Social and Personal

ABDILLA. On May 4, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Jessica née Gatt and Roberto, God's precious gift of a daughter - REBECCA. Thanks be to God. Special thanks to midwife Alexia Sciberras and to all the maternity staff.

ALBANOZZO. On May 1, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Carla née Azzopardi Bencini and Andrew, God's precious gift of a daughter - BIANCA. Thanks to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

BARTOLO CHIRCOP. On May 3, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Joanne née Chircop and Anthony, God's precious gift of a first-born son - MYCHAEL. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Carmen Scerri and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

BEZZINA. On May 2, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Nicolette née Serracino Inglott and Christopher, God's precious gift of a son - SIMEON FRANCISCO, a most welcome brother to Paolo and Benjamin. Thanks to the dedicated maternity.

BORG. On May 2, at St Philip's Hospital, to Romina née Baldacchino and Michael, God's precious gift of a first-born son - MATIAS. Thanks to the Lord. Special thanks for our families' support, the staff and doctors at the hospital.

ETEER. On May 4, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Rehab née Buramad and Khairi Ali, God's precious gift of a son - AYUB, a most welcome brother to Rama and Adam. Thanks to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

GANADO. On April 25, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Lisa née Psaila Soler and Francois, God's precious gift of a first-born son - SEAN. Thanks to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

NAUDI. On April 29, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Noella née Camilleri and Donald, God's most precious gift of a first-born son - ALEC. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to midwife Carmen Pace and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

Engagements

Mr MICHAEL ZARB, M.Sc., ADMIS (LSE), BA (Hons), Bus. Econ., and Miss REBECCA GAUCI-MAISTRE, B.Sc. (Hons) Computing MIMIS
The engagement between MICHAEL, son of Mr and Mrs John Zarb of San Pawl tat-Targa, and REBECCA, daughter of Chev. and Mrs John A. Gauci-Maistre of Sliema, took place on May 11. The ring was blessed by Fr Alfred Sacco, SDB.

Sapphire Wedding

Mr CECIL MAGRI and Miss SUZANNE BORG
We thank the Lord for the many graces bestowed upon us, especially our dearest children Kevin and his wife Suzanne, Kail and his wife Jackie, and Richard and his wife Jackie, and our wonderful, precious grandchildren Matthew, Rebecca and Sarah and Julia and Andrew.

Golden Wedding

Mr JOHN E. GRECH and Miss ELFRIDA BUSUTTIL
The marriage took place on May 19, 1957, at Christ the King parish church, Paola. Congratulations and best wishes, dear parents. With gratitude from your children and in-laws Marika and Frank, Noel and Marthese, Josiah and Lilian, Bernard and Anne Marie and your beloved grandchildren Alison, Bernice, Ryan, Ian, Juanita, Andrè, Stefan, Philip, Neil and Maria.

Obituary

BONNICI. On May 12, her 16th wedding anniversary, Joanna née Pace passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer which she fought with great courage, surrounded by her loved ones and comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her devoted husband George, her beloved children Zoe, Zack and Sacha, her loving mother and father Clare and David, her sister Sue and her husband Alex, her brother Michael, her nephews Adam, Ben and Seb and her nieces Anthea and Ally, her uncles and aunts, her sister in-law Mariella and her husand Joe, and her dear friends Anna, Nicky, Jacky and Michelle. A special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the Gynae Ward of St Luke's Hospital for their dedication and constant care and to the Hospice Movement for their invaluable support. May she rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

CORDINA. On May 12, at St Luke's Hospital, TESSIE, aged 67, went to meet the Risen Lord. She leaves to mourn her loss her beloved husband Victor, her children Isabelle and her fiancé Kevin, Marvic, Eric, Claude and his wife Joanne, Lara and her husband Reuben, her precious grandsons Kurt and Luke, her brothers Alfred and Paul in Malta, Vince, Tanio and Rita, widow of her brother Charles, residing in Australia, in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 1.45 p.m. for Attard parish church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be greatly appreciated.

SAMMUT. On May 8, at St Luke's Hospital, EMANUEL (panel beater), of St Julian's, residing at Gzira, aged 61, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Maria Assunta, née Sammut, his only son Joseph and his wife Julie, his only granddaughter Leanne, his brothers and sisters, other relatives and friends. Lord, grant him eternal rest. Special thanks to all the staff of Ward 4, St Luke's Hospital for their care and dedication.

SCHEMBRI. On May 11, at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, Sr MARIA PLACIDA, osb, aged 85, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss the monastic family of St Peter's Monastery, Mdina, her sisters Carmelina De Angelis of USA, Sr Maria Giovanna, osb, Mary Bond of UK and Sr Ines, Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart, her nephews, nieces and in-laws, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves Sir Paul Boffa Hospital tomorrow at 2.45 p.m. for St Peter's Monastery chapel where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 3.15 p.m., followed by interment at St Margherita Cemetery, Rabat.
Rev. Mother Abbess Sister Maria Adeodata Testaferrata de Noto and community would like to thank the doctor and staff of Ward 4, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, for their support, kindness and dedication. We assure you all of our prayers.

THEUMA. On May 11, at St Luke's Hospital, ANGELO of Sliema, widower of Josephine, née Falzon, aged 85, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Carmen, widow of Edgar, Erol, widower of his daughter Doreen, Rose Marie, Joe, Marcelle, Victoria, Mario, Anne, Elvic and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brother Carmelo, in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 9 a.m. for Stella Maris parish church, Sliema, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9.30 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be appreciated. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

ZARB COUSIN. On May 12, at St Luke's Hospital, EDWARD, went to meet the Risen Lord, comforted by the rites of Holy Church, at the age of 71. He leaves to mourn his loss his dearly loved family of Mixja Neokatekumenali, Balluta, his wife Joy, his daughter Deborah, his sons Clayton and Daryl and their spouses, his daughter-in-law Rose, his grandson Neil and his wife Nicolette, and his other grandchildren abroad, his brothers Albert and Yvonne, Emanuel and Patricia, Victor and Joyce, Andre and Jeanette, Joe and Rosario, and his sister Helen, nephews and nieces in Malta and abroad.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 1.30 p.m. for the Carmelite parish church, Balluta, St Julian's, where Mass praesente cadavere will be celebrated at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to the Poor Clares Monastery, St Julian's, will be appreciated. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

Appreciation - Sr Cecilia Aquilina

Ms Sharon Vella writes:

Sr Cecilia was both my teacher and my aunt. As my aunt, I referred to her as Auntie Tess, her real name being Theresa.

The memories I have of her are beautiful. Her giggle keeps echoing in my ears. She was happy with the simplest of things. A kind word or a caring thought was enough to bring a radiant smile to her face.

At school, all Sr Cecilia cared about were 'her girls'. Every week she made sure that on the blackboard there was a new saying to help us in our journey through life. At times she may have appeared old-fashioned and strict, but all that mattered to her, apart from our English, was to see us grow and mature in the footsteps of the Lord.

Sr Cecilia was always worried that one of us would go astray. However, even if we did, she always had a reassuring word.

Auntie Tess was the best aunt one could have. Hearing our voices made her the happiest person on earth. Auntie Tess would take time to listen to us no matter how busy she was and what time it was. She always did her best to put herself in our shoes to be able to give us the right advice. Nevertheless, most importantly, she prayed for us sincere prayers, as all she wanted was for us to be happy.

I admired her terribly. Sr Cecilia was talented in all she did. Apart from being very intelligent and an excellent teacher, she was sports mistress (before my time!) and was also good in crafts. My wedding present from Auntie Tess was a beautiful Madonna and Child painting. Sr Cecilia kept her hobbies till the end, telling us all, with great satisfaction, how busy she always was.

Jesus was constantly the centre of her life and when the time came He called our guardian angel from earth to help Him in His duties from above. This is why I know that Sr Cecilia will continue to be our guardian angel from Heaven, by Jesus' side.

Appreciation - Austin Scerri

Mr Charles Spiteri, of Ghajnsielem, writes:

Austin Scerri, 76, a former teacher at the Agius de Soldanis School in Victoria, Gozo, left his family and friends for the eternal promised land on April 13.

Mass praesente cadavere was held at the Victoria Cathedral. The deceased's nephew, Fr Alan Scerri, OSA, rector and headmaster of St Augustine College, Pietà, officiated Mass, with the assistance of more than 20 priests. Mgr George Tabone, who delivered the homily, spoke of the encounter of Christians with Christ, and how difficult it is for family and friends to accept this departure.

Austin was a very humble man who never expected anything from others. He did his very best to make others happy, and was totally devoted to his family. His dedication and diligence never ceased at his workplace, an opinion shared by his former pupils. His discipline, understanding and cordiality drew the admiration of all his colleagues and students.

The Chorus Urbanus Choir took part in the Mass under the direction of John Galea. The funeral cortege then proceeded to the Santa Marija cemetery in Xewkija.

Condolences were conveyed to his wife, Kitty, and children, Lina, Anton, Robert and Architect Edward and their spouses, as well as his close relatives and friends. Lord, grant him eternal peace.

Requiem Masses

Tuesday, May 15 being the trigesima die of the death of TESSA FARRUGIA, a Mass for the repose of her soul will be celebrated at 6.30 p.m. at St Mary's parish church, Attard.

In Memoriam

AZZOPARDI PREZIOSI. Cherished and unfading memories of our devoted and loving parents ARTHUR and LILY, especially today Dad's 29th and Mum's 19th anniversary. Your daughters Rita, Antoinette, Monica, Patricia and their families.

BONNICI. In memory of LEO, on the 10th anniversary of his demise. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Maria, his son Leo and his wife Jacqueline, his grand-daughters Rebecca and Madeleine.

BORG. Cherished memories of my dearest father CONSTANTINE, last Wednesday the 27th anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Helen and all her family.

BRIFFA. In loving memory of ALICE, today being the 36th anniversary of her death. Fondly remembered by her daughter Cottina and her grandchildren Angela and Adrian. A prayer is kindly solicited.

DEBONO. In loving memory of our dearest JOSEPHINE, a beloved sister and aunt, who went to meet the Risen Lord a year ago today. Forever in our hearts and prayers.

FENECH. Treasured and unfading memories of MARY, a kind mother and grandmother, today her 11th anniversary. Always in the thoughts and prayers of her children, in-laws, grandchildren and her sisters.

MERCIECA. Loving and unfading memories of DOMINIC (Duminku), next Wednesday being the second anniversary of his demise. Always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Deeply missed by his wife Christina, sons, daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Masses said on May 16 at the Risen Christ parish church, Pembroke, will be offered for the repose of his soul. Relatives and friends are invited.

NAUDI - VIDA. Cherished memories of a caring and loving mother and grandmother on the 14th anniversary of her passing away. Forever in our thoughts and prayers. Olivia, Ilona, Vincent, Greta, David and Francesca.

NAUDI - VIDA. Remembering our dearest sister. Always in our thoughts and prayers, especially on the 14th anniversary of her passing away. Mona, Suni, Jojo, nephews and nieces.

PEPLOW. Cherished and unfading memories of JOYCE, a devoted wife, mother and nanna, especially today being the 11th anniversary of her passing away.
We never knew that morning
What sorrow that day would bring
When your golden heart stopped beating
And we couldn't do a thing.
We never said goodbye to you
Perhaps it's just as well
For we could never have said goodbye
To the one we loved so well.
Always in our hearts and prayers. Edgar, William, Alice and family.

PEPLOW - JOYCE. On the 11th anniversary of her passing away to eternal life. Lovingly remembered by her sister Louise and family.

SACCO - REMIG, 1922-2004. Cherished memories on his 85th birthday, today. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Theresa, née Parascandalo, his sons and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

SERGE. In loving memory of LORIS, today the seventh anniversary of his death. Always in my thoughts and prayers. His son Simon.

ZAMMIT ENDRICH. Cherished memories of our beloved CHARLES, on the 20th anniversary of his demise. His wife, children, spouses, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Personal

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, loved, adored and glorified forever. Amen.

Miss Doris Cassar and family of Sliema would like to thank Fr Provincial Paul Galea, OFM, the Franciscan OFM brothers, the parish priest of Sacro Cuor parish, Sliema, and all the concelebrants who on April 3 participated in the funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of Fr NERIK CASSAR, OFM, a dear brother and uncle. Special thanks go also to the director, the Sisters and staff at Dar tal-Kleru, Birkirkara, for their dedication and care. We greatly appreciate the presence of all who attended the Mass.

Zammit Gardens

Flowers for all occasions. www.zammitgardens.com. Phone 2122-5744/9982-2369.

Lost

Lady's golden wrist watch of great sentimental value. Anyone finding it is kindly asked to return it to owner by phoning Mrs Grech on 7988 0119.

Pharmacies Open Today

9 a.m. - noon
Chemimart Ltd, 14, St Anne Street, Floriana;
Thomas' Pharmacy, 796, St Joseph High Road, Hamrun;
Fatima Pharmacy, Triq iz-Zonqor, St Venera;
Marrit Pharmacy, May 1st Street, Birkirkara;
Regal Pharmacy, 39B, Antonio Bosio Street, Msida;
Penny Lane Pharmacy, Triq is-Sejjieh, Swieqi;
Norman's Pharmacy, 82, Tower Road, Sliema;
Balzan Pharmacy, 70, St Francis Street, Balzan;
Brown's Chemists, St Paul Street, Naxxar;
Village Pharmacy, 116, Main Street, Mellieha;
Agius Pharmacy, 64/65, Antoine De Paule Square, Paola;
Alpha Pharmacy, 'Maria Immaculata', Cospicua Road c/w Cottoner Avenue, Fgura;
May Day Pharmacy, Victory Street, Zabbar;
Martin's Pharmacy, 186, Birzebbuga Street, Birzebbuga;
Chrysanthemum Pharmacy, St Nicholas Street, Qrendi;
St Nicholas Pharmacy, 1, Parish Street, Siggiewi;
Nova Pharmacy, 142, College Street, Rabat;
Azzopardi Pharmacy, Capuchins Street, Victoria, Gozo;
Tony's Pharmacy, Triq il Qbajjar, Zebbug (Gozo).