From left, Louis A Farrugia, Prof Peter Vassallo who made an appreciation of the book during the launch, Bryan A Gera, the author John Micallef, The Most Noble Baroness Scicluna Ramsay, and Marquis Marcus Scicluna Marshall.

The Farsons Foundation have launched their new publication ‘The Scicluna Saga 1772 – 2008’ penned by John Micallef. The book, which was officially launched at Palazzo Parisio, tells the story of the Scicluna family, leading bankers and business entrepreneurs in Malta.

During the book launch, Bryan A Gera, Chairman of The Farsons Foundation, said “Today, we are reviving another heritage and legacy of Maltese history, that of the Scicluna family. John Micallef’s book gives an insight on their vision and achievements from the late eighteenth century to the early twenty-first century.”

While the story of the Sovereign Military Order in Malta was winding down in 1772, another one was beginning. The story unfolds when Paolo Scicluna married a girl called Grazia. They had a son, Giuseppe, who married Maria Cardona in 1807, made lots of money, became a banker and had three boys. The genesis of the Scicluna saga and dynasty began.

The first-born, Michele Angelo joined the priesthood, while Gio Battista and Emmanuele followed in their father’s footsteps, and became even wealthier. Emmanuele became a Papal Marquis, that is the first Marquis Scicluna, and uncle to the second Marquis, Giuseppe Scicluna (1855-1907).

The book, in fact commemorates the centenary anniversary of the death of the second Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna (1855-1907) and two hundred years after the marriage of Giuseppe Scicluna to Maria Cardona in 1807.

Mr Micallef, a freelance writer of many short stories some of which were broadcast on BBC, video scripts, corporate profiles and a series of annual reports for The Farsons Group of Companies, started his career at BPC International. He received his education at St Edward’s College and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where he received his commission to serve in the Royal Malta Artillery.   

Established in 1995, The Farsons Foundation has supported research and publications of studies on Maltese culture, heritage and history.

The book The Scicluna Saga 1772-2008 is published by The Farsons Foundation and printed by Progress Press. It is available at leading booksellers.