Marsascala parish priest threatens to cancel feast due to tourist-oriented event

Fran Abela

Jul 26th 2008, 15:20

The business community should have respect for the village feast and just for the one week not do any activities, is this too much to ask? Perhaps the Mayor and councillors should focus on what is wrong with M'Scala inmstead of trying to accomodate the businessman who only reap cash in their pockets from these events. I live in St Thomas bay area and here we don't even exist for the council and the outside festa organisers, not even one lousy light to remind us we have a festa. Everything is always in the centre of M'scala, the other areas of Zonqor, St Thomas, Siberia do not exist. Fr Martin, even though we do not get festa lights we still support your decision. May god bless you in your new venture as Director of Dar tal Provvidenza.

Steve Borg

Jul 25th 2008, 18:23

@A. Brincat

Please note that places names as suggested by traffic signs are not peer reviewed. One should refer to academic studies such as those by Professor Guze Aquilina, who provides a correct list of placenames in his Maltese-English dictionary and those by Professor Godfrey Wettinger. Figure this out Ir-Ramla ta' Birzebbugia is now Il-Bajja s-Sabiha, a literal translation from English - Pretty Bay. Pity about the cranes and heavy industry though. And there is a whole confusion on Ta' l-Ibragg, Ibrag, Ibragg etc...

Well, never mind. Have a happy feast as well.

A Brincat

Jul 25th 2008, 17:20

@Steve You mentioned "My family have resided in Marsascala since, at least, 1902 at a time when the population hovered around 70 people". You are talking about one hundred and six years ago. Things have changed, my dear friend, and the 70 people (residents) that you have mentioned have shot up to a figure which in summer shoots up again from 4,000 to 5,000 non-residents. I would say everyone is welcome at all times and let us all pull one rope so that we will continue to see Marsascala attracting more tourists and Maltese alike, so that the business will keep going ahead. But we have to do our part as citizens - to help keep our beloved village (town) clean and tidy and vandalism should be forgotten. I am sure that you are a gentleman and I am pleased that Marsascala is part of yourself, just like mine. At least this is common to us and should be proud that we have good resources. All citizens should see that our Marsascala be the envy of other towns and villages. Wish you a very superb festa and maybe we will meet each other for a drink here in Marsascala. Regards

A Brincat

Jul 25th 2008, 17:06

@ Steve.
Dear Mr Borg. In the first instance you have mentioned party politics, which have nothing to do with the FEAST of SAINT ANNE. Hope that you understand my point. Yes, let us leave aside politics now and especially at this hour and enjoy our village Feast which only comes but once a year. I never mentioned the Marsascala Shop Association and the Shop Owners. What I have written is that I do not see why activities other than the ones held by the Parish Church (we have a week's full programme) and other activities can be held during the rest of the year. "Marsascala" is written like this with a "C" when writing in English, while the Maltese word is "Marsaskala" (notice the "K"). We have a local Council which is named MARSASCALA LOCAL COUNCIL and not WIED IL-GHAJN LOCAL COUNCIL. In that case I suggest that you will contact the Local Council to check the name. You may also notice Marsascala traffic signs in many parts of Wied il-Ghajn. Referring to postal addresses, Wied il-Ghajn is not recognised by the Maltapost, but Marsascala or Marsaskala. I don't know if you are at Wied il-Ghajn resident or else.

Steve Borg

Jul 25th 2008, 14:36

@A. Brincat.

Maybe you weren't born and bred in Marsascala, like myself. Residents who grew up in this village always refer to it as Wied il-Ghajn and never Marsascala. The latter was generally used by foreigners, who couldn't grasp the former and Maltese who spent their summer months here. Imagine that I decide to go to Valletta and start calling them Vallettjani, and not Beltin, simply because I decide so. How ludicrous can we get?

What do you mean by stating that we should leave politics to the politicians? Wrong again, politics is the practice of responding to conflict with dialogue. If you meant party politics, then please illuminate me with the projects that these governments have do to alleviate Marsascala. At least the Labour government brought the drainage system, constructed the 2km promenade from Zonqor to Il-Ponta tal-Gzira, facilitated the opening of the Jerma Palace Hotel in 1982 and the National Swimming Pool at Zonqor a few months later. Today the Jerma Palace is closed, the National Pool is in a sad state and the powerwashing through secondary water of our promenades withdrawn by the Goverment. These are some reasons why the business community is angry. Meanwhile, Happy Feast.

A Brincat

Jul 25th 2008, 13:15

@Steve Borg. While I enjoyed reading Mr Borg's comments regarding: "Marsascala parish priest threatens to cancel feast due to tourist-oriented even", I wish to comment on his last paragraph which is quoted here in inverted commas ".... " "I can however, understand the pented frustations coming from the business community, since Marsascala has been totally blotted out from the tourist map by repetitive nationalist governments. Finally, where did one get the absurd non-existent Skalin word from?"
Mr Borg is totally incorrect to point out his finger when he insinuated that the "repetitive nationalist government...etc". May I bring to Mr Borg's attention that other governments (long time ago, since they have never been elected for many years), never bothered to care about the south in particular to our lovely MARSASCALA. Again, let us leave politics to the politicians. As regards the word ""SKALIN", I would suggest to LOOK BEFORE HE LEAPS. Maybe, my friend Steve, who is my neighbour, (since he lives in Marsascala), would find someone to persuade him that the word "SKALIN" does really exist. Wish Mr Borg too a very Happy and Blessed Feast. AU REVOIR FR MARTIN AND THANKS FOR ALL YOUR DEDICATIONS TO THE PARISHIONERS!

H Farrugia

Jul 25th 2008, 08:58

Pagans and spooks calling other people pagans! How low can one go. Keep up the good work you're doing Fr Martin. And congratulations on your new difficult appointment. God bless you.

Steve Borg

Jul 24th 2008, 22:09

My family have resided in Marsascala since, at least, 1902 at a time when the population hovered around 70 people. Many people in Malta, especially those who visit us for a few hours to stroll alongst the promenade, or patronise the catering outlets, presume, albeit mistakenly that this village - or should I say town - has no deep rooted history or tradition. A blogger, out of crass ignorance, had the audacity to call our parish priest Fr Martin Micallef a troglodyte. I have known Fr Martin for a number of years and find that he is a pleasant, humble and honest priest, who is doing his utmost to serve a largely migrant population, that hasn't rooted enough in our community. The St Anna feast, is the signifying moment that galvanises the true residents, faithful to its traditions, who live within or outside its confines. It is quite common for us, the Wied il-Ghajnin, to remark that "we have lost our village". I can however, understand the pented frustations coming from the business community, since Marsascala has been totally blotted out from the tourist map by repetitive nationalist governments. Finally, where did one get the absurd non-existent Skalin word from?

martin saliba

Jul 24th 2008, 21:17

If the parish priests really believe in the saintity of these celebrations why don't they threaten to cancel festivities for next year if swearing, blasphamy and the sort are present in this years celebrations? Until a few years ago participants from the Sacro Cour parish used to throw toilet paper at the Stella Maris side , boxing matches using fireworks have been held between St. George and St Sabastian. What is it exactly that the church fears when these farces are allowed to take place and a comercial activity is not?

A Brincat

Jul 24th 2008, 19:39

Fra i due litiganti il terzo gode ("While Two Dispute, the Third Enjoys"). Let us all keep cool and calm and celebrate our village feast, especially we the community hailing from Marsascala. There are different ideas in lifeThe "music and dance activity" can be held at any time EXCEPT during the week of the village festa, provided that police permits are issued. I don't see any political issues in this regard. Politics are meant for politicians! Let us respect the Church Authorities in general and keep our heads straight on our shoulders. Wish ALL the SKALIN a very Happy Feast. Thank you Fr Martin for all your excellent works/services which you have carried out faithfully, during these last three years. Surely all the parishioners are going to miss you. Will continue to keep you always in our daily thoughts and prayers. God be with you wherever you may go. VIVA SANT'ANNA!

Franco Farrugia

Jul 24th 2008, 17:13

So, allow me to write a little bit more about this subject:

And of course, we have to see whether all that takes place WITHIN the church is sacred or whether we ourselves are guilty of PROFANITY. And yes, indeed, there is profanity taking place, in my opinion.

Consider all that clapping and semi-adoration of what is nothing but a statue!
Consider all the new glittering and new, expensive decorations and paraphernalia taking place, the new vestments, the new church ornaments which are worth a lot of money; all this in contrast with the poverty that people are going through, perhaps locally but hey, in Africa, Latin America and even in Europe!!!!
There is so much to say ... I need not go on.

BUT ... all that having been said ... come on, folks, let us encourage our young priests and parish priests, who are dedicating their lives to help their neighbours in difficulties. Many of them go out of their way to help people, and parish priests have such a tremendous responsibility. I think that sometimes we fail to see the good that these fellow Maltese do.

AAnderson

Jul 24th 2008, 17:02

Has any one of the commentators here below ever been to the Feast of St Anna in Marsaskala?

It seems that few have any idea of what it means to the locals or what its all about. There is a whole week of activities and they do have a meaning for most of the locals (probably for those who are not business owners there - but then again one cannot generalise because many of the business owners there get their 'business' from the locals and there is no need to attract more)

I agree that festivals as proposed should and can take place - But from all times it could have been organised - it had to be 'the week of the festa'?

I think this article should be read in the particular context of Marsaskala and it seems that most are extending this argument to another perhaps 'favourite' debate of church vs 'who is it?'.

Franco Farrugia

Jul 24th 2008, 17:00

2/2

This is an organised effort on the part of Parish Priests, together with the Archbishop, to try and instil a better spiritual environment around the village Festa - in itself, this should be praised by one and all.

Now, whether this procedure is such a priority for the exercise of strengthening the village festas, is another matter, but again, it is out of Martin's hands. Rather than starting with this kind of regulation, the Church should have first cleaned out the very activities of the parishes during festa week. In other words, I, personally, would have preferred an activity involving a local celebrity-of-sorts, which has absolutely no links with the festa, than having marcijiet brijuzi organised by the band-clubs (I am not referring to M'Scala!) I speak my mind: if you go to Hamrun for the St Cajetan's feast, you will understand exactly what I mean, and this is the reality in nearly every festa in our villages. Much of what takes place is DISGUSTING AND REVOLTING; A FAR CRY FROM WHAT A FESTA SHOULD BE ALL ABOUT. I don't need to give examples - the Maltese reader knows what I am referring to.

Franco Farrugia

Jul 24th 2008, 16:51

I know Fr Martin well enough to vouch that he doesn't warrant the disgusting remarks of J.GALEA. Nor is he a monopolistic priest.
Fr Martin, as parish priest, is merely putting into practice the regulations of the Curia, in its stance to try and regulate parish (as against village) feasts. In other words, the Curia attempts to bring the feasts back under the control of the Church. In this context, Fr Martin has no alternative but to follow the regulations, which are above him.
It appears that the Curia does not allow events other than the ones which are organised by the Parish, during the Festa week.
Now, some correspondents claimed that Fr Martin is bluffing, that he is threatening, etc ... Well, the regulations are there for all: he is not threatening at all. Following Curia instructions, I surmise that Fr Martin has made it clear - you have a right to organise outside events during festa time, but I have the right to cancel the feast, if need be. That is not threatening or bluffing - believe me, he would do it. You see, he has no alternative.
End of 1/2.

A Daley

Jul 24th 2008, 16:19

The parish priest threatened to cancel this weekend's village feast if the activity is not called off this week.

Is this the new state of the art consultation attitude that we have learnt after 17 years of deceit, and arrogance. The Parish Priest has to threaten to get anywhere. Top marks to this priest to stand up to rampant arrogance on our Island.

Ser insiru bhall barra. Mhux hekk - hee hee hee!

Joe Tabone-Adami

Jul 24th 2008, 15:58

I am sure that bona-fide tourists in Marsascala will definitely enjoy the traditional village-feast there next week-end - barring, of course, the annoying petards - even without any additional entertainment events. Religious festas are one thing, dance/music activities are another and should not be mixed up.

Dr. D. Pollina

Jul 24th 2008, 14:05

What a load of RUBBISH! First monopolistic bus and taxi drivers, now monopolistic priests. The curia has no more monopoly on pagan debauchery than anyone else. Makes one want to organise a spectacular event there next year to compete...

I Abela

Jul 24th 2008, 13:28

This is a threat which the curia should be ashamed of. A couple of weeks ago we had Victor Spiteri threatening of a public transport strike if the government doesn't stop liberalisation. Today we have Fr. Martin Micallef threatening to cancel the village festa if the music event is not cancelled. While I can immagine that Marsascala priests will not block roads and assault other people, I find it hard to beleive how everybody disagreed with the public transport association and now we have people agreeing with Fr. Micallef when it is essentially the same situation, A Threat. If one was wrong then the other one must be wrong. (Or not ?)

L Galea

Jul 24th 2008, 13:22

Agree 100%

I also wish that the Church and other authorities clamp down on the discos normally held during the week before the local feast which have absolutely nothing to do with the feast.

They only serve to irritate the neighbours with ear-shattering music!?!?! till the early hours of the morning, massive alcohol abuse by youths, the trading of insults and fights with members of the other band club in the locality and blaspheming by drunk and not so drunk youths.

All this in the name of the Saint whose feast they are supposed to be celebrating.

Even the take-away kiosks and those selling totally unrelated items such as toys should be taken away to the outskirts of the town because it is most irritating to see the procession with the statue of the Saint or our Lady or Lord etc amidst the baccanalian and pagan feast going around it when it is supposed to be a devout procession of penance and prayer even though it is a celabration in honour of the Saint, Our Lady or Our Lord.

Tim Ripard

Jul 24th 2008, 12:32

Something is not clear here. Fr. Micallef maintains that only the Church and the Curia reserve ('have' perhaps would be more accurate) the right to organise 'any sort of activity' whilst the Curia spokesperson says 'the Church has no authority to hinder anybody from obtaining a civil permit and organise an activity during this particular week".
Isn't threatening to cancel the village festa 'hindering' somebody? (again 'blackmailing' would perhaps be a better word and - strangely - the Curia in stunning contrast to its 'no authority to hinder' statement condones and insists on the right to cancel and, by extension, use threats to cancel to obtain what it wants.

I can't help feeling that this kind of thinking is more Taliban-inspired than Christ-inspired.

Jimmy John M Vella

Jul 24th 2008, 12:12

Pleased to see one of Malta's up-and-coming journalists writing on The Times.

Well Done Nestor!

R. Bartolo

Jul 24th 2008, 12:07

What right has the church have to stop other people from enjoying themselves? And can any other religion do the same in Malta? And why not? What if a person would rather enjoy himself by listening to music than by listening to religious fireworks, explosions, and other such highly sanctimonous activities?
Why doesn't the church cancel its activities for once, and for one year let someone else enjoy himself, maybe with less noise pollution. Where is the equality?

A Anderson

Jul 24th 2008, 11:38

Well done Fr Martin! Yes the feast of St Anna is important to residents not just of Marsaskala but also of the villages around it.

And if you want tourists to come to the area, its the bus service which need to be improved first and foremost. I know tourists who like Marsaskala because it is 'less touristic' and more 'Maltese' - before events like these are organised (which I know are good and a lot of work goes into then) first one should understand the culture of the locality and not impose.

Ramon Casha

Jul 24th 2008, 11:36

"Fr Micallef maintained that throughout the week dedicated to the feast of St Anna only the Church and the Curia reserved the sole right to hold any sort of activities."

What? Since when does the church own Marsascala and everything and everyone inside it? First we get a Msida band club demanding to keep a vital arterial road closed for its fireworks, now we have this parish priest demanding that no activities of any kind take place in an entire city without his approval. Please someone put this troglodyte in a padded cell. Or better still, call his bluff. Let him keep his church door locked and then see whether anyone even notices.

John L Gatt

Jul 24th 2008, 11:05

The village feast is a religious feast and the Curia should have the last say.
I fully agree with Fr.Martin on this subject.........if the event being held during the village feast by the Marsacala Shops Association , it will be a commercial event.

a.cassar

Jul 24th 2008, 11:05

If village fesats are not there to boost tourism how do you explain the areas reserved for tourists complete with seating during most Good Friday processions with people going round collecting donations from tourists? they may not be boosting tourism but they are certainly boosting their income!

Anne Marie Kissaun

Jul 24th 2008, 10:50

I fully agree with the stance taken by the Parish Priest of Marsascala together with the Curia. He has been a breadth of fresh air. Well Done. I hope that other Parishies will follow suit. It is a shame that during most of the Festas taking place, business has to come into the equation especially where drinks (spirits/beer) are concerned. Some people end up drinking too much, and believe me dramatic swearing follows, even in the name of the Madonna or Saint whose feast is being celebrated. I heard it many a time and they do not care whether children are around or not. Is that the example that should be given to children. Therefore, stalls in general should be stopped from being set up. In my opinion, owners are only doing it for the money involved, and not tradition. I hope that in future, more dedication should be aimed at the Festa concerned without any other distractions.

J Galea

Jul 24th 2008, 10:07

I was under the impression that the village festa is there to praise and celebrate the patron saint.
Maybe someone should remind Fr Micallef that his job is to unify and not to cause friction and issues. I

Imbasta qassis!! Vera ezempju tajjeb!!

Robert Borg

Jul 24th 2008, 10:04

I think the Church should worry on more serious things, rather than the village festa -vs- Freddie Portelli. But the Church remains as the third political force in Malta!!!

H Farrugia

Jul 24th 2008, 09:36

I highly commend Fr Micallef's decision (backed by the Curia) not to allow third parties infiltrating our village festas. Village festas are not there to boost tourism , that can be done any other day. Shame on the Marsascala Shops Association for trying to use village festa for their gain. And on the Local Council for giving its permission in such an occasion. And I take this occasion to congratulate Fr Martin Micallef on his appointment as Director of Id-Dar tal-Provvidenza. It's a very difficult challenge which I know that he will magnificently carry out like his erstwhile predecessors: Mons. Gatt and Mons Azzopardi. God Bless you.