Social and Personal

BONNICI. On August 10, at St Philip's Hospital, to Maryann née Vassallo and Lawrence, God's precious gift of a first-born son - LIAM, brother to Mariah. Thanks to St Anne, Virgin Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mrs Carmen Cannataci and all the staff at the hospital.

BORG. On August 7, at St Philip's Hospital, to Marielle née Calleja and Andrew, God's precious gift of a first-born son - LUCA. Thanks to Mrs Carmen Cannataci and her dedicated staff, Mr John Mamo and all the staff at the hospital.

BROWN. On July 25, at King's College Hospital, London, to Marion née Drago and Jeremy, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - EMMA ROSE, first grandchild for Mairin and Henry Drago.

BUGEJA. On August 3, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Ward, to Marisa née Cuschieri and Joseph, God's precious gift of a son - CLAUDE, brother to Keith and Claire. Special thanks to all the staff at the maternity ward, especially midwife Sharon Micallef and the gynaecologist.

CAMENZULI. On August 1, at the Royal Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK, to Alexia née Attard and Aldo, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - EMMA MARIJA.

CIANTAR. On August 3, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Rodianne née Chircop and Geoffrey, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - ENA. Thanks to all the staff at the hospital.

DEBONO. On August 11, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Notary Dr Elsa Debono née Cardona and Notary Dr Reuben Debono, God's precious gift of a first born daughter - CARLA. Special thanks to midwife Mary Rose Cutajar and Abigail Plum, and all the dedicated maternity staff for all their care.

FARRUGIA PACE. On August 5, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Gillian née Farrugia and David, God's precious gift of a daughter - ILARIA. Thanks to the obstetrician, the pediatrician, midwife Carmen Scerri, the anaesthetist, the theatre staff, and all the maternity staff at the hospital. Special thanks also go to St Pio of Pietrelcina and St Anne.

MAGRO. On July 30, at Gozo General Hospital Maternity Wing, to Loredana née Testa and Bryan, God's precious gift of a daughter - SINÉAD, a most welcome sister to Niamh. Thanks to all the maternity staff, especially midwife Mary Rose Grech.

MANICARO. On August 7, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Marion née Falzon and Michael, God's precious gift of a son - NICHOLAS. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwives Anna Croucher and Anna Calleja. Thanks to Our Lady of Grace.

MICALLEF. On August 5, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Silvana, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - LIYA. Thanks to the gynaecologist and midwife Carmen Scerri for their dedicated care, support and assistance. Thanks also go to all the staff at the hospital.

PACE. On August 1, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Josephine and Tony, God's precious gift of a daughter - SARAH, a welcome sister to Matthew John. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Special thanks to the dedicated staff for their excellent care.

PARNIS. On August 4, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Donna née Caruana and Johann, God's precious gift of a daughter - MONIQUE, sister to Jake. Thanks to all the staff at the hospital, especially to midwives Carmen Scerri and Lillian Azzopardi. Thanks to my dear mum Monica, who has guided me from heaven.

PARNIS. On July 30, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Mary née Galea and Alfred, God's precious gift of a daughter - KATRINA, a most welcome sister to Daniel. Thanks be to God and Blessed Nazju Falzon. Special thanks to all the staff at the hospital.

PORTELLI. On August 6, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Alexandra née Bartolo and Marco, God's precious gift of a daughter - FRANCESCA MARIAH, a welcome sister to Joseph. Thanks to the gynaecologist, midwife Antoinette Formosa and all the staff.

RIZZO. On August 2, at Karin Grech Hospital, to Francesca née Tabone and Michael, God's precious gift of a daughter - ALEX, a most welcome sister to Nicola.

WHITEHEAD. On August 12, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Kelly née Harding and Michael, God's precious gift of a son - CHARLES LIAM, brother to Hermoine Grace. Thanks to the obstetrician and midwives Lillian Azzopardi and Carmen Scerri.

Engagements

Mr IAIN GALEA and Miss REBECCA VELLA The engagement is announced between IAIN, son of Mr and Mrs Edgar Galea, and REBECCA, daughter of Mr and Mrs Michael Vella. Fr George Schembri blessed the ring.

MARRIAGES

Mr MARK VASSALLO and Miss JOANNA SPITERI STAINES The marriage between MARK, son of Dr and Mrs Stephen Vassallo of Gozo, and JOANNA, daughter of Mr and Mrs Vincent Spiteri Staines of Sliema, took place on July 30, at Tal-Vitorja Chapel, Mtahleb. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Emmanuel Camilleri, assisted by Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith, and Fr Victor Zammit McKeon, who read the Papal Blessing. A dinner was held afterwards at Villa Bologna, Attard.

Obituary

Mayl. On August 13, CHRISTOPHER ALAN, aged 68, passed peacefully away suddenly at his residence. He leaves to mourn his loss his most beloved wife Eileen née Gingell, his sons Roderick and his wife Shirley, and John, his most dear grandchildren Sean and Keith, his in-laws Mabel and Paul Cefai, and Elsa and Victor Rizzo and their children Pamela and Aaron, other relatives and friends. The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today at 1.15 p.m. for Our Lady of Carmel parish church, Balluta, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

Appreciation - Natalino Attard

Ms Valerie Borg, Valletta Labour councillor, writes:

I can hardly believe that Natalino Attard is gone. Even though I know he was suffering during those days he spent at the ITU, I still prayed for a miracle that he might pull through. Still, I guess it wasn't part of God's plan.

I got to know him through his loving wife, Emily. Quite a well-built man, intent on listening to other people when they spoke. It is indeed very rare to find a person like Natalino. Emily is now left alone and I ask him to pray for her while he is in God's garden. She needs his prayers, for they were the perfect couple. Even that, I may add, is a rarity.

People showed their respect for Natalino when they filled St Dominic's church in Valletta for his funeral. Natalino was a gentleman who died in the same manner he lived his life - quiet, with dignity and at peace with himself.

My condolences go to his wife, Emily, his family and his multitude of friends. He will be sorely missed.

In Memoriam

AXISA - AGNES. Precious memories of our most beloved mother, today being the 53rd anniversary of her demise. Still so sadly missed. Her sons and daughters.

AZZOPARDI. In loving memory of our dear mother MARY née Micallef, widow of Victor, today the eighth anniversary of her passing away. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Alex, Edward, Jennifer and Kate.

BANAVAGE - MARIA. On the 21st anniversary of her death. Fondly remembered by her husband, sons and daughter.

BORG CARBOTT - The Noble Joseph dei Baroni della Grua. Fond memories of our loving father on the eleventh anniversary of his death. Lovingly remembered by his children Mary Rose and George, Vincent and Ilona, Lilian and Felix and by his grandchildren Denise, Stuart, Greta, Duncan, David and Francesca. We miss you but the love you gave us lives on in our hearts forever. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

BUGEJA - Capt. PAUL BUGEJA. Unfading and treasured memories of a dearest husband, father and grandfather, today the 12th anniversary of his passing to eternal life. His loving wife Lina, his children Judy, Martin and Nicholas and their families. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

CAMILLERI - IVAN GEORGE (consultant plastic surgeon at Bearsden, Glasgow).
Beloved Son,
A year has elapsed since I last took a view of your beautiful face
And the light in your eyes.
But now in the grass I see you are lain,
And the sod is your bed,
It forms a pillow instead.
As I search for the smile and the joy in your step...
I come across nothing.
The void makes me sad,
And great sorrow engulfs me,
But I grip on to memories.
Icons upon icons surface up to solace me
And all through your silence
I feel you beside me...
Your presence in absence...
Forever
My dear Ivan.
Always in our heart. Mum, Christian, Joseph, Nadine and families.

CARUANA - EDWARD J. Unforgettable memories of a beloved husband and father, today the 12th anniversary of his death. Greatly missed and never forgotten by his wife Yvonne and his sons David and Kenneth. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

GALEA. In ever loving memory of our darling mother HILDA, today the 13th anniversary of her meeting with the Lord. Her children Maryrose, Frederick, Marguerite and the grandchildren. Dear God, grant her eternal rest.

MICALLEF - EMMA MARIA. In ever loving, memory of a beloved wife, mother and grandmother on the third anniversary of her being recalled to Our Lord. Very sadly missed by Aldo, Mark Anthony, Rachelle, Martin, Emma, James and John. Forever in our hearts. Today's 7 p.m. Mass at Jesus of Nazareth parish church, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of her soul. Dear Lord, grant Emma eternal rest.

MOMPALAO de PIRO. JOE and JULIA were reunited in heaven on this day four years ago. We love you. Susan, Aidan and Julian, and all our families.

SCIBERRAS - ANNABELLE née Casha. A year has passed since you left us. Not a day goes by that we do not think of you. We miss you, Bel! Auntie Irene, Uncle Vince, David, Christine and Kyle.

SPITERI - LAURENCE and CARMELA. In loving memory on the 24th and third anniversary of their respective deaths. Deeply loved and missed by their children and their families, and their sister Maggie. Lord, grant them eternal rest.

SPITERI MALLIA. In loving memory of our dear parents, Anthony and Carmen who died six years and 16 years ago respectively, during the month of August. Sadly missed by their children Alfred and Rosemarie, and John, granddaughter Theresa, Gavin and David.

STRICKLAND - GERALD. Fondly remembered by his sons Adrian, Jarrard and Roger on this the 46th anniversary of his death under tragic circumstances on August 14, 1959.

TEUMA. In loving memory of FRANCIS XAVIER, August 13 being the 34th anniversary of his death. Never forgotten by his wife Mary Connie née Copperstone, Ann Marie, Fr Eugene Paul and niece Ruth, family and friends. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

XERRI - Sr ELISE, MC (Anna).
Seven years ago today.
Our loved one is at peace...
With time,
All sorrows fade...
But memories grow dearer.
Love will always remain.
Goodnight dear Anna,
But not goodbye.
Her brothers and sisters Fr John Xerri, OP, of Rome, Carmen and Salvu, Antoinette and Tony, Joe and Debbie of Wales, Lizzie and Stephen and Maria and Alfred and her beloved nephews and nieces.

PERSONAL

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the whole world forever and ever. Amen. Grace received through the intercession of Christ the Redeemer, Our Lady, Dun Gorg Preca and Pope John Paul II. SMB.

Sidonia Enterprises Ltd

Closed for summer holidays. Reopening on Monday, August 22.

Pharmacies Open Today

Malta 9 a.m. to noon; Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
St Publius Pharmacy, 48, Triq il-Miratur, Floriana;
Cosmed Pharmacy 'Soccors', Villambrosa Street, Hamrun;
St Venera Pharmacy, 532, St Joseph High Road, St Venera;
Pharmaplus, Ganu Street, Birkirkara;
O'Hea Pharmacy, 128, Manoel De Vilhena Street, Gzira;
Medical Plaza Dispensing Chemists, Cass-i-Mall Buildings, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann;
St Francis Pharmacy 293, Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema;
Il-Mehriez Pharmacy, 4, Giovanni Curmi Street, Iklin;
Victory Pharmacy, 36, Victory Street, Naxxar;
Mellieha Pharmacy, 107, George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha;
Fleming Pharmacy, 65, Zabbar Road, Paola;
Vittoriosa Pharmacy, 9, Triq il-Mina il-Kbira, Vittoriosa;
Polyner Pharmacy, Xghajra Road, Zabbar;
Gerada Pharmacy, 46, Mater Boni Consigli, Zejtun;
Kristianne Pharmacy, Triq ic-Cavi, Mqabba;
Menelo Pharmacy, Dr Nikola Zammit Street, Siggiewi;
Bahrija Pharmacy, Triq Raddet ir-Roti c/w School Street, Bahrija;
Palm Pharmacy, 2, Palm Street, Victoria, Gozo;
Pisani Pharmacy, New Buildings, Sannat Road, Sannat.