Social and Personal

ABELA. On March 5, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Gabriella née Pace and Kevin, God's precious gift of a son - DAMIAN ANTHONY, a welcome brother to Adam. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to the dedicated staff at the maternity ward.

BRINCAT. On March 16, at St Philip's Hospital, to Claudine née Gatt and Christopher, God's precious gift of a daughter - CATRINA, sister to Carl. Thanks to Mrs Carmen Cannataci and all the maternity staff.

CONSIGLIO. On March 4, at Karen Grech Hospital, to Helga née Fsadni and Julian, a beautiful gift from God - JAMES. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all the medical, midwifery and nursing staff on the maternity wards, for their competence and supportive care. Thanks be to the Lord.

CREMONA CARUANA. On March 12, at Karin Grech Hospital, to Claire and Kenneth, God's precious gift of a daughter - GABRIELLA. Special thanks go to the midwife Ms Carmen Pace for making this day a memorable experience due to her excellent work. Thanks be to the Redeemer.

DARMANIN. On March 13, at Karin Grech Hospital, to Elizabeth née Attard Montalto and Edward, God's precious gift of a son - MATTHEW, a welcome brother to Rebecca. Deo gratias et Mariae.

FENECH. On February 18, at Karin Grech Hospital, to Monica née Scicluna and Jason, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - FRANCESCA. Special thanks go to all the staff at ante-natal and post-natal, and labour wards. Deo gratias et Mariae.

GRECH ENRIQUEZ. On March 14, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Suzanne and Norbert, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - CLARA JOY. Thanks be to God and Mary.

HANSFORD GENUIS. On February 23, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Romina née Genuis and Simon, God's precious gift of a son - JAKE. A welcome brother to Ryan. Special thanks to our family for their love and support, and midwives Mariella Abela Camilleri and Anna Croucher for all their support and help. But most of all to God for granting us two lovely sons.

MANGION. On March 11, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema to Chrysilla née Brace and Matthew. God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - AMELIA. Thanks to all the staff at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, especially midwife Carmen Scerri, the obstetrician and the pediatrician.

MICALLEF. On March 12, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema to Paula née Tabone and Sandro. God's precious gift of a son - ALEXANDER. Special thanks to all the maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital for their excellent care and dedication. Deo gratias et Mariae.

MIFSUD BONNICI. On March 18, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema to Katrina Borg Cardona and Aaron. God's precious gift of a first-born son - MATTHEW. Special thanks to the obstetrician, the pediatrician, the anaesthetist, midwife Carmen Scerri and all the maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital.

MIFSUD. On March 13, at St Philip's Hospital to Gretchen née Serracino Inglott and Michael. God's precious gift of a first-born son - NICHOLAS. Thanks to the obstetrician, pediatrician, anaesthetist, midwives Mrs Carmen Cannataci and all the maternity staff for their excellent care and dedication at St Philip's Hospital.

RIZZO. On March 11, at Karin Grech Hospital, to Geraldine née Scicluna and David, God's precious gift of a daughter - ISABELLE, a most welcome sister to Gabriel and Martina. Special thanks to the very dedicated midwife and staff at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing. Deo gratias et Mariae.

SHEAD. On March 15, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Davinia née Bajada and Edwin. God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - MAEGEN. Thanks to all the staff at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema for their help and support.

ZAMMIT. On March 3, at St Philip's Hospital to Petra née Ellul and Aaron. God's precious gift of a daughter - MARTHA, a welcome sister to Nathan and Thea. Thanks to the maternity staff at St Philip's Hospital, the obstetrician and a special thanks to midwife manager Mrs Carmen Cannataci.

Marriages

Mr LEE CONNELL and Miss LOUISA MALLIA The marriage took place on Saturday, March 12 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish church, Balluta, between LEE, son of Mr and Mrs Norman Connell of San Ìwann, and LOUISA, daughter of Mr and Mrs Ronald Mallia of St Julian's. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Joseph Falzon. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Mark Borg, BE&A (Hons), A&CE, and Miss Lara Mallia. Mr Stefan Mallia carried out the duties of the bestman. Mr Andre Borg and Mr Fabian Connell acted as ushers. The bride was attended by Miss Lisa Pace as maid of honour. Mrs Krista Sammut and Mrs Iolanda Paesano Fenech were bridesmaids. A reception was held afterwards at the Ballroom, Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian's. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Italy.

Obituary

BEZZINA. On March 16, at St Luke's Hospital, M'STELLA, of Paola, aged 82, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children M'Louise and her husband George Sammut, Marlene and her husband David Briggs, Irene and her husband Tony Gauci, Lilian, Elizabeth and her husband Paul Wyatt, Antoinette and her husband Tony Bonnici, Joe and his wife Monica, Paul and his wife Anna, Simone and her husband Tony Magro, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, among them Noel Psaila, her sisters Rose, Elsie, Tessie, and Evelyn, her sisters-in-law Mary, widow of her brother Alfred, Rita, widow of her brother Joey, Dolly and Polly, their families, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P. The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for Ta' Lourdes church at Paola, 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 Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi will be appreciated.

BORG. On March 18, at St Anne's Home, Victoria, Gozo, ELSIE, née Pearce, aged 75, former midwife at the Blue Sisters Hospital (1958-64), comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband Eric, her son Peter, her daughters Ann and Sandra, her grandchildren Felix and Natalia, her sister-in-law Joan and her husband Raymond Galea, their daughter Karen and her husband John Bugeja and their grand-daughter Angela, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P. A funeral Mass will be held at Nadur basilica on Tuesday at 4.15 p.m. Donations to Lourdes Home, Mgarr, will be appreciated.

RIZZO. On March 12, LORENZA, aged 96, of Senglea, residing in the UK, went to meet the Risen Lord. She leaves to mourn her loss her son Brian, her daughter Frances and her husband Hyron, grandchildren Tracy and Lara, niece Cettina and her husband John, relatives and friends. - R.I.P. The funeral took place in London.

SALIBA. On March 19, at St Vincent de Paul Residence, Maria Dolores, née Briffa, widow of Salvu of Zurrieq, passed peacefully away at the venerable age of 95, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children Andrew and his wife Stella, Anthony and his wife Katie, Carmena and her husband Joseph Farrugia, Manwela and her husband Joseph Debono, Mary and her husband Tony Cassar of Australia, Carmel widower of Tessie, Jessie and her husband Victor Said, Julie and her husband Trevor Jones of England, Katie and her husband Eric Webster, Saviour and his wife Rita, Agnes and her husband Lolly Spiteri of Australia, and Benny, widow of her son Albert, her 45 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. The funeral leaves St Vincent de Paul Residence tomorrow at 7.30 a.m. for St Catherine's church, Zurrieq, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8 a.m., followed by interment at St Leone Cemetery, Zurrieq. No flowers by request but donations to St Theresa's Convent of Zurrieq and Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff of St Joseph 15/16 at St Vincent de Paul Residence. May the Lord grant her eternal rest.

VELLA. On March 18, DORIS, aged 70 (ex-teacher at St Joseph's Convent, Sliema) went to meet the Risen Lord. She leaves to morn her loss her brothers and sisters Mary, Frank and his wife Lena, Georgeann and her husband Gunther, residing in Canada, Ronnie residing in Australia, her in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P. The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for Stella Maris parish church Sliema, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetry. The family regret that they are unable to receive visitors.

Appreciation - Guzè Cassar Pullicino

Professor ARNOLD CASSOLA writes:

Guzè Cassar Pullicino is no longer with us. The last time I saw him was around a year ago at an old people's home in Balzan. He was already weak and, unfortunately, no longer able to continue with the academic work which took up most of his adult life, for the benefit of all us Maltese and Gozitans.

Guzè (unfortunately, I cannot call him Dr Cassar Pullicino because in the early Nineties the short-sighted University authorities turned down a request by Professor Oliver Friggieri and myself to award him an honorary doctorate!) is remembered by most for his work in the field of folklore.

I will let others speak of his qualities in that particular field. Instead, I have to thank him for the great influence he had on my academic formation. I did not know him, but his three-volume book Kitba u kittieba tal-Malti, especially the first volume, proved to be the catalyst of my "conversion" to Maltese literature in the second half of the Seventies, when I was studying at the universities of Pisa and Urbino.

My Italian academic formation taught me to appreciate the historical, philological and comparative approach. Guzè Cassar Pullicino's short footnotes, written in minute print, opened up to me a new world made up of the Abate Boccadifuoco's diatribe against the Maltese speaking affected Italian; Giovanni Antonio Vassallo's short story in verse on Fra Caspru and many others.

When, in 1987, my eyes went crazy with excitement on perusing the oldest manuscript dictionary of the Maltese language at the Biblioteca Vallicelliana in Rome, hitherto unknown to Maltese scholars, it was thanks to Guzè's little footnote on the knight Thezan (quoted from Mifsud) that I immediately recognised what this dictionary really was.

Then I got to know him personally. What struck me about him was that, despite the enormous wealth of materials he had produced over the years researching Maltese identity, he was of an extreme humility. Never did he raise his voice, never was he angry: he was always ready to help you with your questions. As an academic at the University, I must have sent various students to him for advice on their dissertations. And I am sure that these young students, today young adults, appreciate to this day his patience and generosity.

Goodbye, Guzè. You gave much to your country and fellow countrymen and women. Unfortunately, because of your contained humility, our country did not repay you as much as it should have.

Up there, where you are now, your academic and strong human qualities will ensure that you will be held in the highest of esteem.

Appreciation - Liz Frendo Jones

Ms Liz Tabone writes:

I have known Liz since our early teens and our friendship has been constant throughout the years.

When Liz passed away on March 8, in a flash so many thoughts flooded my mind from the first time we met right up to this day - the laughs, the boyfriends we shared as teenagers, the carefree single years of being in the same klikka and much much more as we grew older, got married and had our families.

Anyone who knew Liz recognised instantly that she was an open book, an honest down-to-earth person and a true friend. Liz was one of 12 children and grew up to be a tomboy playing football with her brothers and neighbours in New Street. She was in fact a great supporter of Milan. She was passionate about the things she believed in and I can remember some Sunday afternoons when Liz and some of our friends would come over for tea and inevitably we would end up discussing some hot topic - politics or religion and she would defend her beliefs at all costs!

When I heard about Liz's illness in December 2003, I was devastated as were all the people who loved her or came in contact with her. From the start, she fought her illness with bravery and determination to overcome it. In fact, her very words to me were that she was fighting this battle so she could spend more time with her beloved family whom she loved so dearly and around whom her life revolved, and to get to know her Lord more and more.

These two factors became the driving force that gave her the will to carry on. Sadly for us, this was not the plan the Lord had for her. We grieve, and rightly so, because there will never be another "Liz" for Noel, Allan, Edward and Joanna and for their sisters and brothers and for us, her long-time friends, but we know without a doubt that she has gone to her eternal home and is safe in the arms of the Lord in whom she put her trust completely.

Liz has left us, but her strength of character, the very essence of Liz, has left an indelible imprint on all of us.

Go in peace, dear friend. You have finished the race ahead of us and have won the coveted prize and for this reason we rejoice even in our grief. Your celebration with the Lord will never come to an end.

On behalf of all your close friends, au revoir, until we meet again...

In Memoriam

BONELLO. Ever loving memories of our dearest mother MARIETTA on the 41st anniversary of her death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Rosie and Margot.

BORG - VICTOR. On the eighth anniversary of his death. Always remembered by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

CASSAR. In loving memory on the second anniversary of DORIS née Bonnici, who departed this life on March 22, 2003. Remembered by her devoted husband Bru and her sons Gregory, Paul and Matthew, their wives, all her grandchildren, family and friends. Mass for the repose of her soul will take at Stella Maris church, Sliema, at 9 a.m. Lord grant her eternal rest.

ENGERER. In sweet, loving memory of GRACE on the eighth anniversary of her demise. The family.

GERADA. In loving memory of our precious daughter KAREN, who entered the Lord's rest at the tender age of 16. Always missing you. Mum and Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and teachers. Mass for the repose of her soul will be celebrated next Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. at St Theresa's Sanctuary, Birkirkara. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

KENELY - GODWIN. Treasured and unfading memories of a most beloved husband and father on the second anniversary of his call to eternal life. Sadly missed and never forgotten by his loving wife Agnes, his son Simon, daughter Denise, family and friends. You are always in our hearts.

MUSCAT - MICHAEL, of Qormi. In memory of my father on the seventh anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered by his daughter Grace and her husband Alfred, grandchildren Maria and Christian.

REIMER. Unfading memories of my dearest daughter NADYA on the third anniversary of her death (22.3.02). Forever in my heart and prayers. Merciful Lord grant her eternal rest. Her mother Eleonora Schembri.

RUGGIER - GIUSEPPE. Tomorrow the 20th anniversary of his death. Lovingly remembered by his children Maria, Amelia, Giusi, Erminia, Mario and their families.

TONNA - MARY ROSE née Medati. On the 17th anniversary of her demise. Greatly missed by her mother, brothers, sisters and family.

VELLA - GODFREY. Treasured memories of a beloved husband and father on the seventh anniversary of his death.
The special years will not return
When we were all together
But with the love within our hearts
You will walk with us forever
Lucienne and Marylene. Today's 11.30 a.m. Mass at Mater Boni Consilii church, Paceville, will be offered for the repose of his soul.

VELLA. In loving memory of our dear brother GODFREY, today the seventh anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters and their families. Kindly remember him in your prayers.

Lost

PERSIAN cat, grey, named Gricio. Lost at limits of St Paul's Bay near Topaz Hotel. Phone 9940-7039 and will be rewarded.

Pharmacies Open Today

Malta 9 a.m. to noon - Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.

Regent Pharmacy, 70, Merchants Street, Valletta
Vivien Pharmacy, Fr Magri Street, Marsa
Spiteri's Pharmacy, 82, Victory Street, Qormi
Fleur-De-Lys Pharmacy, 32, Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara
D'Argens Pharmacy, 330, Rue D'Argens, Gzira
Penny Lane Pharmacy, Triq is-Sejjieh, Swieqi
Harley Pharmacy, 1, Nathalie Poutiatin Tabone Street, Sliema
Misrah Kola Pharmacy, Pitkali Road, Attard
Brown's Chemist's, St Paul Street, Naxxar
Qawra Pharmacy, Earl's Court/1, Triq l-Imhar, Qawra
St Monica Pharmacy, 'Bereux', St Monica Street, Paola
Alpha Pharmacy, 'Maria Immaculata', Cospicua Road, c/w Cottonera Avenue, Fgura
St James Pharmacy, Misrah is-Sliem, Zabbar
Britannia Pharmacy, 5, Pretty Bay Road, Birzebbuga
St Andrew's Pharmacy, 25, Dun Pawl Street, Luqa
Spizerija Hal-Mula, Dun Salv Ciappara Road, Zebbug
Imtarfa Pharmacy, Count Salvatore Manduca Street, Mtarfa
Abela's Pharmacy, 42, G.P.F. Agius De Soldanis Street, Victoria, GOZO
Joyce's Pharmacy, 8th September Avenue, Xaghra.