Archbishop celebrates Mass in old Parliament chamber

The old Parliament Chamber, better known as the Tapestry Chamber, was transformed into a chapel today for Mass by the Archbishop.

President George Abela led the congregation.

The President earlier greeted the Archbishop at the Palace and showed him around the state rooms.

The visit is being held to mark May 1 - Labour Day.

The Tapestry Chamber, well known for the priceless Gobelin Tapestries that hang from its walls, was the seat of the Legislative Assembly and Parliament between 1921 and the mid 1970s.

A special sitting of Parliament was held there in 1998 to mark Dom Mintoff's fiftieth anniversary as an MP.

The Archbishop will also be touring the Chamber of Parliament and the offices of the Speaker. He will be shown around by the Deputy Speaker, Carmelo Abela.

President and Mrs Abela later today leave for China, where they will attend the opening of the Shanghai World Expo. Dr Abela will also meet the Chinese President. He will be accompanied for part of his visit by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg.