Social and Personal

AMATO-GAUCI. On February 19, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Anita née St John and Jon, God's precious gift of a first-born son - BEPPE. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to the dedicated staff at the ante-natal, labour, post-natal wards and the special care baby unit.

BORG McMONAGLE. On February 18, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Suzanne née Borg and James, God's precious gift of a first-born son - JULIAN. Special thanks to the excellent staff at the maternity ward.

CASSAR. On February 14, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Emma née Mullally and Daniel, God's precious gift of a son - KIERAN JAMES. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwives Anna Calleja and Anna Croucher for all their support and help. Also for believing in me and making my delivery so nice and easy. You are always in our hearts.

COPPINI. On February 23, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Daniela née Cilia and Nicholas, God's precious gift of a first-born son - JULIAN. Thanks be to God and Our Lady, Mary Help of Christians. Special thanks to the obstetrician and his dedicated team for all their care.

DALLI. On February 8, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Audrey née Gauci and Burton, God's precious gift of a son - ENRIQUE, a welcome brother to Chanelle. Thanks to the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of the Green Scapular. Special thanks to all the maternity staff for their dedication.

DARMANIN KISSAUN. On February 21, at St Philip's Hospital, to Rebecca née Busuttil and Mark, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - GEORGINA, a sister to Sebastian. Thanks to all the wonderful staff at St Philip's Hospital.

FARRUGIA. On February 20, at St Philip's Hospital, to Sandra née Borg and Etienne, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - KRISTA. Thanks to all the maternity staff.

GATT. On February 16, at St Philip's Hospital, to Nathalie née Ellis and Teddie, God's precious gift of a second son - GIANFRANCO, a welcome brother to Riccardo. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Mrs Carmen Cannataci and all the staff for their excellent care. A note of thanks also goes to the obstetrician and staff at Gozo General Hospital for their support.

PORRETTA. On January 31, at Ospedale Treviglio Caravaggio of Treviglio, Italy, to Diane née Rapinett and Enzo, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - SARA. Deo gratias et Mariae.

SAMMUT PERESSO. On February 8, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Maria Christina née Peresso and Jean Paul, God's precious gift of first-born twins - MARK and PAULA. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to the obstetrician and to all the staff at the labour and post-natal ward for their excellent care and attention.

Obituary

DEGIORGIO. On February 25, at St Luke's Hospital, JOHN, aged 87, of Cospicua, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Mary, Joseph and his wife Pauline, Alfred and his wife Emma, Carmen, widow of Franco Serracino Inglott, Anna and her husband Martin Cassar, and Raymond and his wife Marcette, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sisters and their families, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today at 2 p.m. for Sta Lucija parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Villa Mgr Gonzi will be appreciated.

MICALLEF. On February 25, at St Vincent de Paul Residence, EMMANUEL of Hamrun, aged 77, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his daughter Grace, wife of Tony Pavia, his daughter Doris, wife of Gaetano Farrugia, his daughter Sylvia, wife of Ray Zampa, his son Henry, husband of Michelle, his sisters Connie and Rose, and grandchildren. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Vincent de Paul Residence tomorrow at 8.30 a.m. for St Cajetan parish church, Hamrun, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Fra Diegu Institute, Hamrun, will be appreciated. The family regret they are unable to receive visitors.

Appreciation - Ronald Doublet

Mrs Margaret Camilleri Pace, of Sliema, writes:
My uncle Ron passed away on February 3, aged 75, in the UK after a long and very painful illness which he faced with his usual courage and determination even when he knew that the end was near.

When he was 11 years old, he lost his mother and his sister Lilian during the second air raid that hit Malta on June 11, 1940 at 7 p.m. He also lost both legs during the same raid.

Losing one leg at that age must have been traumatic but losing both must have been devastating. He spent many years in hospital, undergoing many painful operations. Prosthetics in those days were primitive to say the least and I remember him hobbling along on crutches, on these extremely unwieldy, cranky things which were forever breaking down and must have made walking a calvary.

Of course, being so severely handicapped, there was no hope of his getting a job in those days even though Uncle Ron was the sort of person who not only had tremendous guts but whatever his eyes saw, his hand could make.

He spent a lot of his time at the theatre in Villa Schinas but mostly he was to be found at the De Porres Hall in Sliema with his great friend, the late Fr Harry Born, OP.

Whether it was painting, backdrops, constructing scenery, putting up stage lights, etc, you name it - he did it. To see him going up and down ladders was unbelievable and made you wonder whether he really had lost his legs.

His greatest friends were some of our best-known actors and actresses like the late Nosi Ghirlando, Armando Urso, Johnny Navarro, Johnny Catania, Victor Apap, Elsa Romei, Terry Bencini, Karmen Azzopardi, Twanny Scalpello and so many more.

In the early 1960s, he emigrated to the UK where he not only acquired a decent pair of artificial legs so he could dispose of his crutches, but also his dignity.

He had his own house, a car specially adapted for his needs, and a job. In fact, more than one job, as Uncle Ron was a very active sort of person, always on the go, who crammed so much in each day.

I remember when he lived with us, that what irked him most wasn't his disability, but having to stay in bed for days on end whenever his artificial legs broke down and we used to take them to be mended at a little place above one of our garages in Don Rua Street, Sliema - that was until he learned to repair them himself.

England became his second home and he soon acquired not just a big circle of friends but also their respect.

When he retired, he devoted himself to his great hobby - fishing. He was forever going off on holiday at the drop of a hat and we never knew when he was going to turn up. He nearly always came for a month in winter and we'd hardly ever see him as besides going off on fishing trips, he had so many friends to visit.

Uncle Ron was a living example of what can be achieved with courage and determination. He never gave up no matter how adverse and difficult life was.

He is now gone. He will be greatly missed but I am very sure that he will never be forgotten.

He leaves to mourn his great loss my mother Rose Pace, his many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, both here and abroad, and his many friends.

May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

In Memoriam

ANTIGNOLO - STELLA née Padovani. In remembrance of my dearest mother with love and gratitude on the 17th anniversary of her death. Mary.

ANTIGNOLO - STELLA. Today the anniversary of her death. A prayer is solicited. The Antignolo family.

AQUILINA. In loving memory of TONINU who was found dead at Ghallis Tower, on his 50th anniversary. Never forgotten by his widow Catherine, daughter Vivienne, relatives and friends.

ATTARD - FORTUNATO. Today the 48th anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by Maria and Watty.

BONELLO. Unfading memories of our dear mother AGATHA on the 16th anniversary of her demise. Lovingly remembered by her children Francis and Doris and their families.

DARMANIN - CLEMENTINA. In ever loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, this the third anniversary of her demise. Her sons and daughter, in-laws and grandchildren.

DARMANIN - EVELYN. In ever loving memory of our dear mother, today the 23rd anniversary of her death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Donald and George.

DEBONO - CARMELINA. In loving memory of our dear mother on the 21st anniversary of her death. Her children Josephine, Maurice, Mark, Albert, Paul, Mary and their families.

DEI CONTI STAGNO NAVARRA - ALFRED. Lovingly remembered and always missed by Rosemarie, Chantal, his family and friends on his first anniversary. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said at on Thursday, March 3 at 6.30 p.m. at Balzan parish church. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

FORD - LINA. 'Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before, they are now wherever we are'. On the third anniversary of her passing away. So greatly missed by her children Tony, Ann, Lana and Marisa and their families.

GAMBIN - JANE née Fava. Greatly missed by her children, in-laws and grandchildren on the 10th anniversary of her demise. You are always in our hearts. Rest in peace.

LIA - Fr CARMELO LIA, former parish priest of Safi, today the 26th anniversary of his death, is remembered by his relatives and friends. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said at 6 p.m. at St Paul's parish church, Safi.

MASSA - ANDREA, 27.9.1993-28.2.2001. Cherished memories, on the fourth anniversary of his tragic death.
The grief and shock was severe
To part with one we loved so dear
No time to bid a last farewell
No chance to say goodbye.
We miss your beautiful, smiling face
Your warm embraces and your loving kisses.
Mum, Dad and brother Daniel.

MEA - JOHN. Fondly remembered by his sister, nephew, niece and in-laws, today the fifth anniversary of his demise. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

SCERRI. In memory of Dr JOSEPH SCERRI on the 12th anniversary of his demise. His wife Josephine, his daughters Margaret, Mary Rose, Joan and their families.

TONNA - POLLY née Quintano. In loving memory of a dear, beloved wife on the 16th anniversary of her death. Sadly missed by her husband Emanuel, her sisters, other relatives and friends. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

VELLA - GERALD. In loving memory of a beloved husband, father and grandfather, today the second anniversary of his passing away. Sadly missed and never forgotten by his wife Violet, his children, their spouses and grandchildren. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

VELLA - MATTHEW. Precious remembrance of a loving husband and father who left us four years ago. Still sadly missed by his wife Eileen, his son Antoine and wife Rosalie, his daughter Nadia and boyfriend David, family and friends.

VELLA GALEA - Notary Dr JOSEPH VELLA GALEA, LL.D. In ever loving, grateful memory of our dearest Joe on the eighth anniversary of his call to eternal life. An exceptional husband and father, always loved and missed by his wife Elda and daughter Maria. May God love and bless his precious soul. "Life is good, but its days are numbered; a good name lasts forever". (Ecclesiasticus).

ZAMMIT McKEON. In loving memory of HUGH on the 32nd anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his sons Fr Victor, Alfred and Joseph, his daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

Personal

In grateful thanks to God for favours received through the intercession of St Joseph, St Rita and St Martha. ECD.

Sermons In English

By Fr Stan Mellett, C.SS.R, at St Patrick's church, Sliema, Monday, March 7 to Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m.

The Old Aloysians Association

On the trigesima die since the passing away of Fr CHARLES CARUANA, SJ, a Mass will be celebrated at St Aloysius College outer chapel on March 3 at 7.30 p.m. Relatives and former students are invited to attend.

Prayer To St Jude

Most holy apostle, St Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honours and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and things despaired of. Pray for me who am so miserable; make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and succour of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly all my intentions and that I may bless God with you and all the elect. ECD.

Italian food firms seek Maltese agents

Six Italian manufacturing firms in the food and beverage industry are in Malta to establish local representation.

Gusto Italia is being organised at Villa Arrigo this weekend and guests from the local food and beverage industry are being invited to savour the delicacies produced by the six Italian firms, ranging from salamis and cheeses to wines and desserts.

The six firms are members of International Food Representation Agency, which is organising the visit that is also supported by the Italian Embassy and the Italian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce. DICAL International Trade is handling all local logistical arrangements and promotion of the event, which ends today.

Interested parties can contact DICAL International Trade on tel: 2142-4601/9942-0059 or e-mail: intltrade@dicalgroup.com.