Fr. Caruana “a saint in our time”. Powerful words in a time of confusion.
The biographer is the late bishop’s brother, Joe Caruana an accomplished author of several books; an erstwhile Minister in the Gibraltar Government (1969-1971) who made his fortune in Canada and returned to Gibraltar to devote himself to the recovery of drug addicts, writing and various political causes.
It is the fruit of the love and admiration that Joe has always exhibited with passion for his brother whom he refers to as a “creator of new things;” no exaggeration for a man who spent the 51 years of his priestly ministry in perpetual action.
In his foreword, Sir Joe Bossano (who we learn was once an altar boy at the Sacred Heart Church) lauds Fr. Caruana as “a dedicated parish priest who walked close to his flock”. He is right to promise that the reader will find enjoyment in this work.
In the early chapters Joe Caruana plots the history of his family, who like many in Gibraltar is of Maltese heritage. He quotes liberally from the late Bishop’s own writings and researches.
This branch of the Caruanas had worked in the construction of the Suez Canal, moving from Port Said when there were plans to build “the Gibraltar Canal” – you will need to read page 27 of the book to learn about that particular project.
By page 50 of the book the reader is enthralled by the adventures of this family in Egypt, Malta, Gibraltar, London and Northern Ireland; the Spanish Civil War and their support of refugees and leading to Fr. Caruana’s childhood memories of French air raids on the Rock and dog fights between the Royal Air Force and the Luftwaffe over London, one of whose bishops at the time was another Gibraltarian, Archbishop Peter Amigo (1864- 1949).
A handsome young man who excelled in sports, the theatre and music Charlie, as he was widely known, was popular at parties and his brother recalls how even after dancing the night away he would attend early morning Mass in his white tuxedo.
He attended Mass and took Communion daily. The life of Charles Caruana, we soon learn was always one of dedication to God and the community.
Ordained a priest on the 24th May 1959. His work with the Young Christian Workers Movement (motto is “See, Judge and Act”), the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, in the Charismatic Movement, with Alcoholics Anonymous, Nazareth House for the destitute and in support of his brother’s Camp Emmanuel Drug Rehabilitation Centre added to his normal duties as priest ministering to his parishioners are testament to his vigorous devotion. In 1998 the Pope appointed him the 12th Bishop of Gibraltar.
Throughout, he maintained an active inertest in the theatre and other cultural events – he pioneered the Gibraltar International Song Festival.
He wrote a history of the Catholic Church in Gibraltar “The Rock Under a Cloud” and essays and short stories, he was an accomplished painter.
Even as, his brother tells us, he battled with coronary disease and diabetes Bishop Charles Caruana always presented at his best. He was the priest who could never say no to a challenge or a calling.
“Eyes set on Heaven” should be read.
