Today, Thursday, the 28th of January 2010, coincides with the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Adrian Agius, when the 15th August Fireworks Factory which produces the fireworks for the Santa Marija feast in Victoria, Gozo, blew up.

Ten years ago, this mournful news ran across the Gozitan island faster than the sound of the blast itself. Those, were moments of deep grief, especially for the members of the Vampa Organisation; the pyrotechnic sub-committee, of whom he was a founding member. The loss of Adrian Agius was a grave tragedy not only to his family members for whom he was a father and husband, but also to the organising bodies of the Santa Marija festivities in Gozo – the Leone Philharmonic Society and the Gozo Cathedral Parish – of whom he was an outstanding member, activist and supporter. Moreover, Adrian was one of Gozo’s major entrepreneurs, also renowned in Malta. His funeral, accompanied by the Leone Band from the band club up towards the Cathedral Church within the Citadel walls, saw the participation of the highest civil authorities. This goes on to confirm what a great personality he was.

That evening of the 28th January – not yet a whole month into the new millennium, was a very unfortunate accident which left a deep austerity amongst all those who were lucky to know Adrian. Today, ten years on, his wonderful memory still appeals for more volunteers and festa-lovers to discard all personal aims, enrol in communities and societies and work with one sole motivation – to merge the arts and Maltese culture with the popular devotion so as to draw the people closer to the sacred festivities and give praise to God and our patron saints.

As a sign of respect for Adrian Agius, the Leone Philharmonic Society and the Gozo Cathedral Parish are organising a special mass in his repose, led by the Rev. Archpriest Mgr Joseph Attard, on Thursday, the 28th of January 2010 at 7.15pm. Bandsmen, members of the Vampa Organisation, band supporters and parishioners will all be in attendance.

Joseph Apap
Secretary, Leone Philharmonic Society, Victoria

Permalink: Remembering Adrian Agius – 28th January 2000 – 2010