Society will mark 80th anniversary of the Holy Name of God in November

On November 19, 2008, the Society of the Holy Name of God will be celebrating 80 years since its foundation. Fr Gerald Paris OP's intention was to found a movement with the aim of glorifying God's name and stop blasphemy in our islands.

The members of the society have worked hard during these 80 years and though blasphemy is still rife, they have certainly succeeded in making reparations for this grave sin which is such a scourge in this country.

Processions, pilgrimages, masses, hymns, speeches, adoration and other prayers held by the Society made up for the way God's name has been defiled over the years.

To commemorate this anniversary, the society is organising three days of activities to be held at the parish of Our Lady of Fatima at Guardamangia.

On Tuesday, November 18, a concelebrated Mass presided by Archbishop Paul Cremona will be held as thanksgiving for the spiritual fruit harvested by the members of the society. On Wednesday, November 19, the day of the anniversary itself, a Remembrance Evening will be held with the participation of the Choirs of the Unità.

The following day, November 20, will be a day of reparation culminating in a solemn adoration led by Vince Marshall.

Apart from these activities, the Society of the Holy Name of God is planning the publication of the book about the History of the Popes, written by Chev. Stanley Mangion, National President of the Society.

This book will be dedicated to all the members who worked so hard in the past and those who are still active in honouring the Holy Name of God.

The society will also be launching a CD compilation of Maltese songs, Fil-Ħolma tal-Ward, consisting of songs with a social theme and interpreted by various children. The lyrics of the songs are written by Anne Lewis and the music is composed by Stephanie and Maria Lewis, known as Starbrights.

The Society of the Holy Name of God invites everyone to take part in these celebrations to honour God's name, to make up for the horrible vice of blasphemy. Action is better than words. Let us all do our small part to compensate for the way many have hurt God by calling His Holy Name in vain.

The society appeals to everyone for prayer. A special appeal goes to all the cloistered nuns whose devout prayers have a special place in God's heart.

May the Lord's name be praised forever and ever.