This weeks June 14th 2011 edition of The Maltese Herald Gozo section is now available for download by clicking here

Previous editions are also available by clicking on this link.

The stories covered in this weeks issue are:

1. All Prayer Groups in Gozo gathered at Our Lady of Graces Sanctuary in Victoria on Wednesday 25th of May, to celebrate the 124th anniversary from the birth of their founder, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

The prayer meeting began with the recitation of the Rosary followed by the Sacramental Blessing. A solemn concelebrated Mass was led by the Capuchin Provincial, Fr Emanuel Barbara OFM.Cap, assisted by Fr Carm Dimech, OFM.Cap, Guardian of the Friary and spiritual director of the Victoria Prayer Group and Rev Can Saviour Grima, spiritual director of the Nadur Prayer Group. In his homily, Fr Barbara pointed out that from his childhood, Padre Pio aspired to become a saint. He suffered humiliations and persecutions during his lifetime, for sticking steadfastly to the truth. However he always accepted to carry his cross without complaints. Whoever met him realised that he was meeting a saint. His sole mission on earth was to befriend sinners with God and thousands flocked to San Giovanni Rotondo to seek and follow his advice.

To mark this special occasion, Vincent Vella, ‘leader’ of the Victoria Prayer Group, on behalf of all the Prayer Groups in Gozo, presented Fr Barbara a donation to help seven seminarians (Seven Borse di Studio’) of the Capuchin Friars in Kenya. The ceremony ended with the singing of the Hymn to Padre Pio. The ‘Fjur t’Assisi’ choir took part in the ceremony.

2. Mr & Mrs Rapinet, representatives of the “Malta Charities Association” of London visited Arka Respite Centre at Ghajnsielem, Gozo to present a donation towards Arka Foundation in the name of the association.

The Malta Charities Association throughout the year organises fund raising activities to help various philanthropic societies based in Malta and Gozo. One of their major activities is the Gala Dinner held before Christmas time at “The Landmark Hotel” in London during which local art works are auctioned. Mr Joe Xuereb, a stone sculptor residing at Ghajnsielem has been donating to the Malta Charities sculptures in limestone for the last 10 years. Actually his work of arts donated for the 2010 activity raised a price of € 2,000.

At the end of their visit, Mrs Tina Rapinet, in the name of the Association, presented a handsome donation of € 10,000 to Mgr. Emanuel Curmi who is the Director of the Arka Foundation. Mgr. Curmi in turn thanked the London based ‘Malta Charities’ for their regular assistance towards the running of the centre where persons with disabilities are provided a vast range of services.

3. A special Mass was recently celebrated at Munxar parish church during which a series of anniversaries were marked. Felix and Maria Debrincat celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, while Michael and Miriam Borg and Tony and Georgette Bezzina celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

The celebrant, Fr Joseph Mercieca, was celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination, while Sr Maria Clemenza Gravino celebrated the 50th anniversary of joining the Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne Antide.

After Mass, Felix and Maria cut an anniversary cake on behalf of the other couples at the church parvis where refreshments were served.

Anniversary celebration – Ffrom left, Fr Joseph Mercieca, Tony Bezzina, Felic and Maria Debrincat (cutting cake), Georgette Bezzina, Miriam and Michael Borg and daughter Nicole and Sr Clemenza Gravino. Photo by Charles Spiteri.

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