Social and Personal

LANZA. On March 23, in Rome, after a long illness, Professor FRANCO LANZA. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Maria Luisa, his son Alessandro and his daughter Simonetta, relatives and many friends in Italy and Malta, where he was professor of Italian at the University from 1967 to 1980.

Requiem Masses

Today being the 20th anniversary of the death of MARIKA NAUDI, née Hili, a Mass for the repose of her soul will be said 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.

Appreciation - Anthony Sciberras

Vince Tanti, San Gwann Youth, Football Nursery, writes:

The news came to us a couple of hours after attending an official youth game, and although we knew that his health had taken a turn for the worse, we were still shocked into realisation about the loss of our beloved chairman Anthony Sciberras.

Anthony had ably guided our Youth Nursery through thick and thin, for the past seven years. He brought with him a unique blend of wisdom, love and discipline that has left its mark on all of us. Tony was an inspirational leader, who had a rare gift of being able to correct a person without putting him of her down. He always encouraged us to be mature not only in our operations at the club, but more importantly in our work and private lives. He had a strong character and excellent qualities, and was a good family man who cherished and encouraged the practice of good moral values into his work.

And this ideology is reflected in his family, as anyone who knows his four much-loved sons Cedric, Dunstan, Gareth and Bernard can vouch for. You boys inspire us with your pleasant characters and personalities, and urge you to cherish the source of this upbringing at all time, as they are indeed hard to find values these days.

With a twist of faith that can only be seen as a heavenly sign for us all, Tony has followed his beloved wife Carmen barely 21 days after her own personal journey to heaven. In her typical manner, Carmen went to meet the Lord a few weeks earlier to pave the way for her husband's own journey.

Offering our condolences to the family left behind goes without saying, however as painful as the human departure may feel, let us as Christians be comforted in the knowledge and belief that Anthony and Carmen's departure from this world is merely the closing of an earthly chapter and the opening of a new life in the company of saints and angels.

In Memoriam

CARUANA - MARY, née Peplow.
We miss you, mum
We always will,
Our treasured memories of you
Will never be stilled.
With the love you taught us
To feel in our heart
We will never be apart.
Today being the 16th year when God called you home. Lovingly remembered by her children Josephine, Elizabeth, Joe, Carmen, Antoinette, Rita, Marie, Pauline and their families. Rest in peace, dearest mother.

CATANIA - PAUL. On the fourth anniversary of his demise. Always remembered by all his family.

CORDINA - JOSEPH. On the 26th anniversary of his demise. Deeply mourned by his son Anthony, daughter Maria, relatives and friends. A prayer is solicited.

de MARCO - EMANUELE. In loving memory of my father on the 41st anniversary of his death. Now as ever so close to my heart. Guido.

MAHONEY - MARY. Mother dear, 18 years ago we hugged and said our last goodbyes. It was the end for us but yours was only the beginning of a much deserved rest in the arms of the Lord. Love you still. Lina, Josephine, Anthony, John, Patricia, Guy, in-laws and grandchildren.

MALLIA. In loving memory of FRANCE on the third anniversary of his demise. Missed by his wife Connie, his children Roderick, Wilfred, Jennifer and David, spouses and grandchildren.

MONTANARO. In loving memory of our dear GERALD who went to meet the Risen Lord on March 29, 2000. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his mother Frances and all the family. Lord grant him eternal rest.

MONTANARO. In loving memory of GERALD on the 7th anniversary of his demise. Rosette, Malcolm and Anthony.

NAUDI. In loving memory of MARIKA, née Hili, a loving wife and an adorable mother, today being the 20th anniversary of her death. Sadly missed and never forgotten by her husband Hector, son Karl and Nadine.

NAUDI. In loving memory of our daughter MARIKA, née Hili, on the 20th anniversary of her death. Her parents Rose and Joe.

NAUDI. In loving memory of our dear sister MARIKA, née Hili, on the 20th anniversary of her death. Beppe, Edith, Marin, Erica, Paul, Angela, Lilla, Gino, Melo, Fiona and their children.

REFALO - Judge GIOVANNI ONORATO REFALO. On the 19th anniversary of his death. Always remembered in our prayers. His family. May God grant him eternal rest.

XERRI - GIOVANNA. Remembering with love and gratitude a dearest mum who passed away three years ago. Missing you, dad, and our twin brothers. Your sons, daughters and their families.

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, in 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

Musico-Literary evening
The G.M. Fra Antoine de Paule Philharmonic Society of Paola will hold its annual musico-literary evening for Holy Week at the hall of the society in Paola Square on April 3 at 7.30 p.m. The Kristu Re Band will participate in the concert. The band, directed by David Sammut, will render works by Miklos Rozsa, Giulio Caccini, Albinioni, Francesco Tarrega, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Ben Moody, Sir Edward Elgar, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Mro Sammut. Soprano Marvic Monreal will also be taking part accompanied by Arlene Galea on the piano and Mro Sammut on the mandolin and violin. Author and poet Alfred Massa will read one of his own poems and other works. A spokesman for the society said the evening will provide an atmosphere for reflection on the Passion of Jesus Christ and on the sufferings of many human beings in modern times. Entrance is free.

Easter Weekend at Bay Street
Easter weekend activities at Bay Street will kick off on April 7 with the Dar Tal-Providenza Easter Bonnet Parade at 4.30 p.m., followed by a performance of the group She 2's. The Easter Baby Bunny competition will then start at 5.30 p.m., when parents may bring their babies to the complex dressed up as bunnies. Here they will have their photos taken and posted on Bay Street's website at www.baystreet.com.mt. Voting may be carried out after April 9 by e-mail to info@baystreet.com.mt. It will also be carried on One TV's breakfast show where viewers will be able to SMS their votes. Saturday's activities will come to a close with a performance by the Word of Life Christian Band. Easter Sunday activities at Bay Street will start at 3.30 p.m. with a figolla competition for the public. The most creative in design and decoration will win. There will also be performances by singer Victorio Gauci and the Drop Out Band and magicians Brian Role and Charles Tahir.

Sacred Art exhibition
The cultural commission of the Nicolò Isouard Philharmonic Society, in Mosta, mounted a sacred art exhibition at the society's premises. Doors are open between 5.30 and 9 p.m. until April 6. A number of original designs by the late Gozitan artist Wistin Camilleri are on display. A miniature set of Good Friday statues and a church model and a Last Supper display according to Jewish rites are also on show. The exhibition will be open on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Holy Week display
The Attard Scout Group will be mounting an exhibition related to Holy Week at the former chapel in the Attard parish centre between tomorrow and April 6. Two sets of miniature holy statuettes will be on show together with an artistic display of quotes taken from the Gospel related to episodes from the Passion of Christ. The exhibition will be open daily from 6.30 to 9 p.m. and on Palm Sunday and Good Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Sacred music
On the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the St Peter in Chains Band Club, in Birzebbuga, will tomorrow hold a programme of sacred music, under the direction of Vincent Bonnici, in front of the band club opposite St Peter's parish church, Birzebbuga. A Holy Week exhibition organised by the youth section will then be inaugurated in the club's main hall by the president of the society, Joe Zahra. It will remain open until Good Friday.

Zabbar streets to be closed
The police said a number of streets in Zabbar will be closed to traffic and parking will be banned from 1 p.m. onwards tomorrow for the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows in the locality. The roads in question are St Joseph Street, the part of the square adjacent to Salvu Astarita and Il-Marlocc streets, Il-Marlocc, Bajjada, Xghajra, Wied il-Ghajn and Santwarju streets, and Is-Sliem and San Gakbu squares.

Statues on display
Statues by Anthony Magri depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ will be exhibited at Barbagan Street in San Gwann between Saturday and April 6. The display will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 8.30 p.m., on Maundy Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. and on Good Friday between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and from 5.30 to 8 p.m.

Easter bazaar
An Easter bazaar in aid of the new Sta Venera parish church will be held at the Miriam Hall, St Joseph High Road, Sta Venera between Saturday and April 8. The bazaar will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until noon and from 4 to 8 p.m., and on weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m.

Curia closed for Holy Week
The offices of the Archbishop's Curia in Floriana and those of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal in Valletta will be closed for a whole week from April 5 and will open again on April 13.