Archbishop's decree valid

The Holy See Council has confirmed that Archbishop Mercieca's decree about band clubs issued in March 1999 was according to Canon Law.

The decree had dealt with new band clubs opening up in parishes where band clubs already existed. It had ruled that those band clubs which had never participated in feasts so far were unable to take part in any feast.

Representatives of the Christ the King Band and social club of Paola had contested this and asked the Holy See to look into whether the decree was a valid one.

The Curia said yesterday in a statement that the Holy See had informed Church authorities in Malta that the decree was based on Canon Law and was thus valid.