Announcements

AZZOPARDI - NICHOLAS of Birkirkara, aged 66. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Catherine, his son James and his grandson Edward. Mass praesente cadavere will be said today at 8.30 a.m. at St Mary's parish church, Birkirkara.

FARRUGIA. On December 19, GEORGE of George Farrugia & Sons Ltd, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 69. He leaves to mourn his great loss his dedicated and beloved wife Lorraine née Muscat, his sons Kevin and his wife Anna and Jonathan and his wife Janice, his grandchildren Francesca, Zachary, Sean and Kane, his brother and sister, in-laws, relatives, friends and carers. Mass praesente cadavere will be said today at 2 p.m. at St Mary's parish church, Attard, followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery. No flowers by request, but donations to the Malta Parkinson's Disease Association, 22, Triq Sant' Antnin, Żebbuġ, will be greatly appreciated.

TEDESCO. On December 19, at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, VINCENT, aged 67, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his dedicated wife Theresa née Busuttil, his son Victor and his fiancée Katerina Beralzkova, his daughter Denise and her husband Charles Vassallo Galdies, his father Victor, his mother Josephine, his sisters Henrietta, Patricia and her husband Nello Calabretta, Doriette and her husband Ray Camilleri, and Louise and her husband Peter Portelli, his nephews Gianluca, Timothy, Nicholas and Jake, other relatives and friends. The funeral leaves Sir Paul Boffa Hospital today at 1.30 p.m. for St Francis church, Villambrosa, Ħamrun, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2 p.m., followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery. No flowers by request, but donations to the Malta Hospice Movement, Balzan, will be appreciated. The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of Ward 2, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, for their dedication and attention.

In Memoriam

BELLIZZI - MELITA VICTORIA. Fond memories of our aunt on the 26th anniversary of her death. Her nephew and nieces.

FARRUGIA - AMY-ROSE. In loving memory of our dearest mother, today the eighth anniversary of her death. A most wonderful and caring mother who is always in our thoughts and prayers. Anthony and M'Anne, Christian and Francesca, Nikki and Andrew. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

FARRUGIA - AMY-ROSE. In memory of our dearest nanna who passed away eight years ago today. A loving grandmother so greatly missed by her grandchildren Philip, David, Martina, Julian, Matthew, Alexia, Sarah, Allan, Andrea and Alexander.

FARRUGIA - AMY-ROSE. Treasured and unfading memories of a beloved sister and aunt who passed away eight years ago today. Always in our hearts. Joan, Rudolph and all the family.

FARRUGIA - AMY-ROSE. Fondly remembered today, the eighth anniversary of her demise, by her friends Anne, Marguerite, Marlene, Elfrida, Irene, Joseph and Terry. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

LEANEY - MATTHEW. Our beloved son, on the eighth anniversary of his death. Never forgotten and missed a lot. You're always on our minds and forever in our hearts. Each day that passes is a day closer to you. With love, mum and dad and sister Yanika.

MESSINA FERRANTE - VINCENZA. Treasured memories of a very dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose ever- smiling face of kindness and love we, and all who knew her, can never forget, today being the eighth anniversary of her demise. Her children Josephine, Sister Joan, Herbert, Monica, their spouses, her son-in-law Dr A. Micallef Trigona, and their families.

PRECA - PROVIDENZA. Remembered with love and gratitude today and always. Her sons and daughter.

SCHEMBRI - MARIA (Tal-Qaddis). In memory of our beloved mother who passed away a year ago today to join our father Ġużeppi who passed away on October 8, 1985, in Vancouver, Canada. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Carmen Mui, Patricia and Mark and baby Cyrus and Christopher and Michael.

TONNA. In treasured memory of NORMA, 1940-2003, an exemplary wife, mother and grandmother, on the fifth anniversary of her demise. Sorely missed and fondly remembered by her husband Jo, Iain, Alan, Karen, Joanna, Kevin, Niki and Debbie and their respective spouses and her 13 grandchildren.

VASSALLO - JOSEPH. Treasured memories of our beloved father, today the 28th anniversary of his demise.

Five days to Christmas
The day you cherished wholeheartedly
We sit around the festive table
You and mum fill our thoughts endearingly
As we feel your presence warmly
Our hearts fill with joy
'Cause though you're gone
And missed so dearly
Your enthusiasm for this day
Lives on.

With so much love always, Lina, Joe, Nathalie, Marthese, Marianne and spouses.

VASSALLO - JOSEPH.

A good hearted man
Hard working and true
Provided for his family
That was our nannu
God reached out His hand
And rocked him to sleep
And took him away
He now rests in heaven
With his darling by his side
And we think of him always
Our hearts warm with pride.

Thinking of you always, nannu. Your grandchildren Claire, Joanna, Kevin, Louise, Jackie, Laura, Joseph, Hannah, Tara, Francesca, Ben and great-grandchildren Xikira, Yannick, Alessia, Kane and baby Jake.

Greek Orthodox Church

83, Merchants Street, Valletta. Mass on Christmas Day at 10 a.m.

Archbishop's religious functions

Archbishop Paul Cremona will start his Christmas religious functions on Christmas Eve at the Mdina Cathedral, where he will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, followed by Midnight Mass.

On Christmas Day, Mgr Cremona will lead a solemn concelebration at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta at 9.15 a.m.

On December 28, he will be receiving those who wish to convey greetings between 9 and 11.30 a.m. at the Archbishop's Palace in Valletta. He will be accompanied by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca.

On December 31, Mgr Cremona will be presiding over the Mass for Peace on the occasion of Peace Day.

On January 17, he will celebrate Mass for newly-weds at St John's Co-Cathedral.

The Curia, including the Marriages Office and the Ecclesiastical Tribunal, will be closed for the festive season between Wednesday and January 4, both days included.

Banks' opening hours

Banks will be closed on Friday and January 2. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, APS Bank will be open between 8.15 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., Banif Bank between 8.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m., Bank of Valletta between 8.30 and 2 p.m., HSBC Bank between 8.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., Lombard Bank between 8.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Volksbank between 8.30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Offices closed

The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund's offices will be closed between Wednesday and January 4, both days included.

Local councils

Today's meeting
Xagħra 1.30 p.m.