Social and Personal

THURSFIELD' LINE. On March 22, at her residence, ALMA ROSE, aged 68, passed away suddenly. She leaves to mourn her great loss her beloved husband David, her son David and his wife Susan, her daughter Sue, her grandchildren Rachel, Sabrina, David and Luke and her adorable great-grandchild Jordan Lee, her in-laws, relatives and numerous friends in Malta and UK.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 1.30 p.m. for the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery chapel where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2 p.m. followed by interment.
A prayer is solicited.

Requiem Masses

Tomorrow being the 20th anniversary of the death of MARIKA NAUDI, née Hili, a Mass for the repose of her soul will be said tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception parish church, Ta' l-Ibrag, St Andrew's. The attendance of relatives and friends will be appreciated.

Apprieciation - Sr Mary Ellul

Sr Doreen Cuschieri writes:

A sister of St Dorothy, Sr Mary Ellul was a born mathematician, a computer teacher, a "preps" dormitory mistress, and a senior school headmistress between the years 1976 and 1982.

As a maths teacher, in the secondary school, Sr Mary always prepared students for the O level examinations. Her ambition was that all her students would become good mathematicians. During every lesson, in fact, she made it her prerogative that all would work copious examples on the blackboard to make sure that all of them understood her explanation.

As a Junior School schoolgirl I remember Sr Mary taking us to the rallies of the Crusaders. These meetings were generally held on a Sunday and, sure enough, she would always be there waiting to give us a neatly ironed red sash with CBS printed on it.

Sr Mary's devotion to the Eucharist was so great that she couldn't just keep it to herself, and she would often encourage us to visit the Blessed Sacrament at least once a day and hold meetings for all the "Crusaders" at school.

As a dormitory mistress she took great care of the younger boarders who were away from home and would undoubtedly miss their family environment and parental attention. I remember her devoutly sitting on a small wooden chair in the linen room praying in semi darkness or consoling a young girl who couldn't get to sleep.

As a computer programing teacher she helped many adults, ex-pupils and students both at the Mdina and Sliema schools, just when computer awareness was in its initial stages in Malta.

On her retirement from teaching, Sr Mary took up bursary in Sliema and she led the Sliema Mamme di Paola Prayer Group and the Ex-Alumnae Association.

Sr Mary was known to be a very precise and accurate lady. She did all the jobs that were entrusted to her with great love and dedication right until she was hospitalised seven weeks ago. All of us remember her as a good and fervent Sister of St Dorothy, always ready to help those who were in need of her assistance with a smile.

Sr Mary loved Jesus not only in words, but more so in deed. She was humble and offered all her suffering for the love of Jesus present in the Eucharist. During these last few years, when she was involved in parish ministry, she felt so privileged to carry the blessed Sacrament to the sick in the vicinity. This ministry was a privilege she cherished deeply.

May she be blessed for eternity with Him, who was her sole ideal throughout her long life.

In Memoriam

BONELLO - JULIAN (Wembley Motors and Spinola Band Club). Today the sixth anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His 12 children, families, relatives and friends.

CAMILLERI - CARLOS. Treasured and unforgettable memories of a dear son and brother who was called to eternal life two years ago today.
Those we love don't go away,
hey walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard,
But always near.
Always in our hearts. Dad and family.

CILIA. In memory of ANTHONY and SALVINA who died on March 28, 1986, and March 16, 1993 respectively. Fondly remembered by their sons Joe, Louis, Ronald, Vince and their families. Lord, grant them eternal peace.

DARMANIN - JOHN. Today the third anniversary of his passing away. Much loved and sadly missed. His daughter Anne.

FARRUGIA. Remembering dear uncle EDGAR on his anniversary. Mabel and Constance and their families.

GALEA SOUCHET. Treasured memories of a dear father and grandfather, PAUL, on the 32nd anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His sons, daughters, in-laws and grandchildren.

GRECH. In loving memory of dear BRIAN, today the 25th anniversary of his passing away. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Jennifer and sons Matthew and Jonathan.

GRECH. In loving memory of our dear BRIAN on the 25th anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His mother, brothers and their families.

LAUTIER - JOHN. Cherished memories of our dear father on the 39th anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His children.

MAMO - JANE (Ginny), widow of John. In loving memory, on the fourth anniversary of her death. Her daughter Rose and all the family.

PACE - JOSEPHINE. Today the fourth anniversary of her death. Deeply missed by her beloved daughter Helga and family, her sister Terry and her husband Joe.

PULLICINO - ROSARIO. Treasured memories of a very dear husband and father on the 37th anniversary of his demise. Forever in our hearts and prayers. His wife Yvonne and children. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

VASSALLO. Unfading memories of ANTONIA, a very dear mother and grandmother, on the 20th anniversary of her demise. Nicholas, Joyce, Annabel, Melvyn and families, and Sr Stefania.

VASSALLO - JOSEPH PAUL (JP). In loving memory of our beloved and exemplary father on the 12th anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Stephen, Peter, Joe, Christine, Francis, Elsa, widow of his eldest son Luis, and all their families.

Dog Show

The Maltese Ladies Kennel Association will hold its Spring Championship Dog Show at the Cottonera Sports Complex on Saturday and Sunday. David Shields from the UK will be the judge. There will be 240 dogs from 44 different breeds on show.

Banking, Finance Workshop

The Islands and Small States Institute of the Foundation for International Studies at the University of Malta in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be holding a training workshop on Banking And Finance In Small States: Issues And Policies, as part of the Malta-Commonwealth Third Country Training Programme. Many Commonwealth countries will be represented.

The course will take place between April 2 and 13, at the Foundation for International Studies, St Paul Street, Valletta. Its aim is to disseminate knowledge and provide training on banking and finance, covering a variety of themes with a focus on small states. It will enable participants to benefit from the sharing of ideas and experiences during discussions.

The course is primarily intended for officials at senior and middle management levels, operating in banking and financial institutions or in the public sector.

Participants should be nominated by the national governments of small states members of the Commonwealth, and sponsored by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation. Further information can be obtained from the administrator, Islands and Small States Institute, tel/fax: 2124 8218, e-mail: islands@um.edu.mt.

Culinary journey

The Villa Brasserie in Balluta Bay has introduced Sunday buffet lunches that take patrons to various culinary destinations. The first lunch consisted of a Maltese buffet, followed by stops in Italy, France and Spain. The first Sunday of March saw a stop in Asia, followed by Greece. For the next three Sundays diners will be transported to the Middle East, India and the Maghreb, with sumptuous dishes, opulent flavours and ambience.

Separate from the hotel, the 19th century villa, with its grand staircase entrance, offers a number of dining options in a setting of modern design with traditional surroundings. It offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine created by Michelin chef Michel Rostang.

First Aid Courses

St John Ambulance will run first aid courses at its headquarters in Valletta. A morning course will start on April 10 at 9.30 a.m. and sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. Evening courses will start on April 9 at 6.45 p.m., running every Monday and Wednesday, and on April 10 at 6.45 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The course fee is Lm15.

More information can be obtained by calling 7944 8310 or 2124 5740.

Kercem Fair

The popular annual fair at the Ghadira ta' San Raflu, limits of Kercem, will be held throughout the day on April 15. The fair, which has been held for the past 25 years, offers entertainment, games and other attractions for the whole family.

Rocking Prize

Jean Pierre Genovese has won five Rocky DVDs in a competition organised by the Eden Cinemas in collaboration with Exotique and the Cynergi Health and Fitness Centre.

Elaine Azzopardi and Edmar Mifsud won a three-month membership at Cynergi.

Local Councils

Today's meeting
4.30 p.m. Sliema

What's On Today

Exhibitions
• At 104, Republic Street, Victoria, the Eden Foundation art and antiques exhibition with over 1,000 art and furniture exhibits.
• 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 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, Vittoriosa, sculptures by Chris Ebejer.
• 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 artistic impressions highlighting the new halls on the upper floor and a display of some artefacts recently conserved for the same project.
• At the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Republic Street, Valletta, works by American artist Gabriel Nansen.
• At Middlesea House, in Floriana, watercolours by Alfred Chircop.
• At the National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta, Silent Warriors: Chinese Terracotta Soldiers.

Holy Week activities

Easter concert
Major works consisting of excerpts from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem and Grand Mass in C Minor, Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor, Gounod's The Seven Last Works, Eia Mater from Dvorak's Stabat Mater and other pieces by composers such as Bizet and Caccini will be performed at the Cospicua parish church on April 3 at 7.30 p.m. This Easter concert will include solos by sopranos Nikki Farrugia, Stephanie Degiorgio Wismayer and Michelle Cachia Castelletti, tenor Brian Cefai, baritone Louis Cassar and bass Albert Buttigieg among others. The choir will perform a cappella and will be accompanied on the organ by Ms Cachia Castelletti, Derek Grillo and other musicians currently under the guidance of Hans-Jürgen Nagel. The concert is free of charge. Everyone is invited to attend.

Religious Art
A religious art exhibition will be held at the Art Club 2000, 14 St Publius Street, Mellieha from Saturday until April 8 from 5.30 to 9 p.m. Traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures depicting an artist's interpretation of the Holy Week will be on display. Over 27 models of doors of churches and chapels in Valletta will also be exhibited by Twanny Piscopo. The models will later be permanently exhibited at St Publius church in Floriana. More information is available by calling 2152 3774 or 2152 5651.

Way Of The Cross
Gozo Bishop Mario Grech will lead the Way Of The Cross on the Gholja ta' Ghammar (Ghammar Hill) opposite the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary, in Gozo, on Sunday. Prayers in front of the sanctuary start at 7 p.m.

Sacred Music, Reflection
An evening of reflection and sacred music will be held at Christ the King parish church in Paola on Monday at 7.15 p.m. The chosen theme for this evening is From Humiliation To Triumph. It will involve readings from the Holy Scriptures and singing by the Sine Macula choir of Safi. At the end of the activity, Fr Vincent Cachia will inaugurate and bless the new niche of the titular statue of Christ the King. At this point, the Paola parish church choir Allelujah will be joining the Sine Macula choir to pay homage to the patron. Entrance is free.

Last Supper Table
The Lija parish will put up a replica of the Last Supper table according to Jewish custom at the Old Parish Church of Our Saviour on April 4 at 7.30 p.m., on Maundy Thursday between 7 and 10 p.m. and on Good Friday from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Entrance is free. Visitors will be asked to remain inside until the end of the commentary which will be alternately in English and in Maltese.

Tour Of Statues
The Zejtun local council will organise a family outing on April 6 where the group will be viewing statues related to Good Friday in various parishes from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Tickets as well as more information are available by calling 2166 3866 or 9942 4517.

Funeral Marches On CD
The Queen Victoria Band of Zurrieq has recorded a new collection of 10 funeral marches on compact disc named Via Crucis. It can be obtained from the club. For more details, call 2168 9491 e-mail admin@carmelitesocietyzurrieq.com