This weeks October 4th 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. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces of the Capuchin Friars in Victoria was the venue for the Prayer Meeting of the Gozitan Prayer Groups to celebrate the Liturgical feast of St Pio of Pietrelcina, on Friday 23rd September.

On this special occasion, the Prayer Groups joined the many Prayer Groups scattered around the world to commemorate the forty third anniversary from the death of St Pio. Mgr Salv Grima celebrated Mass assisted by Fr Remigio Galea, OFM.Cap and Guardian Fr Carmel Dimech, OFM.Cap. In his homily, Fr Grima pointed out that St Pio valued most the virtues of charity and kindness. This love for the sick and the needy motivated him to build the hospital ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.’ Mgr Grima said that likewise, as members of his Prayer Groups, ” …we should follow his example and do our best to help all those who may need our assistance and support…”

For this occasion, the main door of the Sanctuary had to be kept open so that the numerous devotees and members of the Groups that attended the ceremony and who could not find vacant seats in the church, could follow the ceremony from the parvis.

The singing of the hymn to Padre Pio brought the celebration to an end. The Gozitan singer Mario Caruana animated the ceremony. Vince Vella was the animator.

2. The Don Bosco Oratory of Victoria will be producing a new musical in maltese about the mystic story of St. Pio of Pietralcina – a popular saint of our times.

“PATRI PIJU – the musical” is based on the writings of the saint as well as on the witnesses’ stories given during the canonization process of St. Pio. “PATRI PIJU – the musical” presents the conflict between the good and the bad in man and the final victory of that which is right and good. This musical, an original work of the Italian Carlo Tedeschi, is being staged locally for the first time having been translated in maltese by Fr. Effie Masini. Vocal and musical direction has been entrusted into the able hands of Mario Caruana and Christine Camilleri, whilst stage-direction is in the hands of Saviour Cremona.

The main parts in “PATRI PIJU – the musical” are being played by Mark Laurence Zammit, Ruth Portelli, Mario Caruana and Jamie Camilleri. Other leading parts are played by Fabian Galea, Analise Xerri and George Sacco. A cast of over 100 persons, including singers and dancers, will be taking part.

“PATRI PIJU – the musical”, a spectacular event of two hours of song, music and dance will be staged at the Don Bosco Theatre on Saturday 8th October at 7.30pm, on Sunday 16th October at 2.30pm (matinee show), and on Saturday 22nd October at 7.30pm. Other special shows for school children are being planned.

Booking is now open. Tickets for “PATRI PIJU – the musical” can be obtained from the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo, or else by phoning on 21556616 or 99487751. Booking by e-mail on donbogo@gmail.com is also accepted.

Highlights from the musical have also been published on a CD (which includes a booklet with all the lyrics). The CD may be obtained from the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo.

3. Bishop Mario Grech celebrated Mass for children attending the Don Bosco Summer Club at the Don Bosco Oratory in Victoria. Later he also blessed a Crafts Exhibition set up by youth volunteers featuring models and crafts done by the children during their Summer Club activities.

Photo by Charles Spiteri – Padre Pio Prayer Groups commemorated the forty third anniversary from the death of St Pio at the Capuchin Church in Victoria.

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