New regulations for the holding of feasts

The Church has issued new regulations on the celebration of feasts in towns and villages which include a ban on discos in public places and street parties.

The Church also warned about cancellations of feasts or other sanctions if the regulations were not observed.

A board will be set up to investigate allegations of breaches. It will be made up of two representatives each from the Church and the Band Clubs Association.

In a statement issued in conjunction with a decree by the Archbishop, Mgr Joseph Mercieca, the Curia said the regulations governing the celebration of feasts, particularly band marches, would come into effect on January 1.

In terms of the regulations, feast celebrations cannot take more than eight days, which include the feast day proper.

During those eight days, discos or street parties in public places and other activities deemed by the church authorities to be of the same type are banned from being held in the limits of the parish.

The basic points of the new regulations are:

¤ none of the societies should submit applications for new external activities;

¤ musical programmes and band marches can only be held during the eight days in collaboration between the parish and the societies which are already taking part in the feasts. No additional marches or programmes should be added except for those which were held regularly until 1995 and are being held to the present day;

¤ marches containing objectionable singing are prohibited;

¤ statues of the titular saints should not be carried during marches but should be put on the pedestal immediately;

¤ band marches cannot be held during the main religious functions or, at least, should not pass from near the church at the time when the functions are being held;

¤ the so-called main march should not last longer than four hours;

¤ while accompanying the statue on the feast day, the band should play religious hymns or marches which are suitable for the occasion.

The Curia said that a breach of any of these regulations, or an atmosphere which led to an environment which did not fit a Christian celebration, could lead to the cancellation of the religious feast.

In his decree, Mgr Mercieca referred to the Pastoral Letter issued in April, 1994 on parish feasts which insisted on the spiritual aspect of town and village feasts. He also noted that unfortunately there were various elements that did not uphold this aim but, on the contrary, had acted in a way that was not in line with the spirituality of feasts or Christian happiness.

Mgr Mercieca said the Church had already taken steps to save the genuine spirit of religious feasts.

Last Saturday, the Curia announced an agreement between two bands in Kalkara as a result of which the Curia will allow the feast to be held next year.

The 2002 feast was not held because of incidents the previous year and the two bands were given until this Christmas to come up with an acceptable plan for their participation in the feast.

There were occasions when the feast of Christ the King in Paola was cancelled for similar reasons.