The remains of George Grima, founder of the Church group Fergħa Ewkaristika, were exhumed though left in a grave at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery last week, the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the group.

Mr Grima, known as Is-Superjur, died in 1999 at the age of 57. The remains were exhumed following a private initiative and placed in an urn to preserve them from the natural elements, thus avoiding further deterioration through natural processes.

Mario Grima, a member of the group who paid for the funeral expenses, said the exhumation took place following a formal, written request by Vincent Spiteri, the owner of the grave.

Mr Grima, a former member of the Christian doctrine society MUSEUM, had said he set up the prayer group Fergħa Ewkaristika after he was told to do so by a “young man dressed in fine white clothes”.

Focusing on Eucharistic adoration and the celebration of Holy Mass, the group has a chapel in Marsa and is linked to a branch of lay women living together in a house in Żebbuġ, called Ulied Maria Ewkaristika.

Fergħa Ewkaristika is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events leading up to Wednesday, when Archbishop Charles Scicluna will celebrate Mass at the Ċentru Ewkaristiku in Marsa.