Speditu Xriha – The Friend of Everyone

Mr. Speditu Xriha was a brilliant and wise man — a true genius — despite never having attended school. However, he had an uncle who was a Dominican friar, and it was this uncle who taught him thoroughly from a young age, nurturing his sharp mind and curiosity.

Speditu, or more affectionately called by all as “Sur Spedit”, was known for going around the entire village daily, helping farmers with whatever they needed. He would even gather some of the farmers’ children in a particular field — one that wasn’t fertile, filled only with rocks and very little soil.

But in that rocky field, there was something curious — two long, straight grooves cut into the stone, side by side, like deep channels in the rock. These were known to carry water flowing from the upper parts of the village. People used to call that place “Żbibu lane”, which today is better known as Sqaq Żbibu (Żbibu lane).

The field he often spoke about was known for the ancient Cart Ruts, which still exist, though now mostly buried under majestic buildings. Only a small, neglected portion remains exposed today.

There, Sur Spedit would gather a group of children of all ages, and besides teaching them basic maths and knowledge, he also taught them religion and life lessons.

But one day, something unusual happened…

Speditu the Kind

There once was a man, so wise and bright,
With eyes that sparkled, full of light.
His name was Speditu, kind and true,
A friend to all — to me, to you!

Though school he never went to see,
His uncle taught him endlessly.
A friar kind, with books and prayer,
He taught young Speditu with care.

Each morning Speditu walked the street,
With gentle voice and steady feet.
He’d help the farmers, strong and proud,
And teach the kids — they’d laugh out loud!

He’d find a field, all rock and stone,
Where flowers never dared to grow.
But in that field, two tracks ran deep,
Like giant lines that rolled in sleep.

“They’re Cart Ruts,” Speditu said,
“Where ancient wagons once were led!”
He’d gather kids from near and far,
And teach them things more bright than stars.

He’d teach them sums and tales so grand,
And guide their hearts with gentle hand.
They’d sing, they’d learn, they’d sit in sun,
With Sur Spedit, learning was fun!

Though buildings rose and fields grew small,
His memory lives inside us all.
So if you pass Sqaq Żbibu way,
Think of Spedit — smile and play!