Social and Personal

Joseph Ellul writes

Seneca said: "The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity". However, everybody was shocked by the recent and sudden demise of Fr Alexander Bonnici while on a very short visit to Tunisia: the thousands who read his numerous books and articles on local and Church history; the thousands who followed his broadcasts on our local radio and TV stations; all those who benefited from his pastoral care; and last, but not least, the Maltese Conventual Franciscans and his relatives.

Rain or shine, at about 7.30 a.m., I used to meet daily with Fr Alexander crossing St Dominic's Square, at Rabat, where he lived for many years, on his way back to St Francis Friary, after saying Mass at St Joseph's Convent and attending to the spiritual needs of this community.

Clearly, time was a very scarce commodity for him: two objects that he always carried with him on such occasions prove this as well as epitomise the two aspect of his life which he fulfilled with abundance, even while walking. During this time one would always see Fr Alexander busily either also reciting his Breviary or else revising some draft of one of his many forthcoming publications. Sometimes he used to tread very slowly while performing these, as the ground would be very slippery due to the rain and the birds' droppings on the square.

Moreover, even his ordinary attire and the simple bag he always carried with him speak volumes about this very unassuming, approachable, prudent, humble - but definitely hardworking and dedicated - friar and historian.

Apart from very scrupulously fulfilling his duties as a consecrated person, Fr Alexander did not know how to say no to anybody in response to continuous requests for lectures, talks on the various media and to various communities, for articles, and even whole books, some in several volumes, as well as to information from students of history.

However, alas, now that he has crossed to the Other Life, Fr Alexander will no longer be seen crossing St Dominic's Square. God wanted that he leave this stage while he was in Tunisia, where his mother was born, for a few days' respite from his very heavy schedule.

Likewise in Tunisia, another famous Maltese father, also connected with Maltese history, had died unexpectedly nearly 100 years ago: Fr Manwel Magri SJ. Both great Maltese citizens were "archaeologists" - Fr Manwel in the literal sense of the word and Fr Alexander by way of his assiduous research to unearth seminal historical data related to aspects of Maltese history in various important archives. In contrast, however, while Fr Manwel's best archaeological writings were lost forever in Tunisia, this is not the case regarding the published and non-published research work of Fr Alexander.

I trust that the Conventual Franciscans, with a view of future publication, would now carefully preserve Fr Alexander's all unpublished works in a single central place. I am sure that this would be the biggest posthumous wish of Fr Alexander. As an author, his complete works in print would one day be his best and biggest monument. Verba volant, scripta manet (Words fly away, but the written letter remains).

Golden Wedding

Mr LIONEL PUGLISEVICH and Miss VIOLET MONTFORT

The marriage between LIONEL and VIOLET took place on August 26, 1956, at St Nuzzu chapel, Hamrun. Congratulations and best wishes and many thanks from their four children, Stephanie, Ivor John, Judith and Adrian and their respective spouses. The renewal of vows was celebrated on August 19, witnessed by their many friends and family.

OBITUARY

BRINCAT. On August 24, at St Luke's Hospital, TESSIE née Camilleri passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of the Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her beloved husband Guido, her daughters Lorraine, wife of Noel Farrugia, Shirley Ann, Ramona, wife of Chris Mifsud and Fleur, wife of Chris Spiteri, and her grandsons Karl and Kris, her only sister Mary, wife of Francis Grech, her brothers Emmanuel and his wife Yvonne, Joe and his wife Tessie, Charles and his wife Gill, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P. The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today at 8.30 a.m. for St Theresa Sanctuary, Birkirkara, where Mass praesente cadavere will be celebrated at 9 a.m., followed by interment in the family grave at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request, but donations to the Malta Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.

In Memoriam

ATTARD - Dr JOHN ATTARD, MD. Today being the 37th anniversary of his demise. Always remembered and never forgotten by his wife Emily, sons, daughters and grandchildren.

CALLEJA - CLAUDE. Unfading precious memories of our darling mother on her 19th anniversary. Always lovingly remembered by her son Ray, daughters Monica, Eileen, May and her husband Joe and their families.

CAMILLERI KAMSKY - ROSE. Remembering you with great love and cherished, lovely memories on the 14th anniversary. We thank God for having had you as a wife, mother, nanna and friend. We miss you every day. A Mass for the repose of her soul will be said on August 28 at 6 p.m. at the Ursuline Crèche, Sliema. May she rest in peace. The family.

CARUANA - NICHOLAS. Treasured memories of a beloved father, today the 29th anniversary of his demise. Sorely missed and always in our thoughts and prayers. Rosella, Inez and family.

DELIA - JOSEPHINE. Remembering a dear mother with love and gratitude on her 30th anniversary. Her son, daughters, in-laws and grandchildren. Lord Jesus grant her eternal rest.

ELLUL - VINCENT. Treasured memories of a beloved husband and father on the 13th anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his wife Giorgina, Andrew and Elizabeth and the family.

GRECH - CHARLIE. Treasured memories of a beloved husband and daddy on the ninth anniversary of his passing away. Diana, Jeremy and Charlene. Please remember him in your prayers.

PISANI - COSTANTINO. Everlasting memories of a dear husband, father and grandfather on the 17th anniversary of his demise. His wife Doris and family.

PIZZUTO. In loving memory of MABEL J., today being the sixth anniversary of her demise. Fondly remembered by her sister-in-law, nephews and nieces. Lord grant her eternal rest.

TALIANA. In loving memory of my dear husband GAETANO, today the 17th anniversary of his demise. Always in my thoughts and prayers. His wife Carmen.

TANTI - JOSEPH. In loving memory of a dear husband and father on the sixth anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Louise, his children Maria, Joe, Vince and Anna, in-laws and grandchildren. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

F1 ON BIG SCREEN

The Formula One race taking place in Istanbul will be shown on a big screen set up on the Pinto Marina at the Valletta Waterfront tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Alternatively, visitors to the Pinto Marina can enjoy lunch at one of the outlets along the Waterfront while also watching the race.

Arts Council Call For Tenders

The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts is receiving until September 12 at 10 a.m., separate, sealed, holistic or individual tenders for work connected with the Notte Bianca event.

The event will be held on the night between October 14 and October 15. The tenders will be for hiring and building of stages, lights, sound, projection screens, dressing/changing rooms and canopies.

Tender forms can be obtained from the offices of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Casa Gaspe, 230 Republic Street, Valletta.

A meeting for those interested in tendering for any or all the services mentioned will be held at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julians on Tuesday at 9.30 a.m.

AI annual report

The 2006 Annual Report by Amnesty International, which is available for sale, gives a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation around the world last year. The report covers 150 countries.

Those interested in buying a copy of the report can send a cheque for Lm6 to Amnesty International, PO Box 12, Valletta, indicating their address. For more information about the report or about Amnesty International, e-mails can be sent to the Malta Group at info@aimalta.org.

Vocal Recital

A vocal recital will be held in the Sacristy Hall behind the chapel of the Flight to Egypt by the Holy Family located at the Valletta Waterfront tomorrow at 4 p.m.

The recital will feature soprano Marita Bezzina accompanied by pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa. Ms Bezzina will be singing different Ave Marias including those by Schubert and Verdi, among other works.

Tickets cost Lm4 and are available from the door prior to the recital or by phoning on 7968 0952.

Live Band

Nikki Vukovic will perform live with her band at the Independence Gardens, in Sliema, on Tuesday at 8.30 p.m.

Ms Vukovic has just released her second single No Regrets following her debut single Open Your Eyes.

Journalism Courses

The Tumas Fenech Foundation will be holding two courses, one on photo journalism and another on irregular immigration, racism and cultural diversity for journalists and students studying media in October.

The course about irregular immigration will be held at the Hilton Hotel, between October 4 and 6 from 9.15 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will include the experiences of immigrants and the participation of those working with immigrants. The fee is Lm15 for members of the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) and Lm20 for all other participants.

The course about photo journalism will be held at the Halland Hotel in Ta' L-Ibrag between October 16 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be coordinated by John Wilkinson, an English expert who has worked as a chief sub editor for the British newspaper The News. The fee is Lm20 for IGM members and Lm30 for other persons interested.

Those wanting to attend are to send an e-mail to masdan@onvol.net

Road Closed

There will be no vehicular access to Parish Street, Naxxar on Monday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

What's On Today

Performances
8.30 p.m. at the Valletta Waterfront, the Epoka Festival continues with Joe Demicoli who will be followed by Walter Micallef with a concert featuring Maltese songs.

Exhibitions
At Heritage Malta's head office, Merchants Street, Valletta, paintings by Joseph Mallia.
At the National Museum of Natural History, Mdina, paintings by various artists in aid of the 34U Campaign.
At the Inquisitor's Palace, Vittoriosa, exhibition The Cards Of Destiny: Gambling, Luck And Magic.
At St James Cavalier, Valletta, a selection of 100 photographs by Joe Camilleri.

Pharmacies Open Tomorrow

Malta: 9 A.M.-Noon Gozo: 7.30-11 A.M.

Chemimart Ltd., 3, Freedom Square, Valletta
St Gaetan Pharmacy, Parish Priest Mifsud Street, Hamrun
St Venera Pharmacy, 532, St Joseph High Road, St Venera
St Jude Pharmacy, 213, Valley Road, Birkirkara
Deby's Pharmacy, 1, Quarries Square, Msida
Krypton Chemists, Ibrag Street, Ta' l-Ibrag, St Andrews
Norman's Pharmacy, 82, Tower Road, Sliema
Il-Mehriez Pharmacy, 4, Giovanni Curmi Street, Iklin
Sghajtar Pharmacy, Sghajtar Street, Mosta
Mellieha Pharmacy, 107, George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha
Sta Lucia Pharmacy, 1, Dorell Square, Sta Lucija
Kalkara Pharmacy, 8, Archbishop Gonzi Square, Kalkara
Fgura Pharmacy, St Thomas Street, Fgura
Martin's Pharmacy, 186, Birzebbuga Street, Birzebbuga
Prestige Pharmacy, 16, St Joseph Street, Kirkop
Nobel Pharmacy, Sciortino Street, Zebbug
Nova Pharmacy, 142, College Street, Rabat
Azzopardi Pharmacy, Capuchins Street, Victoria, Gozo
St John's Pharmacy, 85, Independence Avenue, Xewkija.