2nd November 1877 – Birth of Joseph De Piro

Alessandro and Ursola De Piro's family lived up to the nobility of their birth. At a later date, Archbishop Pietro Pace was to speak of the family thus: 'The Noble De Piro family is well known for its religious sentiments'. Acquaintances abroad also recognised this characteristic trait. We will quote one distinguished person, Cardinal Rampolla, Secretary of State during the Pontificate of Leo XIII, who held the De Piro family in great esteem.

When Alessandro and Ursola's family already numbered six children (two girls and four boys), on Friday, 2nd November 1877, Giuseppe was born at Mdina. The large family home, close to the Cathedral, was situated at 3, Bastions Street, as indicated by the many letters addressed to the members of the family. This street resembles a lane as it is very narrow, and the house still bears the same number. On the cornice adorning the facade, above the front door, is the family coat-of-arms, sculptured in Malta stone.
On Saturday, 3rd November, the day following his birth, Giuseppe was baptised by Mgr. Vincent Magri, Archpriest of the Cathedral. After his first name Giuseppe was given the following names: John, Francis, Pascal, Edward and Nicholas. The god-parents were the Noble Alessandro Sciberras d'Amico, a relative on the side of his father, and the Noble Marianna Agius, a relative on his mother's side.

2nd November 1909:  Fr Joseph De Piro shares his foreign missions project with Mgr Peter La Fontaine, the Apostolic Visitor. 

Joseph De Piro had been thinking about the foundation of a missionary society since his seminary years in Rome (1898-1902). He was ordained priest in 1902, went to Davos, Switzerland, for 18 months and in 1904 returned to Malta for good. Being back home, he immediately contacted some priests and after sharing with them his plans, he even invited them to join his new Society. No one accepted except two, Fr George Bugeja and Fr John Mamo. In October 1909 there came to Malta Mgr Peter La Fontaine. As Apostolic Visitor, on 2nd November 1909, he went to Fra Diegu Institute, in Hamrun. While there he met the Director, Fr Joseph De Piro. The latter talked to La Fontaine about the Institute, but he also mentioned “... the project of the foreign missions.” La Fontaine encouraged the Servant of God to write the request  and assured De Piro that he would take it himself to the Pope. La Fontaine continued helping the Founder all along his life