Archbishop Paul Cremona received a heartfelt welcome from the students and staff of St Monica School in Birkirkara when he visited the school earlier this month.

Mgr Cremona was welcomed by Sr Miriam Grech, Provincial of the Augustinian Sisters, Antoinette Pace, head of school, the school administration and members of the Birkirkara local council.

He then went on to meet the primary school students, their teachers and Learning Support Assistants, and later on, the secondary school students and staff.

Each sector prepared a programme of poetry, reading, spiritual songs and mimes with the theme "Be My Witness", which the school's Pastoral Care Team had taken up as theme of the year. A group of secondary students asked the Archbishop a number of questions which he answered with his usual conviction, smile and touch of humour. An Ave Maria composed by Sr Vania Bonello for the occasion was sung by the school choir.

In preparation for the Archbishop's visit, the students organised a Dress Down Day to collect funds for the victims of the Naxxar fireworks tragedy. They collected €2,700 which were presented to Naxxar parish priest Fr Evan Caruana, who was also invited to the event.

Mgr Cremona also met the school staff and PTA members with whom he discussed educational topics.

The Archbishop's visit will surely go down in the annals of the school as an unforgettable experience for both the students and the staff.