Golden Heart Family award

President Fenech Adami recently presided over the Golden Heart Family award ceremony which was organised by the Cana Movement of Gozo, at Palazzo Palina, Ta' Cenc, Sannat.

The Golden Heart award, which has been organised annually for 34 years is given to the family which has remained united even when having to make sacrifices to overcome unfortunate circumstances.

The award was presented to the Mario and Maria Portelli of Nadur, in the presence of the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi, Speaker Anton Tabone, Gozitan MPs, Nadur mayor Dr Chris Said, Mgr Joseph Curmi, representing Bishop Cauchi, Nadur archpriest Mgr Salv Muscat and Gozo Cana Movement director Fr George Borg.

The Portelli family was chosen from a number of families nominated for the award. Mr and Mrs Portelli have three children, the eldest of whom, Maria Lourdes, a secondary school student, requires special attention and constant therapy. Their other two children, who are twins, have some complications since they were born premature. However despite these problems, the family still managed to remain united.

Notary Dr Paul George Pisani, who chaired the judging panel, congratulated the Portelli family.

The Portellis were presented with a shield by President Fenech Adami and also received various gifts.

In his speech Dr Fenech Adami insisted that the family has to remain strong especially when faced with today's challenges. He also stressed on the importance of values which keep the family united. While congratulating the Portelli family he praised the Cana Movement for its work on behalf of the family.