Social and Personal

CAMILLERI. On March 28, at his residence, CARLOS, aged 29, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his mother Mary, his sister Romina, his father-in-law Noel, his fiancée Claudine, his grandparents, cousins, relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral will be held today at St Publius church, Floriana 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 St Joseph Institute, Sta Venera, will be greatly appreciated.

CASSAR DESAIN. On March 13, in London, The Noble ROSEMARIE, after a long illness borne with Christian fortitude, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her beloved brothers and sisters Lawrence, Veronica, Christine, Nathalie and Michael, her in-laws Bernard, Lino, Vivien, Patricia and Mieke, nephews and nieces, her aunts Alberta Cassar Torreggiani and Mary Falzon Sant Manduca, cousins, other relatives, and her many friends both in Malta and abroad.
The funeral will take place today at 3 p.m. at the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery chapel, where Mass will be said for the repose of her soul, followed by interment. Donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be greatly appreciated. Merciful Lord grant her eternal rest.

CATANIA. On March 29, at his residence in Naxxar, JOHN, aged 78, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his irreparable loss, his beloved children Ann, Raymond, James, Gloria and their spouses, his adored grandchildren Karl, Andrew, Dominic, Christine, John, Caroline, Sebastian, Gabriella, Rebecca and Georgina, his brothers and sisters, in-laws, relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral will take place today at Naxxar parish church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 4.30 p.m. followed by interment at Naxxar cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to the Malta Hospice Movement, Balzan will be appreciated.

ELLUL. On March 28, at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, SALVINA née Saliba, aged 74, born in Imqabba and residing in St Julians, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her beloved husband John, her loving daughters Maud, wife of Dr Godfrey Baldacchino MD and Tania, wife of Paul Borg, her treasured grandchildren Gianluca, Gabriella, Andrea, Michela, Raffaella and Sylvienne, her brother Albino, widower of Victoria Beatrice, her sisters Josephine, widow of Saviour Camilleri, Sina, widow of Anthony Vella, and Julie and her husband Marcel Scicluna, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves Sir Paul Boffa Hospital today at 1.30 p.m. for Mqabba parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m. followed by interment in the family grave at St Nicholas cemetery, Qrendi. Donations are to be sent to the Hospice Movement and the Malta Cancer Foundation.

GALEA. On March 29, GERALD, of Qormi, aged 82, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Sr Bernadette, Mother Superior of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, Doris, widow of Joe, Antoinette, widow of Freddie, Frank and his wife Carmen of Australia, his sisters, in-laws, grandchildren, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
Mass praesente cadavere will be said today at 8.30 a.m. at St George's parish church, Qormi, followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar Sagra Familja, Zabbar, will be appreciated.

Appreciation - Doris Bonavia

Tessie Parnis writes:
On March 11 at 4 a.m. Perth W.A. time I received a phone call from Malta informing me that my eldest sister Doris was promoted to glory. Unfortunately, because of the huge distance I missed the opportunity to bid her farewell.

My sister Doris has never published or written any books but I feel she has left a great wealth by her example, her determination and in her own quiet way she achieved quite a few tributes. It was time for her now to go and meet the Lord in whom she always trusted. When our mother died, back in 1952, Doris was the eldest at 21 years of age. There were six of us and my father. I was the youngest of all, only eight years old. My father put her in charge of us and the household and without any training she found herself fulfilling the role of a mother, a cook, a nurse and a pillar of strength when we needed comfort.

I give Doris a great deal of credit for our upbringing. I looked upon her as my mother. All through my adolescence I relied on her and I appreciated her advice. She was never in a hurry or too busy to listen to us. She always made time to listen to my woes and encouraged me on my ventures. She was steadfast in her beliefs. She had good values which she passed on to those around her.

Losing Doris, I feel as if I lost my mother the second time around. It was she who disciplined me in my early years, who taught me right from wrong and who gave me love and care in abundance. Doris inherited the gentleness and patience from my mother and her steadfastness in adversity from our father. She never listened to gossip and she most firmly believed in the family unit and in her Catholic faith. She had a great devotion for Our Lady. She had a good word for everyone and she was wise beyond her years.

Doris had the knack of finding a solution to everything. Her pet name for me was "my little lamb". Doris was not a professional teacher but she was the best mentor anyone could have. She has always been there for me through every step of my life. I visited the family for three consecutive years recently and I always cherished and enjoyed our quiet conversations.

I remember when I was leaving Malta to return to Perth on my last recent visit in September, her eyes were becoming misty as we hugged each other and I remember telling her: "We will see each other again". But for some reason I felt even then that I would never see her again in this life.

Her death has robbed us of a very kind-hearted lady who would do anything for anyone. "Thank you" just doesn't seem to express my gratitude for all she's done for us.

In Memoriam

AQUILINA. Treasured memories of our father TANCRED (Teddy), today the sixth anniversary of his death. Today's 6.30 p.m. Mass at Stella Maris parish church, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of his soul. Isabel and Richard.

BUTTIGIEG - MARY. Remembering mum on this special day when the Risen Christ embraced her in his loving arms a year ago today. I miss you a lot, ma. Bless me. Your daughter Marlene.

FALZON - CARRIE. In loving memory of our mother on the second anniversary of her demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Greatly missed by her daughters, sons in-laws and grandchildren.

FALZON - CARRIE. Treasured memories of a dear mother, especially today being the second anniversary of her demise. You are always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Sacred heart of Jesus keep her in your care. So sadly missed by your daughter Sonia, Joseph and Jordan.

FLERI - TARCISIO. Today the 33rd anniversary of his passing away. Fondly remembered by his daughter Edith and her husband Saviour Rizzo and family.

MALLIA. Everloving memories of our dearest SHERIENNE. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Tony, Kate and family.

NICOLAS VIRTÙ - SALVINO. Treasured and loving memories of a wonderful father and nannu. Lord grant him eternal rest. Ena, Godwin, Lorraine and David.

PACE ASCIAK. Treasured memories of a dear father and grandfather, GEORGE, on the 39th anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His sons, daughter, in-laws and grandchildren.

PRECA - GEORGE. Fondest memories of a dear husband and father on the 18th anniversary of his passing away. Sadly missed but always in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Terry, his children George, Angela, Ann, in-laws and grandchildren.

PRECA. In ever loving memory of GEORGE on the 18th anniversary of his demise. Doris, Lilian and Tony.

SCICLUNA - MAY. Still much missed and loved on the 21st anniversary of her death. Her mum and family.

VUKOVIC. Cherished memories of our dear father DRAGO, today the 43rd anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered by his family. "We love you dad."

ZAMMIT McKEON. In loving memory of Helen née Pollacco on the first anniversary of her death. Fondly remembered by her sons Rev. Victor, Alfred and Joseph, her daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchild. Mass for the repose of her soul will be held at St Publius church, Floriana at 6.30 p.m. May she rest in peace.

ZAMMIT - TONY. Today the eighth anniversary of his demise.
Every day in some way
Thoughts of you come our way
No longer in our lives to share
But in our hearts
You're always there.
Fondly remembered by all the family. A prayer is kindly solicited. Lord grant him eternal rest.

Award fOr women

Soroptimist International of Malta has launched this year's Woman In The Community Award.

The award is in recognition and acknowledgement of the sterling work carried out by female volunteers, work that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. The award is open to women who support other women and children facing crises and disasters both locally and abroad.

Nominations for the ninth edition of the award should include the name, address and telephone number of the nominee; the name, address and telephone number of the nominator/s; a description of the type of activities carried out; the length of time involved and the community benefit.

Nominations are to be sent by not later than April 15 to Soroptimist International of Malta, Programme Action Committee, c/o EAPN (Malta), Resources Centre, 33, Cannon Road, St Venera.

The winner will be announced on May 6 at the Despott Hall, Floriana.

For more information call on 2158 0982, 2141 5567, 9949 6446 or 7933 5514 or e-mail: soroptimistmalta@ hotmail.com.

Power Cuts

The electricity supply in the following localities will be suspended today as indicated: St Julians, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in part of Triq Birkirkara and Triq Il-Qalb Imqaddsa; Fgura, from 8 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. in Triq tal-Kleru and Triq Il-Merhba; Zabbar, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. in Triq Iz-Zejtun; St Paul's Bay, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. in Triq il-Kbira and part of Triq San Pawl, Triq Isouard and Triq Toni Bajada.

Feasts in Rabat

The feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and that of the Divine Mercy will be celebrated at the Lunzjata church, in Rabat, on Sunday.

The feast of the Divine Mercy will be celebrated in the morning between 10 a.m. and noon including an adoration, Mass and consecration to the Divine Mercy. The feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary will be celebrated in the afternoon. Holy rosary will be recited in the church at 3.30 p.m. followed by Mass by the Carmelite Provincial, Fr Alexander Vella O.Carm. A pilgrimage will take place afterwards in the gardens surrounding the convent and church and the function ends at 6 p.m. with Eucharistic adoration and blessing.

For further information phone 2145 9021, 2131 2783 or 9942 9775.

Vocal Concert

A classical and religious vocal concert will be held at St Paul's Anglican pro-cathedral in Valletta on Friday at 7.30 p.m.

Taking part will be sopranos Arleen Barlow, Maria Abdilla, Katherine Brown, Sandra Farrugia and Mandy Zammit, mezzo sopranos Sam Davies, Marilena Gauci and Rosemary Lee and tenor George Saliba.

The music will include works by Allessandro Stradella, Brodsky, Caccini, Mascagni, Arron Copeland, Schubert, Michael North, Handel, Elgar and Fauré among others.

Pianist Lydia Buttigieg will accompany the singers.

All proceeds from the collection will go to the cathedral funds.

Small States Workshop

A training workshop on Competitiveness Strategies for Small States will be held between April 4 and 15 at the Foundation for International Studies, in Valletta as part of the Malta-Commonwealth Third Country Training Programme.

The workshop is organised by the foundation's Islands and Small States Institute and the Department of Economics of the University of Malta in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The course is primarily intended for officials, at senior and middle management levels, operating in private and public sector institutions. Participants should normally be nominated by the national governments of small states members of the Commonwealth, and sponsored by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation.

For more information, contact the Administrator, Islands And Small States Institute, tel/fax: 2124 8218; e-mail: islands@um.edu.mt

Women's Pensions

The Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations will be holding a seminar today on Women And Pension Reform between 1.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. at St Albert the Great College, in Valletta. The speakers are David Spiteri Gingell, chairman of the Pensions Working Group, and Sue Vella, general manager at the Employment and Training Corporation. A public discussion will follow.

A contribution of Lm2 will be charged at the door in aid of the confederation.

Musico-literary evening

The Cantate Domino parish choir of Zurrieq will be holding a musico-literary soirée at St Catherine parish church, Zurrieq on April 16 at 7.30 p.m. on the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Catherine, the patron saint of Zurrieq. Led by Paul Portelli, the choir will perform works by local composers. All are welcome to attend.

Notice to motorists

A crane will be set up in Pjazza Vittorja, Naxxar today and on Friday between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. The Malta Transport Authority urges motorists to exercise caution.

Musical Contest

The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce will be holding its Sixth Young Musicians Contest between April 27 and 29 in the strings and keyboard categories for mature and promising candidates.

Regulations and application forms may be obtained from the society at Palazzo De La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

More information may be obtained by visiting www.artsmalta.org, via e-mail at info@artsmalta.org or on tel. 2124 4339.

The closing date for applications is April 8.

Zurrieq Exhibition

The St Catherine musical society of Zurrieq will be holding an exhibition entitled Santa Katarina - Qaddisa Mahbuba U Meqjuma on the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Catherine, at the band club premises from May 7 to 15. Persons interested in exhibiting works or materials such as statues, paintings, old photos and sonnets may contact Emanuel Farrugia on 7968 9809 or Joe Saliba on 9980 6600 until April 20. Security will be provided.

Local Councils

Today's meetings
5 p.m. Birzebbuga.
5.30 p.m. Pembroke.

What's On Today

Concert
12.35 p.m. at Sala Isouard, Manoel Theatre, Valletta, lunchtime concert featuring mezzo soprano Stella Falzon accompanied on the piano by Maria Scicluna. Entrance is free.

Exhibitions
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Banca Giuratale, Victoria, exhibition of artwork by Henry Alamango.

9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Cathedral Museum, Mdina, exhibition of contemporary Christian art.

9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Inquisitor's Palace, Vittoriosa, The Art of Pain - Instruments of Torture, exhibition of over 100 instruments of torture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including the Inquisition.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, Valletta, photo and information exhibition entitled Life In Russia Before The Revolution (1900 - 1917).

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Museum of Natural History, Mdina, collective exhibition by 10 artists of paintings and sculptures. Use side entrance opposite Xara Palace.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, exhibition of church, hospital and domestic silver from the 15th to the 19th century entitled Antique Silver In The National Collection.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vee Gee Bee Art Gallery, Valletta, exhibition by Peter Howitt of hand painted icons inspired by icons from various periods in time.