Canada's official celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the terrorist bombings in the US on September 11, 2001, took place at Gander International Airport, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The hour-long ceremony, televised internationally, was attended by Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the US Ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, political leaders, dignitaries and local residents.
Malta's honorary consul general in Eastern Canada, Charles E. Puglisevich, was among the distinguished guests at the ceremony.
On September 11, soon after the disaster struck in New York City, all flights heading to the United States were redirected to Canada, 39 of which landed in Gander at a moment's notice.
Prime Minister Chretien praised the efforts and contributions by Newfoundlanders and all Canadians, in the days following the tragedy.
"You did yourselves proud, ladies and gentlemen, and you did Canada proud," Mr Chretien said. He praised the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for their generosity and hospitality at such a short notice.
The US Ambassador, Canada, Paul Cellucci, also spoke of what the would later call that "very emotional" a year before. Mr Cellucci continued by saying: "We also remember today with great gratitude, Canada's overwhelming support and help for the US in a time of need", Mr Cellucci said.
The consulate-general of Malta in St John's, Newfoundland, responded quickly on September 11, 2001, by making available two of its consulate staff to work around the clock with the Canadian Red Cross and assist the many stranded passengers at St John's International Airport, Mr Puglisevich reported.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr Puglisevich took the opportunity to shake hands with Prime Minister Chretien and exchange messages with various dignitaries present.
Polish award for Bishop of Benghazi
Last month, the President of Poland, Dr Aleksander Kwasniewski, awarded Mgr Sylvester Magro, the Maltese-born Bishop of Benghazi, the Cross of the Equestrian Order of Merit of the Republic for his dedication to the Catholic workers in Libya, and especially, Polish nationals.
The award was given to the Bishop by the Polish consul general in Benghazi, Dr Jerzy Chumek. In his address, Dr Chumek expressed the appreciation of the Polish workers for the pastoral work of the Bishop. In fact, despite the language barrier, Bishop Magro for many years assisted the Polish priests in their long journeys and pastoral missions among their nationals.
In his reply to the consul's address, Bishop Magro said: "Accepting this high honour from the Republic of Poland, I am aware that it is awarded to the entire Church in Benghazi. In fact, I consider myself a link in a long chain of Franciscan priests, who since 1628, have devoted themselves to serve Catholics and other Christians working in Libya - therefore I would like to assure Your Honour, that we shall continue to dedicate ourselves selflessly for the spiritual welfare of so many workers who find themselves far away from home and from those who are most dear to them".
Present for the ceremony were Mr Abdulla Ali, co-ordinator of the People's Leadership of Benghazi, the Bishop's consul-general of Poland in Tripoli, Dr Igor Kaczmarczek, the vicar general, Fr Tadeusz Kierbiedsz, SDB, together with the priests and Polish nuns and several Polish personalities.
People
AARON MICALLEF, a 21-year old student from Naxxar, who recently obtained a First Class Honours degree from the University of Malta after completing a BA (Hons) course in Geography, will shortly read for a Master of Science degree in Environmental Geomorphology at Hertford College, Oxford University, UK, after being awarded the Shell Centenary Scholarship.
Geomorphology is a science which explores the earth's surface, its form and process, and thus helps explain the dynamics of the physical environment. The M.Sc consists of a one-year taught course based on the much more renowned M.Sc in Environmental Change and Management course, and studies the role of geomorphology in the comprehension and management of the environment.
Besides promoting the development of fundamental laboratory and computing skills, the course also involves extensive field research and the writing of a dissertation and practical notebooks at the end of the course. He is the first Maltese student ever to be granted this prestigious international award.
MR CHARLES FARRUGIA was recently awarded an MA in Archives and Records Management from University College, London. The title of his thesis was "Restructuring the National Archives of Malta". The graduation ceremony was held at the Institute of Education in London on September 3.
Mr Farrugia graduated with a BA (Hons) and an MA in History from the University of Malta in 1996 and 1999 respectively. He read for a Post Graduate Diploma in Records Management at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. As part of his studies he attended a short course in the management of Archives of Political Parties at the Central European University in Budapest.
In September 2000, Mr Farrugia was chosen as a Commonwealth Scholar and started his studies as a full-time student at University College London, initially as an international student. During the first weeks of the course he was accepted to shift to the home student course, which apart from the standard curriculum, covers Medieval Palaeography and British administrative history.
Mr Farrugia is head of the National Archives of Malta, secretary to the National Archives Advisory Board, and a member of the Society of Archivists of the UK.
Maltese lieutenant graduates from Sandhurst
Lieutenant Russell Caruana of the Armed Forces of Malta recently graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK, took part in a multi-ethnic cultural night during his course in Camberley for fellow cadets, instructors and visiting personalities, who included some of the British Armed Forces' seniormost high-ranking officers and the Maltese consul-general in London, Dr Raymond Xerri.
Foreign cadets dressed in traditional costumes hosted their guests by putting up country stands which included typical foods and beverages. Lieutenant Caruana donned a Maltese knight's costume for the occasion and with the help of Delicata Wines from Malta, he served a variety of typical fine Maltese wines to the evening's guests.
Special thanks go to Bill Hermitage at the Delicata Winery and the Maltese High Commission in London for all the assistance provided to make the evening a resounding success.
B Kidz Club at Bay Street
Children who visited Bay Street last week could participate in a number of fun activities organised by a newly set-up club for children. The programme of events kicked off at 2 p.m. with animation shows by balloonist Robert Ellul and a variety of games for children of all ages.
Children were also invited to participate in a variety of painting sessions with different themes, where the best paintings were then put on show at Bay Street. Food and drinks were also provided by Darrell Lea Foods Ltd and Safari Juices.
B Kidz Club will be held every Saturday afternoon between 2 and 4 p.m. in collaboration with Chaucer's Book Shop, Jokers and Pedigree Toy Shop.
Chinese National Day
The Chinese Ambassador, Yang Guirong, and his consort, Madame Li Wencai, last Thursday week hosted the traditional reception at the Chinese Embassy in Ta' Giorni to mark the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on October 1, 1949.
Hundreds of guests, led by President de Marco, turned up for the reception. They included the Prime Minister, Dr Fenech Adami, the Speaker, Anton Tabone, a number of Cabinet ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, top civil servants, members of the business community, journalists, and other guests, among them Mr Reno Calleja, chairman of the Malta-China Friendship Society.
Balluta wedding
Married recently at Balluta parish church were Alison Axisa, daughter of Mr and Mrs Vincent Axisa of Zabbar, and Bjorn Thomas Eriksen, son of Mr and Mrs Bjorn Eriksen of Endubu, Norway.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Charles Cordina. Ms Bernice Axisa and Mr Per Ivar Rod witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Paul Pace and Mr Tarcisio Cassar carried out the duties of best men.
The bride was attended by Rachel Cassar and Mariella Said as bridesmaids. Marie Andersen and Michela Pace were flower-girls. Siemen Thomassen, Damien Attard and Dirk Attard were pageboys.
A reception was later held in the Grand Ballroom, Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.
Vassallo - Hili
The marriage recently took place at St Catherine's parish church, Zurrieq, between Sandra Catherine Vassallo, LL.D, M.Jur (European Law), daughter of Anthony and Annie Vassallo, of Zurrieq, and Pierre Hili, B.Ed (Hons), Dip. Env. Mgt., M.Sc., CEM (Can), son of Mrs Marvic Hili and the late Anthony Hili of Hamrun.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Noel Camilleri and Fr Patrick Magro, SJ. Helen D'Amato, MP, and Mr Francis Hili witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Andrew Darmanin, B.Ed (Hons), M.Ed, and Mr Patrick Galea carried out the duties of best men.
The bride, who wore a gown of dark champagne silk duchess and a veil embrodered with gold motifs held in place by a hand-made headdress adorned with pearls, was attended by Ms Irene Hili, the groom's sister, as bridesmaid. Misses Michele Stivala and Leia Bonnici were flower-girls.
A reception was later held at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar.
The couple spent their honeymoon in Prague, Vienna and the Austrian Alps.
Mizzi - Ellul
Married recently at Mosta parish church were Michelle Mizzi, B.Pharm. (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs Hugo Mizzi of Mosta, and Lawrence Ellul, B.Pharm (Hons), son of Mr and Mrs Vincent Ellul, also of Mosta.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr J. Bonnici. The bride's uncle, Mr Charles Mizzi, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. (Exeter), and Mr Ennio Ellul, BE&A (Hons), the groom's brother, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Simon Mizzi, the bride's brother, was best man.
The bride was attended by her friend, Ms Claire Corinne Zammit, B.Pharm. (Hons), as bridesmaid.
A reception was later held at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar.
The couple are spending their honeymoon in Venice, Italy and Switzerland.
Mizzi - Anastasi
The marriage took place recently at San Pawl tat-Targa chapel, Naxxar, between Samantha Mizzi, daughter of Mr and Mrs Lawrence Mizzi of Gzira, and Mark Anastasi, son of Mr and Mrs Saviour Anastasi of Pembroke.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Stefan Attard. Mrs Ruth Stivala, the bride's cousin, and Mr Josef Gauci, the groom's cousin, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Joseph Galea, the bride's uncle, was best man.
The bride, who wore an ivory satin dress, was attended by the groom's sister, Daniela, as bridesmaid.
A reception was later held at The Palms, St Julian's.
Reception in Michigan
Mr Larry Zahra, Malta's honorary consul-general in Michigan, together with his son, Brian K. Zahra, judge of the Michigan Court of Appeal, were recently invited to a reception hosted by Michigan's Governor John Engler and his wife Michelle at the Governor's residence in Lansing, Michigan.
In attendance were leading industrialists, high-tech business owners, trade and commercial officers and commercial bankers and other trading partners.
Governor Engler has twice advanced the career of Judge Brian Zahra by appointing him judge of Wayne County Circuit Court and later, after having been re-elected, he was once more appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeal.
Judge Zahra ran again for that appointed position two years ago and ran unopposed, thus securing his position on the Bench for another six-year term.
He was recently nominated for the Federal Court, which when confirmed will result in a lifetime appointment.
Appreciation: Sr Mary McCallum
by Mater Admirabilis Training College (MATC) committee members
On Saturday, September 28, the Community of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and past students of Mater Admirabilis Training College attended a requiem Mass in memory of Sr Mary McCallum in the chapel of the Seminary at Tal-Virtù.
Mary McCallum received her early education at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Fenham, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and after graduating from the University of London she also had teaching experience at Sacred Heart convents in England.
She entered religious life at the age of 33 on March 4, 1949. On September 15, 1951, she was assigned to the Convent and School of the Society of the Sacred Heart in St Julian's.
The following year she was appointed warden at MATC which was then still in St Julian's. In 1954 she moved with the college to its new premises at Tal-Virtù, where she continued her previous duties. In 1957 she became vice-principal of the college and principal the following year - a position she held until its closure in 1973.
She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1974 and awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy (honoris causa) by the University of Malta in 1992.
Sr McCallum devoted her later years to area apostolate, mainly in adult religious education.
On July 25 this year, she was admitted to hospital where she died early on August 12 at the age of 86.
Those who have known her look back with gratitude for all they have received from their contact with her. They came to appreciate her lovely qualities - her intelligence, wisdom, warmth, gentleness, her deep spirituality and, above all, her humility. To us, past students of MATC, she was a great educator, a disciplinarian and a true Mother who had our interests at heart.
Sr Mary McCallum dedicated most of her life to the teaching profession in Malta, instilling in us students good values to help us face life with strength and courage and grow up into responsible teachers with a true sense of commitment.
Appreciation: Anthony (Ninì) Miceli-Farrugia
by Professor Salvino Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta to France
From time to time, Malta produces people whose contribution to the social and economic life of the country constitute a legacy that, transcending their earthly existence, teases immortality. Ninì Miceli Farrugia, visionary industrialist, enthusiastic patron of the arts, and unassuming philantropist, was such a man.
Whether he ran Farsons or founded the Rotary Club or promoted the rebuilding of the Opera House, Ninì was an exceptionally endowed gentleman whose sense of humour belied determination just as his innate tolerance of human foibles, whether in the public or private domain, gave him an ascendancy that invited many to seek his counsel.
Fiercely loyal to his friends, Ninì was enamoured of his country whose credentials he defended boldly and passionately.
Would this country produce more of his ilk!
Maltese Night extravaganza at Dragonara Casino
The Annual Maltese Night event was held at the Dragonara Casino last month. The Gharghur village band created a festive atmosphere by playing lively tunes on the verandah to entertain the many local and foreign guests entering the Casino. The palace was beautifully lit and decorated in red and white.
The 1,100 guests were offered a delicous traditional Maltese buffet and a glass of wine for just one Maltese lira and were entertained by the Tony Camilleri Folk Trio who delighted their audience in the Casino bar.
For your diary
A missionary bazaar will be held at Kings, Tower Road, Sliema (opposite Sliema Wanderers football club) from tomorrow from 9.30 a.m. onwards. Big bargains on clothes, books, toys, jewellery, white elephant.
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. For booking phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
Yana (You Are Not Alone) members and their guests are meeting at the Big Blue of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sliema, on Saturday at 9 p.m., followed by a visit to Frenchies.
Ward U Zghar members and their guests are visiting Popeye Village on Sunday. The group will meet at the entrance. Tickets are at Lm2.25. Children aged three to 16 pay 75c. One must buy food and drinks from the village. Rides cost 25c. Early bookings are recommended.
The Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Handicapped at Corradino, Paola, is organising a coffee morning and tombola on Thursday, October 17, at 9.30 a.m. at the Best Western Les Lapins Hotel, Ta' Xbiex. Tickets at Lm1.20 may be obtained by calling 2169-3863 or 2143-6421.
A grand reunion for all those who travelled with YTC during the past few years and their friends is being held on Friday at the New Dolmen Hotel, Bugibba. Mariano Galas, YTC's skiing co-ordinator in Livigno and owner of La Nuvola framhouse, and Narcisio Zini, Livigno's vice-mayor, will attend.
Those present will also have the chance to win a free holiday to Livigno consisting of a free flight, transfers, and accommodation on bed and breakfast basis for one week in December or July.
YTC will also be launching the Ski and Snowboard Club, Malta. For bookings and further information contact Stellina Galea on 2141-4340, 2141-4811, 2141-7380, or 9942-0377.
The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements: October 7-13
Tomorrow
3.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco welcome Mr Milan Kucan, President of Slovenia, and Mrs Kucan at the official ceremony at Malta International Airport.
4.45 Mr and Mrs Kucan call on the President and Mrs de Marco at the Palace, Valletta.
4.55 Official meeting between the two Presidents at the Palace.
4.55 Meeting between Mrs de Marco and Mrs Kucan.
7.30 The President and Mrs de Marco host a state concert in honour of Mr and Mrs Kucan at the Palace, Valletta.
8.30 The President and Mrs de Marco host a state dinner in honour of Mr and Mrs Kucan at the Palace, Valletta.
Tuesday
9.45 a.m. The President of Malta attends a tree planting ceremony by the President Kucan at San Anton Palace, Attard.
11.45 The President receives Dr Joseph Cassar, Ambassador of Malta to Russia, at the Palace, Valletta.
5.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception in their honour hosted by Mr and Mrs Kucan at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard.
6.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend the official departure ceremony of Mr and Mrs Kucan at San Anton Palace.
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco host a private dinner in honour of Mr and Mrs Kucan at San Anton Palace.
Wednesday
10 a.m. The President presides over the swearing-in ceremony of Dr Philip Sciberras as judge at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Dr Tonio Borg, Minister for Home Affairs.
Noon The President receives Mr Anthony Manduca, editor of The Malta Independent on Sunday.
6.30 p.m. The President presides over a Commission for the Administration of Justice meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
Thursday
10 a.m. The President receives a group of children from the Czech Republic at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Mr Anthony Diacono, chairman of METCO.
12.45 p.m. The President receives the Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, chairman, and Mr Elmar Toime, CEO of the New Zealand Post, accompanied by Mr Frank Dimech, chairman of Maltapost.
8.30 The President and Mrs de Marco host a dinner in honour of Mr Walter Schwimmer, secretary- general of the Council of Europe, at San Anton Palace.
Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Göran Berg, Swedish Ambassador, on a farewell call at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Mr Walter Schwimmer, secretary general of the Council of Europe.
7 p.m. The President inaugurates an exhibition of paintings by Mr Lawrence Buttigieg in Mdina.
8 The President inaugurates the new premises of the Malta Union Club in Sliema.
Saturday
6 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a concelebrated Mass to mark the 300th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina.