World War II Hero. A native of Ħaż-Żabbar, Malta, Debono, who came from the family known as "Tal-Pusu", was commonly known as "Dun Ġwann ta' Tuneż" by the Żabbarin. Ordained to the priesthood in Carthage, Tunisia, on June 29, 1939, Debono was appointed parish priest of Montfleurt.
During the German occupation of Tunisia, "L'Abbé Jean", as he was popularly known there, took the leadership of the Maltese community in Tunis. Besides his pastoral and humanitarian work he protected and gave shelter to those persons sought by the Gestapo for deportation. He also hid prison escapees who had been imprisoned because of their beliefs or considered 'enemies' of the Reich.
Abbé Jean was more than once imprisoned at the Kasbah prison, but always managed to escape, either through outside help or through his own cunningly devised plans. For some time, he had to remain in hiding from the Gestapo.
Following the Second World War, Debono was awarded 22 medals, mostly by French authorities. On June 6, 1955, he was nominated Chevalier de la Legion d'Honeur by René Coty, President of the Republic of France, 'for services rendered during the German occupation of Tunisia during the Second World War'.
Returning back to his native Malta, Debono used to say mass at Żabbar and Santa Venera. It was shortly after having celebrated Mass here that he was struck by a car while crossing the road. The accident led to his death at 59 years of age.
During the German occupation of Tunisia, "L'Abbé Jean", as he was popularly known there, took the leadership of the Maltese community in Tunis. Besides his pastoral and humanitarian work he protected and gave shelter to those persons sought by the Gestapo for deportation. He also hid prison escapees who had been imprisoned because of their beliefs or considered 'enemies' of the Reich.
Abbé Jean was more than once imprisoned at the Kasbah prison, but always managed to escape, either through outside help or through his own cunningly devised plans. For some time, he had to remain in hiding from the Gestapo.
Following the Second World War, Debono was awarded 22 medals, mostly by French authorities. On June 6, 1955, he was nominated Chevalier de la Legion d'Honeur by René Coty, President of the Republic of France, 'for services rendered during the German occupation of Tunisia during the Second World War'.
Returning back to his native Malta, Debono used to say mass at Żabbar and Santa Venera. It was shortly after having celebrated Mass here that he was struck by a car while crossing the road. The accident led to his death at 59 years of age.
World War II Hero. A native of Ħaż-Żabbar, Malta, Debono, who came from the family known as "Tal-Pusu", was commonly known as "Dun Ġwann ta' Tuneż" by the Żabbarin. Ordained to the priesthood in Carthage, Tunisia, on June 29, 1939, Debono was appointed parish priest of Montfleurt.
During the German occupation of Tunisia, "L'Abbé Jean", as he was popularly known there, took the leadership of the Maltese community in Tunis. Besides his pastoral and humanitarian work he protected and gave shelter to those persons sought by the Gestapo for deportation. He also hid prison escapees who had been imprisoned because of their beliefs or considered 'enemies' of the Reich.
Abbé Jean was more than once imprisoned at the Kasbah prison, but always managed to escape, either through outside help or through his own cunningly devised plans. For some time, he had to remain in hiding from the Gestapo.
Following the Second World War, Debono was awarded 22 medals, mostly by French authorities. On June 6, 1955, he was nominated Chevalier de la Legion d'Honeur by René Coty, President of the Republic of France, 'for services rendered during the German occupation of Tunisia during the Second World War'.
Returning back to his native Malta, Debono used to say mass at Żabbar and Santa Venera. It was shortly after having celebrated Mass here that he was struck by a car while crossing the road. The accident led to his death at 59 years of age.
During the German occupation of Tunisia, "L'Abbé Jean", as he was popularly known there, took the leadership of the Maltese community in Tunis. Besides his pastoral and humanitarian work he protected and gave shelter to those persons sought by the Gestapo for deportation. He also hid prison escapees who had been imprisoned because of their beliefs or considered 'enemies' of the Reich.
Abbé Jean was more than once imprisoned at the Kasbah prison, but always managed to escape, either through outside help or through his own cunningly devised plans. For some time, he had to remain in hiding from the Gestapo.
Following the Second World War, Debono was awarded 22 medals, mostly by French authorities. On June 6, 1955, he was nominated Chevalier de la Legion d'Honeur by René Coty, President of the Republic of France, 'for services rendered during the German occupation of Tunisia during the Second World War'.
Returning back to his native Malta, Debono used to say mass at Żabbar and Santa Venera. It was shortly after having celebrated Mass here that he was struck by a car while crossing the road. The accident led to his death at 59 years of age.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
