Announcements

BARBARA. On February 4, at Mater Dei Hospital, Fr STEPHEN BARBARA, OFM Cap., passed away peacefully, aged 89. He leaves to mourn his loss the Franciscan Capuchin Friars and his brothers Frank, Eddie and Charles, their respective wives, nephews and nieces. - R.I.P.
Mass praesente cadavere will be said today at 9.30 a.m. at the Capuchin church, Floriana, followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery.

BONETT. On February 4, LILIAN, née Falzon, aged 64, passed away peacefully at Pax et Bonum Home, Mosta, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband Edward, her sons Joseph and his wife Katrina, Noel and his wife Louise, her grandchildren Connor, Anais, Teighan, Olivia and Max, her brothers, sisters, among whom Sr Agnesina of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, in-laws, relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves Pax et Bonum Home today at 8 a.m. for St Publius parish church, Floriana, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9 a.m., followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Donations to The Hospice Movement, Balzan, will be greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff at Boffa Hospital, the Franciscan Sisters and all the staff at Pax et Bonum Home for their tender care.

BORG. On February 3, ĠUŻA, née Sciberras, of Valletta and residing at Żebbuġ, passed away at the age of 88 at Mater Dei Hospital comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband Louis (Wiġi), her sons Charlie and his wife Carmen, Joe and his wife Rose, Lina and her husband Charlie, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her brother Carmelo, her sisters Carmela and Emanuela, relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
Mass praesente cadavere will be said tomorrow, Wednesday, at 9.30 a.m. at St Augustine's parish church, Valletta, followed by internment at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Żebbuġ. No flowers by request, but donations to charitable institutions will be appreciated.

BUSUTTIL. On February 2, at Mater Dei Hospital, CARMELO (Honorary President, St Paul's Band Club, Safi and ex-councillor, Safi local council), aged 73, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Pauline, his children Sue and her husband Charles, Evelyn and her husband Donald, Sandro and his wife Fiona, Anne Marie and her husband Jeffrey, his grandchildren Marc'Andrea, Rebecca, Julia, Gabriel, Jeremy, Rachel and Patrick, his brothers, sisters and in-laws, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital for Safi today at 2.30 p.m. The St Paul's Band accompanies the funeral to Safi parish church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 3.30 p.m. Interment takes place at Safi cemetery.
Lord, grant him eternal rest.

BUTTIGIEG. On February 4, at his residence in San Ġwann, JOHNNY, aged 73, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Mary, his sons and daughters, David, Chris, Stephan, Joseph, Brian, Maris and Therese, their wives, husband and partners, grandchildren, in-laws, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital today at 1.30 p.m. for San Ġwann parish church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2 p.m., followed by interment in the family grave at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be greatly appreciated.
Lord, grant him eternal rest.

CASSAR. On February 4, JOSEPHINE, of St Paul's Bay, aged 60, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her brothers Charlie and his wife Maria, Salvinu and his wife Rita, Dominic and his wife Therese, Michael and his wife Catherine, Leli and his wife Jude, Tony and his wife Yvonne, her aunties Ġuża and Mary, her nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves Sir Paul Boffa Hospital tomorrow at 3.45 p.m. for Our Lady of Sorrows parish church, St Paul's Bay, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 4 p.m. followed by interment at St Paul's Bay Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi will be appreciated.
Lord grant her eternal rest.

FELICE - JOHN. Founder, Director and Director Emeritus of John Felice Rome Centre (formerly Loyola University - Chicago-Rome Centre), passed away on January 31, at his home in Glenview, Illinois. He was 84. For over 40 years John's passion for the Rome Centre, especially its students, was truly remarkable that now the centre bears his name. He leaves to mourn his loss his loving wife, Kate, née Klosterman, his only brother Ġużi and his wife Maria, his brother-in-law Benjamin Farrugia, widower of his sister Riccarda, his nephews and nieces, besides many relatives and friends and the Jesuit Community.
Funeral services will be held in Chicago on Thursday. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said on Saturday at 8.30 a.m. at Balzan parish church.

STAGNO D'ALCONTRES - On February 2, at her home in Messina, GIOVANNA, née Miceli, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her six children and their respective families, her sister-in-law Lilian Miceli-Farrugia and her family, her cousins Johanna Farrugia, Marisa O'Cock and Louis and Monica Farrugia, many other relatives and friends.
A memorial Mass for the repose of her soul will be said tomorrow at 6 p.m. at St John of the Cross parish church, Ta' Xbiex. On Sunday, March 2, the trigesima die, a Mass will be said at 11.30 a.m. at the same church.

In Memoriam

CALLEJA. In loving memory of Professor ANTHONY CALLEJA on the 13th anniversary of his meeting with the Lord. Very much missed by his wife Marlene, his children Mario and Natalie and their families. Today's 6.30 p.m. Mass at Ta' l-Ibraġ parish church will be offered for the repose of his soul.

CAMENZULI - MARIA. In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on the first anniversary of her meeting with her creator. Her son Alfred and his wife Marie Louise, née Zammit and family.

CARUANA - Dr CARMELO CARUANA, BA, LLD, MP (ex-Minister of Public Buildings and Works). In sweet, loving memory of a very dear father on the 16th anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His daughter Mary Fatima, son-in-law John, his sisters Frances and Josephine, nephews and nieces. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

DARMANIN. In loving memory of CLAIR, née Demajo, on the anniversary of her death. Her children Mariella and Philip and her brother Paul.

FENECH SOLER. In loving memory of GEORGE, today the 13th anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his daughters Connie and Josephine and his grandchildren.

MALLIA TABONE - Soprano HILDA MALLIA TABONE. Today the 30th anniversary of her demise. Ever in the memory of her husband Carmel, her sons Mario and John, their families, her sister Mary Galea, relatives and friends.

MAMO - ANNE LOGAN. Cherished memories of a dear mother on the fifth anniversary of her death. Forever in our thoughts. Andrew, Rachel, Julian and families.

MIZZI - ALFRED, 1967. A devoted father lovingly remembered. Lola, Bertie, Tony and Sophie.

Proposed Toys Directive

Anyone wishing to pass any comments on the European Commission's proposals to strengthen the European Toys Directive 88/378/EEC may contact the Consumer and Industrial Goods Directorate of the Malta Standards Authority (tel: 2124 2420 or e-mail: david.pulis@msa.org.mt or tristan.camilleri@msa.org.mt).

The new directive will incorporate the newest health and safety standards, improve the effectiveness and enforcement of the legal framework and strengthen the responsibilities of manufacturers and importers for the marketing of toys.

The text of the proposal can be found on http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/toys/2008_108_directive.htm and it will now be discussed in the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

Malta will be represented at the European Council by the Malta Standards Authority (MSA), representing the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications. The opinion of local stakeholders is being sought in order to consolidate Malta's position.

Bowling For Seniors

The Eden SuperBowl has created a scheme for senior citizen card holders, offering bowling games for €2 (Lm0.86) plus shoe hire.

Young-at-heart seniors can take advantage of this scheme from Mondays to Saturdays at any time of the day. Instruction and assistance are available. Booking in advance is recommended.

Those interested can call on 2371 0777 or visit www.edensuperbowl.com.

Extended Route For Bus 98

The route used by Bus No. 98 will be extended and will include a stop in Triq il-Kapuċċini, Floriana, as from tomorrow.

Free Aerobics Classes

The Department of Health Promotion in collaboration with the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and the Floriana local council are organising free aerobics classes for people aged over 20.

The programme will be spread over eight weeks and consists of two sessions a week, a total of 16 sessions. Each session lasts around an hour and a half.

Classes are split into two categories: Those aged between 20 and 45 and those aged between 46 and over.

The programme will be held at the Floriana local council's hall on Mondays and Thursdays, from 5.30 p.m., as from the following Monday.

Applications are available from the Department of Health Promotion, found on the fifth floor of The Empoium, Triq C. Brocktorff, Msida. One can also phone the department on 2326 6000 or 2326 6115.

It is important that applicants present a medical certificate, indicating medical conditions (if applicable) and a doctor's approval that the applicant can participate in these sessions.

The first 25 applications will be selected.

150th Anniversary Of Lourdes Apparition

Pope Benedict XVI will grant the faithful Plenary Indulgence on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes, the Curia said.

According to the Pope's decree, the Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful who receive the sacraments of Confession or Holy Communion and those who between February 2 and 11 visit places associated with the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes and take part in Marian prayer meetings or meditate and say prayers ending with the recital of Our Father, the Profession of Faith and the jubilee prayer or other Marian invocation.

Those unable to leave their homes may still obtain the Plenary Indulgence if they have an intention to visit those places and recite prayers as soon as they can.

St Paul Oratorio In Birkirkara

The oratorio Pawlu Ta' Malta will be presented at St Teresa church, Birkirkara, on Friday at 7 p.m.

Pawlu Ta' Malta is composed by Charles Camilleri with lyrics by Oliver Friggieri.

The first oratorio in Maltese, it was first performed in 1985 at St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta. It reconstructs the biblical event of St Paul in Malta in all its drama and mysteriousness, while seeking to render it relevant to contemporary life.

The orchestra and choir of the Collegium Musicum will be under the direction of Dion Buhagiar and Mario Bisazza will be leading the orchestra. The soloists are soprano Claire Caruana, tenor Frans Mangion and baritone Alfred Camilleri. The narrator is Philip Farrugia Randon.

Bank of Valletta has sponsored the oratorio. Karl Spiteri, corporate branding and quality manager, presented the sponsorship cheque to Mro Buhagiar during a rehearsal.

Heritage Trail On Early Christianity

Heritage Malta will be holding a Heritage Trail on Early Christianity which will take participants to paleochristian catacombs and other sites associated with that period.

The trail will include San Pawl Milqi in Burmarrad, Bistra Catacombs in Mosta and the Jewish section of St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat.

The tour will take place on February 17. Transport departs from in front of the Phoenicia Hotel at 9 a.m. returning at about 1 p.m.

As the number of places is limited, one should book a ticket, which costs €15 (Lm6.44). Only persons aged 12 years and over are allowed. Heritage Malta members pay €10 (Lm4.29).

Tickets can be obtained from Judy Camilleri at Heritage Malta's head office in Merchants Street, Valletta.

For further information contact Mario Casha on 2295 4307.

Dance Artists Sought

The Batista Leisure Group is looking for dance artists to join the cast of their forthcoming Showbiz High. Boys and girls aged between 14 and 17 are asked to e-mail their details and photo to batista.leisure.group@gmail.com or post it to Batista Leisure Group, Showbiz High Casting, Lourdes Court, Flat D, Xemxija Hill, St Paul's Bay. Training for the show will be given.

Park And Ride: Extra Service

An additional free minibus service will be provided on a half-hourly basis from the Park and Ride site in Hornworks and Crownworks Ditch, Blata l-Bajda as from tomorrow.

On weekdays, the service will run between 9.30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

On Route A, mini vans displaying a blue sign will operate from the Park and Ride site through Old Bakery Street, Republic Street and St Elmo.

On Route B, mini vans displaying a red sign will operate from the Park and Ride site through St Paul Street, St Christopher Street and Victoria Gate.

Passenger stops along these routes will be on-demand. Passengers will be requested to indicate where they wish to alight while those wishing to board the minibus should hail the driver to stop.

Kiss Me Slow

The Bay Street Complex will be celebrating Valentine's Day in grand style with the popular Longest Kiss Competition.

The annual marathon will this year take place on February 9.

The rules for this marathon are based on the international statute that regulates the World Record for the Longest Kiss. This means that the kiss must be continuous and the lips must be touching at all times; if lips part the couple are immediately disqualified; contestants must be over the age of consent; the couple must be awake at all times; they must stand during the attempt and cannot be propped together by any aids; no rest breaks are allowed.

Last year the record set by Louis Agius and Samantha Lautier Agius stood at 21.5 hours and was listed in Malta's Book of Records. This was the third consecutive participation in which they went on to break their own previous record which stood at 9.5 hours.

All those over 18 and wanting to participate in Bay Street's Longest Kiss Competition are to call on 2372 2430/2372 2335 and ask for Martin Sapiano who will provide further details.

Parking Restriction In Valletta

No parking will be permitted in Misraħ San Ġorġ, Valletta, tomorrow and on Thursday between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. due to maintenance works.

Table Top Sale

A table top sale will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church's hall on March 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To hire a table at €11.50 (Lm4.94), one may phone 2131 1306.

Nadur Expresses Thanks

The Nadur local council has thanked all those who participated in the locality's carnival, making it a success.

Thanks to them, a record number of Maltese and tourists crossed over to the island for the celebrations, it said.

The council also expressed its appreciation of the support of the Nadur residents and thanked the police, local wardens, Red Cross volunteers and Gozo Channel staff.