Warm welcome for new bishop at Festa Familja

Hundreds of Gozitan families filled the Victoria Sports Complex last Sunday for Festa Familja, a two-hour show held to honour a deserving Gozitan family and to celebrate the beginning of Bishop Mario Grech's episcopal ministry.

Bishop Grech entered the sports complex to a standing ovation; he was accompanied by two families, representing all Gozitan families. The Bishop walked around the complex, carrying a little boy, acknowledging the crowd's applause.

The programme included singing, with the participation of Fr Karm Debattista, dance, a mime performed by the Xaghra Youth Group, and a light show. A number of choirs, including a youth choir and another made up of 350 primary schoolchildren, participated along with six folklore groups, and dancers from the Don Bosco Oratory.

Bishop Grech, who spoke of his love for the family unit, was introduced to a family from every Gozitan parish. The Zammit family - Teddie, Francis and their children - shared their family experiences.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of 36th Familja Qalb tad-Deheb award, by the Cana Movement. This year the honour went to the Debono family of Nadur who were presented with mementoes by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Nadur mayor Chris Said, besides gifts from various sponsors.