No outdoor festivities in Birkirkara

The feast of St Helen in Birkirkara has been narrowed down to four days and no outdoor celebrations will be held in solidarity and compassion with the families of the five fireworks factory explosion victims of June 27.

The parish office said the decision was taken by the Elenian Chapter, together with all organisation involved in the feast, namely the Ghaqda Nar Sant'Elena, Ghaqda Muzikali Santa Elena, Duke of Connaught's Own Band, the Feast Committee, including the Ghaqda ta' l-Armar, the Birkirkara local council, the Dun Filippu Borga Society, the Parish Pastoral Council and the parish community.

Condolences to the victims' families were sent by the St Helen Maltese Australian Social Club in Melbourne. The club will be holding a Mass and a night vigil for the repose of the victims' souls at St Paul's church in Sunshine, Melbourne, on Thursday from 7 p.m.