Social and Personal

AZZOPARDI. On July 20, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Doreen Azzopardi Farrugia and Laurent, God's precious gift of a first-born son - ANDRÉ. Thanks be to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Jude. Thanks to the staff at the maternity wing.

BORG. On July 17, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Nikky née Cilia and Jean, God's precious gift of a daughter - NINA ELIZABETH, a welcome sister to Sophie. Thanks be to the Lord Jesus Christ. Special thanks to Carmen Wareing and Liz Formosa.

FARRUGIA. On July 19, at St Philip's Hospital, to Sonia née Gafà and Tony, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - SARAH. Thanks to midwife Carmen Cannataci and Mrs Astrid Camilleri and all the other staff.

MESSIANO. On July 21, at St Philip's Hospital, to Dormay née Micallef and Vincenzo, God's precious gift of a daughter - VIKI, a sister to Sarah. Thanks to all the midwives, obstetrician, paediatrician and all the staff at St Philip's Hospital.

MICALLEF. On July 23, at St James Capua Hospital, to Karen née Spiteri and Ramon, God's precious gift of a first-born son - ZACHARY. Thanks to Ms Lilian Azzopardi, Ms Carmen Pace and all the medical staff.

PACE DEBONO. On July 17, at St Philip's Hospital, to Diane née Formosa and Malcolm, God's precious gift of a son - JACK, a welcome brother to Kurt. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Kate Harwicke and Carmen Cannataci and all the dedicated staff at St Philip's Hospital maternity ward.

SCHEMBRI VELLA. On July 17, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Josette née Vella and Keith-Allen, God's gift of a first-born daughter - GIULIANA. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Thanks to the staff at the hospital.

Marriages

Mr NIKOLAI SANT and Miss ALISON DALLI
Married recently at Stella Maris parish church, Sliema, were NIKOLAI, son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Sant of Sliema, and ALISON, daughter of Mr and Mrs Anthony Dalli of Attard. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Mark Ciantar, OFM, and Fr Mario Delmar. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Alistair Dalli, the bride's brother, and Mrs Ruth Calleja, the groom's sister. Mr Matthew Cilia, the couple's best friend, carried out the duties of best man. The bride was attended by Ms Kira Borg and Ms Karla Borg. Ms Kyra Borg and Ms Kimberley Bonnici were flower-girls, while Mr Martin Cassar was pageboy. A reception, catered for by Island Caterers, was later held at Villa Marija, Tal-Menglin, limits of Zurrieq.

Mr SEAN SCIBERRAS, B.Accty. (Hons.), AIA and Miss RAFFAELLA GATT, B.Educ. (Hons.)
The marriage took place on Friday, July 18, at Our Lady of the Annunciation parish church, Balzan, between SEAN, son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Sciberras of Sliema, and RAFFAELLA, daughter of Professor and Mrs Joseph Gatt of Balzan. Fr Joseph Cassar, SJ, celebrated the nuptial Mass. The ceremony was witnessed by Sr Cora Gatt, SJA, and Mr Joseph R. Grima. Mr Mark Scerri carried out the duties of best man. Ing. Franco Caruana was co-ordinator. Miss Sharon Sciberras, Miss Claire Pace Balzan and Miss Sarah Pace Balzan were bridesmaids. Mr Andrè Camilleri and Mr Adrian Pace Balzan were ushers. A reception was later held at The Palms, St Julian's.

Silver Wedding

Mr FRANCESCO PIAZZA and Miss MARTHESE FRIGGIERI
The marriage took place on July 29, 1978, at St Gregory's parish church, Sliema. Congratulations and love from your children Fiona and Stephan.

Obituary

CINI. On July 24, at Boffa Hospital, JOSEPHINE of Naxxar (facilitator at Naxxar Primary School), aged 49, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her irreparable loss her husband Vincent, her children Jonathan and Shirley, her mother Michelina, her brothers and sisters Mario and his wife Doris, Carmel, Paul, Saviour, Dennis and his wife Susanne, Evelyn and her husband Jesmond, her brother-in-law Joe and his wife Guza, her in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.
Lord, grant her eternal rest.

VELLA JONES. On July 26, at Dar il-Hanin Samaritan, St Venera, FREDERICK (MUSEUM member), aged 84, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his nephews and their spouses, other relatives, friends and members of the Society of Christian Doctrine. - R.I.P.
Mass praesente cadavere will be said today at 2.30 p.m. at Dar il-Hanin Samaritan, followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar il-Hanin Samaritan will be appreciated.

Appreciation - Fr Joseph Ghigo, SJ

Mr Joseph Vella, of Sliema, writes:
The sudden death of Fr Joseph Ghigo, SJ, took all those who knew him by surprise.

His interests and activities as a Jesuit were varied, and the void felt by his death, especially his contribution to the press, cannot be easily filled up. Above all, he was a good priest who remained faithful to his vocation till the very end.

One characteristic to the many-sided aspects of his long life as a Jesuit was his sincere concern with the plight of the Palestinian people. His irresistible personal involvement in this ordeal was a second phase of his life.

The first phase was the many pilgrimages he organised to the Holy Land. Many Maltese pilgrims still remember his range of information gained by experience of the existing sacred sites, and the interesting lectures on the same subject at the Jesuit premises in Valletta.

He considered these pilgrimages as his vocation in the footsteps of the founder of his order, Ignatius of Loyola. He actually did what the founder did not succeed to do, since the latter was expelled: after his conversion, Ignatius longed to go to Jerusalem - it was his primary goal. Because of the menacing Turkish masters of Palestine, Ignatius was begged to leave; he refused, and only when threatened with excommunication did he bow his head in obedience.

Later on, when the small nucleus of his order was formed, Ignatius still felt the strong pull exerted on him by Jerusalem. But such a mission was at the time suicidal; so he turned Rome into another Jerusalem.

During his various pilgrimages, Fr Ghigo saw with his own eyes the unfortunate condition of the Palestinian people, and when his pilgrimages became too risky to be effected, he turned to the press to draw his readers' attention to that ordeal. With his writing he struggled for peace - but peace built on justice.

So far all political efforts to solve this problem ended in a cul-de-sac because most of them were one-sided. Fr Ghigo was rather sceptical about the recent American road-map project if this were not followed by a dismantlement of the Jewish settlements, Sharon's cherished baby.

From heaven he might now have a more optimistic view of this slight ray of hope. Like a little cloud seen from Mount Carmel by Elijah, it might blossom into a veritable political stability so much needed in the Middle East.

Requiem Masses

Tomorrow being the trigesima die of the demise of RENATO SQUILLANTE, a Mass for the repose of his soul will be celebrated at 6.45 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish church, Paceville (above the Millennium chapel). The presence of those who knew him would be greatly appreciated.

In Memoriam

ALOISIO - SUNNY. In loving memory of a dear father on the 33rd anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Rose-Marie, Marie-Celine, Nathalie, Ella-Alfred, Alex and grandchildren.

BOFFA. Treasured and unfading memories of a beloved father and grandfather, PAUL, on the 23rd anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his six children Joe, Lina, Anthony, Francis, Doris and Rita and their families.

CHAPELLE-PALEOLOGO - Count JOHN CHAPELLE-PALEOLOGO. A beloved father and grandfather remembered with affection. John, Margaret, Jean and Nikki.

De GABRIELE - OLGA. Beautiful memories of a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on the second anniversary of her demise. Rest in peace, Mama. Elvia and Edward, and Mariquita.

GALEA - PAUL. Precious memories of a most beloved husband, father and grandfather on the 20th anniversary of his death. Forever in our thoughts and prayers. Your wife Palmira, children Antoinette, Maria, Joseph, Catherine and their families.

GALEA - PAUL. Remembering a true and dear friend on the 20th anniversary of his death. Clo Gambina.

GOUDER. In loving memory of TANCRED on the first anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered and deeply missed by his son Albert and his wife Sandra and his grand-daughters Mattea and Petra. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Today's 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception parish church, Ta' l-Ibrag, will be offered for the repose of his soul.

GRECH - JOE. A beloved brother-in-law and uncle remembered with love and still missed. John, Margaret, Jean and Nikki.

GRECH. Sweet memories of JOE on the ninth anniversary of his demise. All his sisters and brothers-in-law. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

GRECH ELLUL. Remembering my dear uncle ALFRED who departed this life on July 27, 1951. Hilaire.

HOLLAND - MARCELLE. In loving memory of my dearest mum who passed away four years ago today and who I still miss so painfully.
Nothing on earth could
Ever replace
The sound of your voice
The smile on your face.
Memories don't fade
They only grow deep
Of a wonderful mother
I wanted so much to keep.
Too precious to lose,
Too special to die.
I think of you daily
And still wonder why.
Theresa.

SAID - LILLIAN. Loving memories of a dear mother and grandmother, today the 11th anniversary of her death. Her children Martin and his wife Christine, Francis and his wife Maura and Nathalie, and her grandchildren Brian, Peter, Nigel, Ian and Janet.

SAID. Unfading memories of our dear sister ROSE, today the second anniversary of her passing away to a better life. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Andreana and Peter, Josephine and Cristino, Philip and Rosalie, Jane and Josef, Frances and Tony.

SALIBA. In grateful memory of JOSEPH, a most loving father and grandfather, on the 38th anniversary of his rebirth in the Lord. Still so close to us and our families. His children Francis, Evarist, Helen, Iris, Edward and Rose.

SAMMUT. Treasured and unfading memories of our dear father ESPEDITO SAMMUT, MBE (ex-RMA), who went to meet the Risen Lord eight years ago today. Sadly missed by his children Mary and Joe, Joe and Jane, Tessie and Alfred, Doris, Antoinette, Manuel and Catherine, John and Josephine, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

SCHEMBRI - JOSEPH. On the 38th anniversary of his death. Dearly remembered by his son and daughters.

TABONE. Remembering our dear sister MARGUERITE on the 25th anniversary of her death. Anne, Clare and Tancred.

VELLA - SALVU and GANNA of Marsalforn, Gozo, on the second and 23rd anniversary respectively of their demise. Remembered by all their ever growing family. You are always in our hearts. A prayer is solicited.

Personal

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the whole wide world forever and ever. Amen. N.S.

Sidonia Enterprises Ltd

Summer shutdown. Last trading day Friday, August 8, re-opening Monday, August 25, 2003.

St Therese Of The Child Jesus

Theme: Be faithful in small things. "You should sow seeds of love around you, without asking for the harvest. The work belongs to me, the success, to Jesus.

To Whom It May Concern

Joseph of Victoria, Gozo, who attended University of Malta. Please contact Bianca. You left a personal item behind on the number 45 bus to Cirkewwa on Sunday, July 6. Please contact Bianca on e-mail adressliken200@yahoo.com

Yesterday's lotto draw

22-29-65-16-19

Pharmacies Open Today

Malta 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
Empire Pharmacy, 77, Old Theatre Street, Valletta;
Colonial Pharmacy, 706, St Joseph High Road, Hamrun;
Spiteri's Pharmacy, 82, Victory Street, Qormi;
Rational Pharmacy, 185, Valley Road, Birkirkara;
Pharmaland Dispensers, 5, Tagliaferro Mansions, Princess Margaret Street, Ta' Xbiex;
San Gwann Pharmacy, 11, Felic Borg Street, San Gwann;
Wales Pharmacy, 183, Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema;
Medica Pharmacy, Naxxar Road, Balzan;
St Louis Pharmacy, Calì Street, Mosta;
St Paul's Bay Pharmacy, 504, Main Street, St Paul's Bay;
Sonren Pharmacy, Zejtun Road, Tarxien;
San Filippu Pharmacy, 155, Victory Street, Senglea;
Felice Dispensary, 95, Sanctuary Street, Zabbar;
Pompei Pharmacy, 28, Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk;
Kirkop Pharmacy, 9, Parish Street, Kirkop;
Nobel Pharmacy, Sciortino Street, Zebbug;
Nigret Pharmacy, Zahar Street, Rabat;
Palm Pharmacy, 2, Palm Street, Victoria, Gozo;
St John's Pharmacy, 85, Independence Street, Xewkija.