Church's go-ahead to Ghaxaq feasts

The church has given its blessing to Ghaxaq's two band clubs to celebrate the locality's feasts of St Joseph and the Assumption after both outdoor celebrations were cancelled last year due to incidents.

In a statement yesterday the Curia said that it had taken this decision after it received assurances that there would be no repetition of the incidents from both band clubs.

In a statement that will be read during today's Masses in Ghaxaq, the Curia said that after last year's incidents a series of meetings were held between the band clubs and the Church to find ways of eliminating the unchristian elements from the feast.

"Both band club committees have sincerely expressed the wish to co-operate together and lessen the pique that exists between both sides. They have also given us their assurance that they will be working to ensure there is the right environment," the Curia said.

It said it hoped the Ghaxaq community would celebrate the feasts in a Christian spirit.