Announcements

DAVIES. On March 13, RAYMOND JOHN, aged 64, of Floriana, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Lucia, his children Franco and his fiancée Maria Luisa, and John Ray Jr, his father John Ray Sr, his brothers and sisters, in-laws, his nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends, especially Hugh and Sheila Treloar.
The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow at 8.30 a.m. for St Publish parish church, Floriana, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9 a.m. followed by interment at Luqa Cemetery.

GALEA. On March 11, EMILY, née Critien, aged 94, widow of Edgar, comforted by the rites of Holy Church, passed away peacefully at Mater Dei Hospital. She leaves to mourn her loss her sons Anthony and his wife Louise, Oliver and his wife Anna, Joseph and his wife Emily, and Saviour and his wife Tanya, her grandchildren Greta, Gayle, Neil, Charmaine and her husband Alberto, Karl, Karen and her husband Sean, Katya and her husband Kevin, Christina, Julian, Cristian, Luisa and Jean Marc, her great-grandchildren, her sister Bianca and her husband Louis Rizzo, her many relatives and friends and staff at Casa Antonia, Balzan.
The funeral was held yesterday at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery chapel, where Mass praesente cadavere was conducted by Fr Raphael, followed by interment in the family grave.
Lord, grant her eternal rest.

In Memoriam

BUGEJA VIANI. Treasured and loving memories of our dearest LILIANINA on her eighth anniversary. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Alfred, Bertha and Joe, Kristian, Rachel and Lisa.

FALZON SANT MANDUCA - ALBERT. On the 27th anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered by his son-in-law John and grandchildren Philip, Julian and Mary Ann. Lord, grant him eternal peace.

GAUCI MAISTRE. In loving memory of MARIE ROSETTE, tomorrow being the second anniversary of her death. Fondly remembered by her brothers, sisters-in-law, nephew and nieces. Today's Masses at St Patrick's church, Sliema, and tomorrow's 10.30 a.m. Mass at St Gregory's parish church, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of her soul. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

GIUSTI. In loving memory of LOUISA, 19.9.1935-14.3.2001. On the seventh anniversary of her passing away. Unfading and treasured memories. Her husband Joseph, her children Victor, Godwin and his wife Anna, Charles and his wife Bridgette, her grandchildren Luke and Sarah, Matthew, Mark, Liza Marie, Michael and Andrea, her brothers and sister, relatives and friends. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

HOLLAND. Treasured memories of my mother ROSA, especially today the 35th anniversary of her demise. Connie and family.

PORTANIER - ARTHUR. On the 10th anniversary of his death. Always remembered by his sons, daughters and in-laws.

Sexual and spiritual integration

An American nun, who has worked within the Church for more than 35 years on behalf of the gay community, will be giving a public talk in Malta tomorrow.

Sr Jeannine Gramick will be tackling the subject On Becoming Whole: Sexual And Spiritual Integration, at St James Cavalier's Music Room, in Valletta, between 6.30 and 8.30 p.m.

Named a Laureate of the International Mother Teresa Awards for her role as a human rights activist in 2006, she also received the 2005 Peace Prize from the Santa Claus Foundation in Turkey for her work among sexual minorities.

Having worked with the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transsexual (LGBT) community and its struggle for acceptance, recognition, and equality, Sr Gramick is the founding mother of New Ways Ministry, an organisation providing positive ministry and support to gay and lesbian Catholics in the US.

The organisation is based in Maryland but works throughout the US. Sr Gramick is an internationally-renowned author about whom a documentary film has just been produced by Barbara Rick.

The film, In Good Conscience, depicts the efforts of this nun to reach out to LGBT Catholics who have felt alienated from their Church and her dealings with the Vatican about her calling to this ministry.

The talk is being organised by Drachma, Malta's Gay Catholic Group. The aim of the talk is to create a healthy public debate on LGBT and Christian issues. Everyone is invited to attend.

Cultural activities database

The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts is updating its database. All those involved cultural activities and who would like their name and information about their events included in this database should forward the relevant information to the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts at Casa Gaspe, 230 Republic Street, Valletta or drop an e-mail to marioschiavone@maltaculture.com.

Details should include the name of the person or organisation, the cultural field engaged in and contact details.

Parkinson's Disease Association

The Malta Parkinson's Disease Association will hold a meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Caritas Malta's head office in 5, Lion Street, Floriana. Affected persons and their carers are encouraged to attend.

Sculpture courses

The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce will be running two courses, one on stone sculpture and the other on clay sculpture.

The stone sculpture course, run by Charles Bonnici, has two levels: beginners and intermediate. The clay sculpture course is for beginners.

The cost of each course of 10 two-hour sessions is €20.96 (Lm9).

Application forms and further details can be obtained from the society at 219, Republic Street, Valletta from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tel. 2124 4339, 2124 4400, e-mail: info@artsmalta.org or visit www.artsmalta.org.

Easter sale

An Easter figolli and plant sale will be held at the Attard parish centre tomorrow and on Sunday. An exhibition of Good Friday miniature statues in the former chapel will also be held by the Attard Scout Group.