Social and Personal

SPITERI. On March 18, CARMENA of Valletta, aged 83, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children Giorgia, Charles widower of Mary, Joe and his wife Carmen, Freddie and his wife Marija, Doris and her husband Martin Cachia, Elizabeth and her husband Joe Saliba, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her siblings and their families, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today 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 at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request, but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be appreciated.

ZAHRA. On March 17, MARIO, aged 53, passed away at Royal Marsden Hospital, UK, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his irreparable loss his beloved wife Vivienne née Grech, his beloved daughters Marcella and Roberta and her husband Ian Gauci Borda, his brothers and sisters, their families, relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Catherine's Home, Attard on Thursday at 2 p.m. for St Helen's Basilica, Birkirkara where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m. followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery.

Appreciation - John Agius

Charles and Delma Galea write:

It was with tremendous shock that we heard the very sad news that John Agius had died suddenly.

Johnny, as he was commonly known, embraced life to its fullest. Everyday he was around, driving his car, window down, cigar in his mouth - not lit - waving to all he passed. Often, he used to have his beloved dog Tina with him but, sadly, she died 18 months ago and that left Johnny bereft.

He worked hard on his business, he worked hard in his garden, he played hard with his friends in the billiard room.

Johnny had a character that was larger than life and was loved and known by a wide range of people. He loved his wife, he was so proud of his son and his achievements, he loved his home he so lovingly strived for.

He was still living that life only to be felled dramatically and instantly by a method I am sure he would have approved of given the choice.

He left a big hole in many people, family and friends, but most of all in Doris and Kirsten who now somehow have to pick up the pieces of a shattered life and go on. All Johnny's friends offer them support in the sure knowledge that Johnny is looking down from his heavenly garden and is grateful for the help given to them.

In Memoriam

BONELLO. Ever loving memories of our dearest mother MARIETTA on the 43rd anniversary of her death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Rosie and Margot.

BONNICI. Remembering our precious daughter GILLIAN, 20.03.'65-27.08.'06. Today would have been your birthday and we remember more than ever, the joy, the love, the happiness you brought in our lives.
Those special times will not return
But your spirit's in everything we do.
Living in our hearts and minds
Till the day we'll be with you.
Your loss, dear Gillian,
Is immeasurable,
But also immeasurable
Is the love you left behind.
A Mass for the repose of her soul will be said today at 5.30 p.m. at Mensija chapel. Rest in peace. Your parents Joe and Celine Briffa and your brother Kenrick.

CAMILLERI - ELIZABETH (Betty). In loving memory of our dear mother.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part,
God has you in His keeping
But we will always have you
In our heart.
Your children Peter Paul, Christine, Joyce, Stephen, Robert, husbands, wives and grandchildren.

DIACONO. Treasured memories of Maestro FRANCESCO DIACONO, a beloved father and grandfather, today the seventh anniversary of his death. Stella and George, Maria, Manolis, Frankie and family. Rest in peace.

ENGERER - GRACE. Lovingly remembered by her family, today the 10th anniversary of her passing to a new life.

PACE. In loving memory of our dear son ETIENNE on the 29th anniversary of his death. Lovingly remembered by his parents Tony and Lilian, his sister Brigid and her husband Patrick, Andrea and Enrica.

TONNA - MARY ROSE, née Medati. In loving memory, on the 19th anniversary of her demise. Fondly remembered by her son Benjamin, husband, family and friends.

VELLA - GODFREY. Treasured memories of a beloved husband and father on the ninth anniversary of his death.
Your loss is grieved
Our heart is sore
With passing years
We miss you more.
Lucienne and Marylene. Today's 6.45 p.m. Mass at Mater Boni Consigli church, Paceville, will be offered for the repose of his soul.

VELLA - GODFREY. In loving memory of a dear brother, today the ninth anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

Extraordinary Claims

The next meeting of the Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims - SICEC will be held at the YTC headquarters, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 7 p.m.

A documentary about Exorcists will herald a debate about this controversial and outdated practice that is still a feature of many belief systems and religions including the Catholic Church.

The discussion, chaired by David Pace, will focus on whether there is proof of the existence of the devil as an entity and on the ethical and rational ramifications of the rituals to expel it.

Good Friday Statues

A set of miniature Good Friday statues will be displayed at St Agatha's chapel, in Mdina, between March 23 and April 6. The exhibition will be open on weekdays and Sundays from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Maundy Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and on Good Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Book Signing

John Anderson, the American author of the thriller The Cellini Masterpiece, will be signing copies of his book at Sapienza's, Republic Street, Valletta, on Friday at 5.30 p.m. and not on Saturday as inadvertently reported.

What's On Today

Exhibitions
• At 104, Republic Street, Victoria, the Eden Foundation art and antiques exhibition with over 1,000 art and furnitureexhibits.
• At the Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria, an exhibition related to the mystery of the Passion of Christ.
• At Biagio Steps, Valletta, a display by Portuguese artist-in-residence Sancho Silva and workshop participants in the Isole ed Identità in Movimento project.
• At Café Café, Main Gate Street, Victoria, art exhibition by Julie Calabrese.
• At the Contemporary Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, South Street, Valletta, a display entitled Colonial Malta: Building A Romantic Landscape, curated by Samantha Fabri of Heritage Enterprise.
• At Gallery G, Sir Ugo Mifsud Street, Lija, paintings by nine artists who have never exhibited before.
• At the Inquisitor's Palace in Vittoriosa, a photographic display entitled Good Friday Dresses Statuary From Malta And Spain.
• At Heritage Malta's head office, Merchants Street, Valletta, paintings by Carmel Bonello.
• At the Inquisitor's Palace, in Vittoriosa, sculptures by Chris Ebejer.
• At the Main Hall, St James Cavalier, Valletta, paintings by Trevor Borg.
• At the Ministry for Tourism and Culture, Merchants Street, Valletta, works by George Apap.
• At the Lobby, National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta, an exhibition of artists' impressions highlighting the new halls on the upper floor and a display of some artefacts recently conserved for the same project.
• At the Middlesea House, in Floriana, an art display of watercolours by Alfred Chircop.
• At the National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta, Chinese Terracotta Soldiers.
• At Palazzo De La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta, paintings by 20 students studying art at advanced level under the tutelage of Matthew Cassar.
• At Ir-Razzett Tal-Markiz, Wied Il-Ghasel Street, Mosta, displays by Mark Schembri.