The College of Parish Priests at the Gozo Diocese has issued guidelines for this year’s feast celebrations in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, these have been sent to all parish priests on the island.

The guidelines detail celebrations that will be permitted, even if some measures may be relaxed on social gatherings. However, any village feasts will only be held if restrictions are lifted in total on social gatherings.

They include that band marches will be prohibited, which has been met with dissappointment by the Malta Association of Band Clubs. There will also be no external activities, as agreed by the Archpriests.

Celebrations will be held in the church but behind closed doors, with the public being able to follow on social media, including the Holy Mass and the Triduum etc. Internal church decorations must be kept to a minimum.

Others include; no celebrations for the removal of the titular statue from its niche, no door to door collections can be made, though donations can be given to the church or parish priest. Donations collected should only be used for charitable purposes.

A pilgrimage with the titular statue can be held on the evening of the feast day, however only prayers and religious hymns will be permitted, no sound systems will be allowed. Fireworks will be limited to the directions from the Ministry for Internal Affairs.

The guidelines also said that fireworks cannot be purchased by parishes and religious communities, neither can they organise fireworks, or donate towards fireworks, either directly or indirectly.

Decorations are being limited to the church square, with a set of poles and drapes, some lighting will be permitted on the facade of the church.

The Malta Association of Band Clubs have issued a statement in response, saying that it will abide by the instructions of the health authorities, however, it disagreed with the guidelines as set out by the College of Parish Priests.

It said that it had written to the Church authorities requesting a meeting in order to hold “a healthy discussion, however this meeting has never taken place.”

As a consequence the communiqué issued mentions all elements of the Maltese feasts, but without band marches, the Association said. Adding that village bands had played an important role in Maltese culture, Maltese feasts and social history of the country since the late 19th century.

The Association said that bands must participate in any limited external activities that are permitted by the Church and Health Authorities.

It concluded by saying that it continues to be open to dialogue, and will follow all instructions by the Health Authorities regarding mass events, however it “cannot agree with the directives from the College of Parish Priests, which will do more harm than good.”

Photo by Alain Salvary

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