BISAZZA. On December 7, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Kristel née Schembri and Alberto, God's precious gift of a first-born son - LUCA. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to all the staff for their care.
CREMONA. On December 11, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Claire née Schembri and George, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - GIULIA. Thanks to the gynaecologists, midwives Lillian Azzopardi and Carmen Scerri and all the staff at the maternity ward.
FIGALLO. On November 14, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Claudine née Aquilina and Josef, God's precious gift of a daughter - SARAH. Special thanks go to all the staff at the maternity ward.
FORMOSA. On December 6, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Bobby née Diacono and Simon, God's precious gift of a daughter - KATRINA. Special thanks to the obstetrician and all the staff at the ante-natal, labour and post-natal wards for their constant support and dedication.
NAUDI. On December 7, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Kathleen Mizzi and Antoine, God's precious gift of a son - LUCA, a brother to Karla. Thanks to all the staff at the maternity department.
PIERUCCI. On December 3, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Elisabetta née Arduini and Massimiliano, God's precious gift of a daughter - LUCREZIA, a sister to Giulia. Thanks to the obstetrician, the midwife and all the staff at the hospital.
SHIRE. On November 29, at Adenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK, to Lisa née Cauchi and Andrew, God's precious gift of a son - TOM, a welcome brother to Lucy. Deo gratias et Mariae.
STRICKLAND. On December 9, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Paula née Zammit and Roger Jr, God's precious gift of a son - NICHOLAS, a brother to Laura. Thanks to the gynaecologist, the obstetrician, the paediatrician, midwife Carmen Scerri and all the hospital team.
Wedding Anniversary
Mr GEORGE SCIBERRAS and Miss ANTOINETTE DIMECH
The marriage between GEORGE and ANTOINETTE took place on December 18, 1974, at Our Saviour parish church, Lija. Congratulations and fondest love from Mark and Bernardette, Claire and Joseph, grandchild Nicole and all the family.
Obituary
BORG. On December 16, at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, IRIS (president, Women's Section, MLP Club, Valletta), aged 70, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband Walter, her children Valerie and her children Elaine and Matthew, Sonia and her husband Raymond Camilleri and their children Nicky and Mandy-Jo, her brother Edgar Pace and his wife Evelyn, her sister Lilian and her husband Frans Attard Pace, numerous nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves Sir Paul Boffa Hospital tomorrow at 9.30 a.m. for Our Lady of Mount Carmel basilica, Valletta, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 10 a.m., followed by interment in the family grave at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to the Malta Hospice Movement will be appreciated.
CASSAR. On November 26, in London, JOSEPH, aged 77, widower of Filomena, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Paul, Frank and Mary, Esther and Gennaro, Jo and Sally, Andrew and Amanda, his 10 grandchildren, brothers and sisters Helen and Twanny, Censina and Ninu, Stephen and Lesley, Edward and Jill, Victor and Marlene, Beffi, widow of his brother Carmenu, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
The funeral leaves St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, tomorrow at 8 a.m. for St Philip's parish church, Zebbug, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.45 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
FARRUGIA. On December 16, Francis, aged 85, passed peacefully away at Villa Messina, Rabat, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Elizabeth, his children Paul and Frances, residing in England, his brother Saviour, his sisters Ginny and Lola and their spouses, and other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held yesterday. Lord grant him eternal rest.
GOGGI. On December 17, at St Luke's Hospital, Sr AGNESE (Carmela) of the Sisters of Charity, aged 84, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, her twin sister, Sr Emerenziana, her brothers Alfred and his wife Doris and Emanuel, nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today at 7.30 a.m. for Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery chapel, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.30 a.m., followed by interment.
Appreciation - Helen Cassar
Dr Gloria Lauri Lucente writes:
After an illness which she bore with characteristic strength, Helen Cassar's life was brutally cut short at the age of 60. Even while her strength was visibly ebbing away, she never lost her vivacious sense of humour and her infectious zest for life.
I met Helen in December 2001 during a collective art exhibition which was being held in aid of animal welfare in Gozo. By the time the evening was over, Helen had offered her time and organisational skills, and in a few months she became one of the most inspiring and inspired participants in the campaign for animal welfare.
What initially made me get to know Helen was a common desire to make a difference in a cause we both believed in. What rapidly strengthened my trust and respect towards Helen was the depth of her passions, her generosity, and her integrity. Helen was never a yes-person - she spoke her mind with disarming frankness and courage, and at the same time with wit and verve. Once entrusted with her loyalty, you had a friend in Helen you could always count on.
What a humbling experience it was to me the last time I saw Helen! It was in October, just a few hours before she was scheduled to undergo surgery to have yet another tumour removed. She told me she had been advised by her doctors not to embrace her visitors so as to diminish the risk of contracting an infection.
Though Helen could not touch me physically that day, she touched me spiritually. As we spoke, I became increasingly aware of the fact that this would probably be the last time I was seeing her, and I somehow felt that deep down she knew that too. I had always admired Helen's extraordinary inner strength and deeply cherished her friendship, but it was that last encounter that enabled me to fully appreciate the steadfastness of her love, warmth, and courage even in the face of life's most piercing cruelties.
With the dignity of restraint, she admitted that as yet she was not resigned to the idea of dying, but that if her time had come, she would make sure death would not find her unprepared. She added that because of all the deep affection from her family and friends, she only had to cope with a physical disease and not with the more deadly malady of solitude, unlike some of the patients she had got to know since the onset of her illness.
And while Helen was talking to me about all those other patients she considered to be less fortunate than herself, she received an SMS on her mobile phone from a sick friend struck by the "double" disease of cancer and solitude who knew she could turn to her for comfort and solace. Not many people can so generously and so instinctively set aside their own troubles, and make you feel their warmth and friendship all the way down, and all the way through. Helen was one of those rare people.
As I walked out of the hospital, John Donne's words were among the first things that came to mind: ("Death, be not proud, though some have called thee/Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;/For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow/Die not, poor Death..."). As Helen's end rapidly approached, it was her unassailable faith in God that gave her the strength to face death with dignity and courage.
To describe my dear friend Helen who I will sorely miss, I can think of no more fitting words than those by William Shakespeare: "Three themes in one, which wondrous scope affords./Fair, kind, and true, have often lived alone,/Which three, till now, never kept seat in one").
Helen leaves to mourn her loss her beloved husband Chris, her daughter Sharon and her husband Jason, her son Walter-John, her only grandson Karl, her sisters Anne and Doris, her brother Henry and his wife Irene, her relatives and friends.
Appreciation - Janie Manché
Mr Claude Balzan Demajo, of Madliena, writes:
My beloved aunt was a precious gift from God to the family, friends and all who knew her. She was always ready to help others even if it meant putting others before her. She had the ability to look after children and the elderly so gracefully.
She was the proper housewife, great mother and grandmother, always keeping unity and love in the family. One would realise her presence straightaway when attending an occasion, because of her joyful, loving and energetic character and that shine in those beautiful blue eyes. She would chat and make conversation with everyone and one could tell people would be enjoying her presence.
When I look back to my childhood memories, the first vision that comes to mind is the warmth of that special aunt, whom I have always considered a mother figure for that closeness we shared.
From time to time I would visit her. We would sit outside on the terrace and while she would be knitting some clothing for any newborn, we would be having our usual chats and lengthy conversations.
I could never forget that face. She will always have a special place in my heart because she has taught me the real meaning of love. After all the good she has done she is now rewarded with a secure place with the Lord Almighty.
Till we meet again, all my love forever.
In Memoriam
ALLAN - GLADYS née Cordwell. In ever loving memory of our dear sister. Fondly remembered by Muriel, Winifred and Babs.
APAP - JOANNA. A very dear sister and aunt, on her 21st anniversary. Always in our thoughts, especially today. Her brothers, sisters and their families. Lord, grant her eternal rest.
ARRIGO - MARILYNE and TONIO. Precious memories of our dear mother and father. Anna, Edward and grandchildren.
BARTOLO - LILIAN née Galea Souchet. In loving memory of a dear mother, today the 11th anniversary of her demise. Sadly missed by her daughter Anna Maria, her brothers and sisters, in-laws, nephews and nieces. May God grant her eternal rest.
BIANCO. In loving memory of Mgr CARMELO BIANCO, 15.12.2001, a beloved uncle and great-uncle, on the fourth anniversary of his demise. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his niece RitaCatherine, husband Robert and children Gabriella, Riccardo-Matteo, Francesca and Roberto Stefano. Always in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.
BONNICI. Treasured and unfaded memories of GEORGE, a most loving husband, father and grandfather, today the seventh anniversary of his demise. Always remembered and greatly missed by his wife Tessie, his children Monica, Georgette, Pierre, Liliana, in-laws and grandchildren. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
BORG - LETTY. Cherished and unfading memories, on the 11th anniversary of her demise. Sadly missed by her family and friends. A prayer is kindly solicited.
DEGIORGIO. Cherished and unfading memories of a dearly beloved husband and father, MAURICE, on the third anniversary of his demise. Forever in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Marlene, his children Daniela, Vanessa and Ryan, and also his relatives and friends. Tomorrow's 6.30 p.m. Mass at St Anthony's church, Paola, will be said for his repose. "I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him."
ELLUL SULLIVAN - VIRGINIA. Loving and unfading memories of our dearest mother, today the 55th anniversary of her death.
You lived your life
For those you loved
And those you loved remember.
Her sons and daughters.
PACE. In loving memory of OLIVER. Margaret, Joanne, Sandra, Michael, Victoria and Jennifer.
PELLEGRINI PETIT. In loving memory of WALTER on the 25th anniversary of his death. His sister, brothers, in-laws and family.
PISANI. In loving memory of ANTHONY of Hamrun on the 26th anniversary of his demise. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his daughter Marion and her husband Albert and grandchildren. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
TABONE - MARY. Fond and loving memories of our dearest mother who departed this life 20 years ago today. Always remembered by her sons Joe, Colin, Mario and their families.
VELLA ZARB. In loving memory of MARY who departed this life 27 years ago today. Remembered always with love and gratitude by her daughters and their families.
Sidonia Enterprises Ltd
Closed for Christmas holidays. Reopening on Monday, January 2, 2006.
Have A Heart
Animal lovers' walking group. Keep fit and join us supporting Maltese animal sanctuaries. Live longer and make new friends! Car drivers/owners and volunteers urgently needed. Also unwanted new Christmas gifts as raffle prizes. Phone 2157-4625/9921-9815.
Prayer To St Jude
O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg you whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance. Help me now in my present and urgent need and grant my earnest petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude, pray for us and all who honour and invoke your aid. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory. R.T.Z.
Season's Greetings
Kathleen and Iro Amato extend season's greetings to all relatives and friends.
Charles and Doris Andrews send season's greetings to all their family and friends.
Mrs Hilda Bonnici of 210, Old Railway Road, Balzan, extends her sincere greetings for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all her relatives and friends.
Mr and Mrs J. Bonnici of "Neston", Triq il-Falkun, Kappara, extend sincere greetings for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all their relatives and friends.
William and Dorothy Buttigieg send season's greetings to all their family and friends.
Mr and Mrs J.L. Debono of 163c, Church Avenue, Paola, wish all their relatives and friends a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Sally Levison sends all her friends in Malta and Gozo season's greetings. She is thinking of you all and remembering happy times.
Pharmacies Open Today
Malta: 9 a.m. - noon; Gozo 7.30 - 11 a.m.
New British Dispensary, 109/110, St John Street, Valletta;
Nashinal Pharmacy, 17, St Mary Street, Hamrun;
Drugshop Dispensary, De La Cruz Avenue, Qormi;
St Helen Pharmacy, Tumas Fenech Street, Birkirkara;
St Luke Pharmacy, St Luke's Road, Pietà;
San Gwann Pharmacy, 11, Felic Borg Street, San Gwann;
Wales Pharmacy, 183, Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema;
Medica Pharmacy, Naxxar Road, Balzan;
Rotunda Pharmacy, 7, Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta;
Karizia Drugstore, 87, George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha;
De Paola Pharmacy, 36, Antoine de Paule Square, Paola;
Verdala Pharmacy, 57, Gendus Street, Cospicua;
Fgura Pharmacy, St Thomas Road, Fgura;
Britannia Pharmacy, 5, Pretty Bay, Birzebbuga;
Zurrieq Dispensary, 68, Main Street, Zurrieq;
Nobel Pharmacy, Sciortino Street, Zebbug;
Bahrija Pharmacy, Triq Raddet ir-Roti c/w School Street, Bahrija;
Palm Pharmacy, 2, Palm Street, Victoria;
Nadur Pharmacy, April 28, 1688, Square, Nadur.