Updated - Xaghra feast to be held as usual

John Zammit

Sep 14th 2010, 13:16

@ M Farrugia

I should never judge other persons " you said" well I was not the only disgusted person who was shocked at " your " insensitivity! How dare you call me judging? All Malta judged you. Considering the attendance of that shamefull occasion , it showed who was right. That feast was stained with egoism and showed no shame for the greed you have for business and all that brings in money. The Curia should have spoken and declared the outdoor festivities cancelled in solidarity with the victims. Xewkija band showed its disapproval and cancelled participation. They were right and they put things which should be first as a priority. Whatever excuses you bring up,only shows me that you have your own ways and your own interpretation of things. your feeble arguments and all who decided that the feast should go on, have no feelings towards the suffering. I shall always look upon your organising team as selfish uncaring and no feelings with one priority MONEY! In Malta if a fight breaks out during a stupid band march the feast is called off immediately. In Gozo 7 are dead and we celebrate over their dead bodies!

Mark Galea

Sep 8th 2010, 23:09

Bhal ma dejjem jigri, dawk li jikkritikaw, dawk li dejjem kontra, huma dawk li x'hin jigi l-mument biex jaghtu donazzjoni, JAHARBU. Kienu, ghadhom u jibqghu l-istess ... komdi wara l-keyboard, jaghtu l-pariri u jilghabuha tal-qaddisin, imma hej, l-aqwa li m'ghandhomx spejjez. Ghax kif jghid il-Malti, il-hanzir taqtaghlu denbu, hanzir jibqa.

John Zammit

Sep 8th 2010, 18:06

Dear Archpriest

At is very moment you are preparing for second vespers. I am thinking that today should have been a day of silence and meditation. So much blood has been shed. I now realise how umcomfortable your chair is in your capacity as Archpriest. You remind me of Pontius Pilate who was petrified of the crowds.

I suggest to you in solidarity with the victims that you politely hand out your resignation for failuire to control your parish greed. You have failed miserably to decide on something which should have been unanimous. All those who will attend the feast tonight will show how uncaring , insensitive and selfish they are.

This is a massive scandal. Time will show how selfish you have all been. Those who disaproved had no say. Those who had direct personal financial interests and bullied their opinions through and got their way, I hope that people wont show up and loose their business tonight.

It is shameful. tonight the statue of Maria Bambina should have been replaced by Our Lady of sorrows (15th September) and carried aux flambeaux through the streets of xaghara in solidarity and support to the victims and relatives of the dead.

J Galea

Sep 8th 2010, 17:03

It is easy for all of us to judge and condemn, but arent we all human beings?
We all make mistakes. We all have at one point in our lives made a decision which was not the correct one. Luckily they realised and made amends.
I know alot of you are going to say 'the damage was done and it is too late' I say its better late than never.
and try to be peaceful and by doing so we will cherish those who have passed away.

May they rest in peace and may their families find solance in their memories.

R.Camilleri

Sep 8th 2010, 16:48

Nghid prosit kif tmexxiet il-festa li nzamm il-hsieb fil-mejta fit-talb u il-briju tas-soltu ma sarx. 'Ghall kunsil mhemmx mghamul jghidu' . Issa li sar sar, hadt ma'ghandu tort nahseb. In- nar hu dejjem riskjuz u min jidhol ghalih veru ghax tkun go fih. Alla hares toqghod tahseb ghax zgur ma'jsir xejn kieku. Hudu min jahdem fl-impjanti tal-Gas u min iggorru, tal-Petrol , minn ihallat il-kimici u x'naf jien specjalment f'dawn it-temperaturi gholjin Attenzjoni kbira jrid ikun hemm u sorveljanza tas-'Safety Guides' li johorgu minn zmien ghal zmien. F'kollox hemm il-periklu anke issuq korrozza, tirkeb ajruplan u xi kultant anke jekk tkun ghall affari tieghek taf tlaqqata. Jien nahseb li dan ikun id-Destin tal-bniedem. Mur ghid il xi hadd li se jmur x'imkien u jitlef hajtu. Ghalhekk importanti li nibdew il-gurnata b'talba biex il-Madonna u l-Mulej ittughielna Tajba u Jharsuna.

Dr. Kevin Mompalao

Sep 8th 2010, 13:50

I disagree with the decision to hold on the feast. Cancelling the festivities on the 5th Setember is not a gesture but a gimmick. For me the decision take is adding insult to injury. I would have expected more from what the archriest described as 'sens ta' maturita'. Xaghra's decision was not mature at all. It was rather egoistic. The reason that no fireworks were let off is because they wereall burn, and not in a sense of olidarity. U l-kotra ghajtet" Viva l-Bambina'. Miskin il-mejjet.

dominic vella

Sep 8th 2010, 13:25

Prosit lil-Kumitat Festi tax-Xaghra u L-Arcipriet li hassru l-marci brijuzzi llum ta Jum il-Festa. Il-marc ta dalghodu sar biss quddiem il-kazin minghajr briju waqt li kien qed ssir gbir ghal-vittmi ta din it-tragedja.
Well done u j'alla kull min qieghed jikteb jaghti donazzjoni a favur ta din id-dizgrazzja

A cauchi

Sep 8th 2010, 13:23

Jien nahseb li sar silent boycot, ghax kif smajt l-bierah, hlief nies mix xaghra ma kienx hemm, ir risposta haduwa wehidhom, ghax aktar kien hemm djar li nfethu hwienet milli nies. Haga ohra veru li sar gabra, ghal vittmi, li ngabru xi 13,000, izda veru li saret gabra ghal dawk ki kellhom l-vannijiet, li spiccaw kollha mfarrkin, li b.kumbinazzjoni huma kollha mix xaghra, u li din is-somma kienet ferm akbar?, qed nistaqsi biss.

A.tabone

Sep 8th 2010, 13:09

Ejjew nitkellmu ftit bis sens.In nies tax xghara u l knisja ma ghandhom tort ta xejn f din it tragejda avolja tal media qed ipinguhom f dell ikrah. Ejjew inqabblu din it tragedja ma haga ftit iktar izghar: immaginaw xi hadd imur ghand mastrudaxxa, jghidlu sabiex jammillu bank tal kcina, ihallsu tax xoghol u jitlaq. X hin beda jahdmu, il mastrudaxxa, qata idu, zvina u miet. Min mar jordna il bank tal kcina x'ghandu x jaqsam mal mewt? veru li ezempju banali imma joghodd hafna f din is sitwazzjoni. Tifmunix hazin, mhinix nghid li it tort taghom ta, imma lanqas huwa tort tan nies tax xaghra u ghalhekk il festa kella titkompla. nikkalmaw ftit ghaliex iktrar qed naghmlu hasra milli gid

J Pace

Sep 8th 2010, 12:46

Prosit lil Mgr Carm Refalo u lil knsija li hadet din id decizjoni!

Qied ovvjament inkun sarkastizku. Ghax ma nistax nifehm, bl-ebda mod possibli,
kif il knisja 'ticcelebra' festa, meta hames min ulieda mieta waqt li kienu qeghdin jipreparaw
ghal festa taghha.

U tridna nkunu Kristjani prattikanti?????? Halluna!!

S.Attard

Sep 8th 2010, 12:27

I totally agree with the decision taken by the Xaghra committee because what they had primarily in their mind is that the feast which is dedicated to Marija Bambina our dear Mother who is really in the heart of so many shouldn't be cancelled. We cannot mix the traditional feast with the huge fireworks business of today as it getting out of control. Guess what? Poor farmers in Gharb had to abondon their land because of all the fireworks factories being built their in the supposedly countryside. Is it fair to these poor people? Does everybody know that the countryside of gharb is heavily industrialised with these factories where the land is so fertile. Also its disgusting when we try to encourage countrywalks in Gharb and these walks are dangerous walks! That's rural Gharb!

S. Sultana

Sep 8th 2010, 11:59

Ghal dawk kollha li hawn jiktbu fuq il-bloggs, il-festa tax-Xaghra saret imma ghal min ma jafx, saret bl-imitazzjoni bhala wirja ta rispett. Imma l-media affarijiet bhal dawn ma ggibomx!!! Trid tara l-istampa kollha f'din is-sitwazzjoni, ghax f'dan il-kaz ix-xafra taqta minn zewgt ibnadi!!

Qed jingabru fondi ghal din it-tragedja u ga ingabru €13,000 minn nies Xaghrin b'qalb kbira! Inizzjattiva tajba hafna mill-Arcipriet u l-kumitat ta madwaru! Imma ghal darb' ohra, haga bhal din ma tidher imkien!

Il-Mulej itihom il-mistrieh ta' dejjem.

Patrick Sacco

Sep 8th 2010, 11:55

Shame on you!

gaffarena joseph

Sep 8th 2010, 11:50

PAGANS,
When are you coming back my Lord,to fight again these people that made a mockery in your church.

T. Sultana

Sep 8th 2010, 11:26

Akkuzi qed jinghadu l-hin kollu.

Fuq il-gest sabih li l-poplu kollu tax-xaghra biss qed jaghmel fejn qed jingabar fond ghall-dawk kollha li huma nvoluti f'din it-tragedja hadd m'ghandu xi jghid?

M'ahniex ha ngibuhom lura veru - wisq anqas bil-paroli.

Dawn huma x-Xaghrin - mhux takkuzawhom li jmisshom jisthu. Aghmlu bhalhom.

John Azzopardi

Sep 8th 2010, 11:24

What a tragedy. Really sad story. May they all rest in peace. All I can say is pray for the families of these dead as only they have to carry on the brunt of the suffering. May God bless all.

I. Micallef

Sep 8th 2010, 11:24

utterly disgusting decision. I would like to see how spiritual the "marci" have been.

SVella

Sep 8th 2010, 10:55

Jiena ta l-opinjoni li l festa kellha tithassar... Ta l-inqas il-marcijiet brijuzi li jkun awn ghax ghalija dak huwa nuqqas ta rispett ghal familji kkoncernati. Ghal liema raguni biex taghti rispett irid ikun xi bniedem mix-Xaghra stess? Haga ohra spluzjoni bhal din ma kinitx ser issir jekk ma kienx hemm dak in-nar kollu stivat got-trakkijiet li kienu ghadhom kif hadu filodu kmieni! Kienet issir spluzjoni hafna izghar u kienu jindarbu hafna inqas nies...

Li kieku din l ispluzjoni saret filodu jew ftit hin wara li sehhet kienet tiehu maghha hafna zaghzagh dillettanti tan-nar Xaghrin. Hekk tridu intom biex turu rispett u twaqqfu l festa? Li jkomplu jitkissru aktar familji mir rahal?

U din ma tistennijix minn qassis li jejd dak id-diskors. Imbaghad jigi jaghmillek xi priedka ta siegha fuq ir-rispett. Ejja ha. l-ewwel irid jitghallem hu xinhu r rispett imbaghad jigi jippriedkah lili. U fl-ahhar mill-ahhar l-ghaqdiet tax-Xaghra li qed tghid bihom inti lanqas jiftehmu bejniethom. U naf xjien nejd...

paul portelli

Sep 8th 2010, 10:39

hbieb hemm povra mara fis-sens tal- kelma addolorata wara dak kollu li garbet habba il- loghob tan nar.ahjar flok nintilfu naraw kellix issir il festa jew le nintilfu nahsbu kif ser naghmlu biex nehilsu darba al dejjem min kull periklu ghal familji taghna u flistess hin inkomplu ngawdu in nar sabih li nafu tant naghmlu bhaila ahna il maltin.ninsab cert li ghawn hafna imhuh kapaci maltin li insibu soluzzioni.ghawn naghmel appel lil isqfijiet u il- awtoritajiet li ghalissa nissospendu kull forma ta nar sakem insibu is-soluzzionijiet ghal kull periklu u halluna mil- voti u mil popolarita .l-antiki jalmuna li ahjar najdu ufff milli ahh.

H. Mifsud

Sep 8th 2010, 09:41

There is time for everything in this life of ours but to my book this should be a time for mourning and celebrations (religious or otherwise) of any sort are out of place ..... punto e basta!

Maria Scicluna

Sep 8th 2010, 07:19

Wara li smajt l-intervista ta l-arcipriet inhossni urtata nisimghu jghid li l-marcijiet taghhom huma dekoruzi. Nippretendi li f'dawn il-marcijiet allura jinghad it-talb ghax hekk nifhem b'dekoruzi. Nahseb li fejn isir marc ta briju ma hemmx distinzjoni bejn marc ta festa u ohra ghax huma kollha marcijiet profani. Nixtieq nghid lil Arcipriet ma jurtawx aktar nies ghax b'din l-attitudni ma tantx qed juru kemm tassew ihobbu lil Maria Bambina.

Noel Cutajar

Sep 8th 2010, 00:02

Jekk haga bhal din kif inti ghidt li xukjat lil kulhadd...allura l-inqas haga li kellek taghmel huwa li thassar il-festi esterni u uza l-ispiritwalita' li temmen fiha inti u itlob ghalihom. Ghamel il-festa u ahseb ghax minn kliemek ma tantx tidher li inti konvint minn dak li qieghed tghid.

C.Conti

Sep 7th 2010, 23:40

Personally I think that there should be a moratorium on Fireworks until such a time as these are found to be (relatively) safe to work. I would expect that there would be a tragedy every so often... but to have so many in such a short time is unacceptable.

I also think that the Parish Priest and everybody involved in the decision to hold the Village Festa should leave the island and take up residence somewhere in Alaska or even maybe in Antartica - as only there is there enough cold to match their emotions..... SHAME... X'MISTHIJA ... HOW INSENSITIVE....

How can you call yourself a minister of Jesus Christ ? Jesus, full of compassion, would have cried and been heartbroken in circumstances like this. I wonder what the Gozo Bishop thinks of this Grave Sin against our human nature.

Mark Galea

Sep 7th 2010, 22:19

TO ALL BLOGGERS - HOPE YOU REPLY TO MY COMMENT

Why do not all those against the Xaghra festa being held, donate something to a fund to help these people whose family has been torn apart? It is very easy to sit behind a computer and write down comments. Why not start to donate --- ahhhh, I forgot, those writing against are the usual ones - many of the names are very familiar to me - in fact there are a few who are xenophobic, and then they talk about respect - Others are so politically blinded that anything happening is either blue or red ... need to continue?

leo attard

Sep 7th 2010, 22:11

@dominicvella....do you want us to contribute to your ''clearing-Conscience-Fund' ?

C. Cauchi

Sep 7th 2010, 21:40

I would very much like to see those truck drivers who were suppose to transport the fire works form Gharb to Xaghra
CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF XAGHRA.

Joe Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 20:06

I agree that the feast will be organised... what I do not agree with, is how the Archpriest and the person who spoke on the TVM news has tackled this issue.

dominicvella

Sep 7th 2010, 19:41

How about cancelling all Maria Bambina Feasts held in Malta anf Gozo!!! However since it was decided that the feast is to be held as usual let the Xaghra people do so. Everyone has his own theory and opinion. If all bloggers come to Xaghra and contribute in the fund for the victim's family is much better.

Elton Gellel

Sep 7th 2010, 19:14

Fejnu l isqof ta ghawdxi mela inmuta ? Ma qal xejn dwar il festa ta xaghra . Jew dwar il faqar jaf jtkellem biss .

vera tal misthija

ct busuttil

Sep 7th 2010, 19:05

My condolences to the victims' families.
To my knowledge, the fireworks enthusiasts work separately from the Church. They are independent and don't take orders from the Church. The Church celebrations of a feast and the fireworks are two separate and independent groups. Would a feast be cancelled if someone fell off a roof in the parish? I think the feast should become more religious and less of a tourist attraction, then it would offend no one.

Galea Martin

Sep 7th 2010, 17:51

Rajt il-kummenti kollha u veru kif nghid jien, li spicca kollox la fadal rispett u m'ahniex
poplu ta' solidarita' mhux veru. Ghajb ghal min ried li l-festa tax-Xaghra ssir xorta kif kienet
ippjanata. Nixtieq naghti l-kondoljanzi tieghi mil qalb, lil familjari tal vittmi u nitlob ghalihom.

V. Vassallo

Sep 7th 2010, 17:51

What about NAXXAR, MELLIEHA & SENGLEA?
Since it's such a national Tragedy why not pick on them to cancel their festa too??!
Aren't we all Maltese?

A.tabone

Sep 7th 2010, 17:46

ghadni ma nistax nifhem ghaliex ghadhom jissemmew in nies tax-xaghra. dawn wara kollox ma jahtu xejn u ma nistax nifhem ghaliex tridu li jigu ikkancellati il festi esterni. Wara kollox in nies tax xara mandom tort xejn f dan li gara mux billi kulhadd ed idawwar il kliem kif jahseb hu.

Msultana

Sep 7th 2010, 17:29

You know what?!!! Let cancel Xaghra festa and on Wednesday everybody goes to work as it is a public holiday and i guess that most of you who are talking nonesence are going to take the day off for the public holiday!!!!! it is still a national feast so all of you should respect the victims and not celebrating il vittorja!!!!

PGrech

Sep 7th 2010, 17:12

Imissom JISTHU dawn tax xaghra!!!!! La ha tkomplu bil festa qdin turu kemm ghandkom rispett li shabkom stess. Anqas min ghand persuna wahda ma kont nistennija li wara li imutu 5 min nies minhabba wiccu, ma jatix kas u ikompli jixxala. Le,,, veru haqqom prosit x xaghrin ta din, kollha kemm huma, bl arcupriet b'kollox.
l kondoljanzi tijej lil familji kollha tal mejtin.

K.Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 17:04

Just look at all these comment from 'KNOW-IT-ALLS' , if YOU said a pray for the vicitms & their families it would have much more useful! SHAME ON YOU ALL.

May God be with the vicitms & their families!
If Xaghra wants to carry on with the feast of Our Lady, just let them be!
There are no fireworks so they are not disturbing anyone.
Those of you who are so full of respect just stay at home, like I am.

martin chetcuti

Sep 7th 2010, 17:02

@Donna Incorvaja

Int taf x'int tghid "The show must go on" f'tragedja bhal din.!!!!! Tafu li qeghdin torganizzaw Festa, Festa meta ix-Xaghra kienet involuta anke jekk bi ftit ma nar li sploda. Il kumitatt taghkom gab stmerrija fuq ir-rahal taghkom . Mhux 'Only in Malta' anqas 'Only in Gozo' izda 'ONLY IN XAGHRA' tal-misthija

Marlene Galea

Sep 7th 2010, 16:54

I am also from Xaghra and am against the outside festivities. A whole family has perished and we must show respect. I never miss the Feast of Our Lady but this year all I am doing is visit our Lady in the Basilica and pray for this family. May they all Rest in Peace and may God give the rest of the family the strength to go on.

C.Busuttil

Sep 7th 2010, 16:44

Personalment nahseb li kien ikun aktar xieraq li kieku saret biss il-purcissjoni, ha nkun car jien la mix-Xaghra u l-anqas Ghawdxi. Nifhem li hija iebsa biex twaqqaf Festa wara sena tahdem, wara stennija minn rahal kollu, imma hemm certu sitwazzjonijiet fejn ikun aktar xieraq li taghmel dan.

BISS jekk veru li l-parrocca tax-Xaghra qed tigbor il-flus biex tghin il-familji tal-vittmi huwa GEST sabieh hafna.

Nemmen ukoll li hawn hafna li taparsi jiddispjacihom bit-tragedja li saret fl-Gharb, dawn huma nies li LLUM qed jghidu li bhala nsara l-Knisja ghandha twaqqaf il-Festi Esterni, biss hafna minn dawn "L-Insara" li jaqblu mad-divorzju u anke l-abbort. Insara fejn jaqbilhom!!!!!! Ipokresija grassa ghax mill-mejtin jigu jaqaw u jqumu.

L-istess nies li jigu jaqaw u jqumu minn dawk li mietu bin-nar ghax l-uniku skop taghhom huwa li jieqaf in-nar mhux biex jonqsu l-incidenti. Dmugh tal-Kukkudrill.
Jinsew uhud il-periklu li jaghmlu ta' kuljum huma stess bis-sewqan taghhom !!!!!!!!

Nies li jifthu halqhom minghajr ma jafu A minn B fuq is-suggett tan-Nar. Minn huwa qrib ta' dawk li jahdmu n-nar jafu li CERTU incidenti li graw dan l-ahhar mhux relattati per se minhabba l-hidma tan-nar imma kienu sfortunatament sitwazzjonijiet personali li sfaw f'incidenti.

M.attard

Sep 7th 2010, 16:41

As a xaghra resident i think that everyone is blaming all people of xaghra.. But you're wrong. you have to blame the archipriest and it's "committe" if I must say that it is a comitee.. we are all shocked and talking about me I am very well devoted to our feast but this year i am missing it altough it is still being held.. Because I don't feel comfortable people dying (altought no one can say that it is our fault) and i'm celebrating.. But again I reply that 3/4 of the xaghra population aren't happy with this decisicions.

Donna Incorvaja

Sep 7th 2010, 16:31

This is a very sad tragedy which had to happen during the festa week of il-Vittorja. I am sure that the outside festivities were and are all cancelled and that everyone is shocked and mourning the loss of those who died. What can you do? Thats life!! So many people die every day of every year in tragedies. Does this mean that we never have festivities going on because people are dying every day?? You give respect to people when they are alive. Im sure that Dun Karm is not happy about this and he is making the best decision not for himself but for all the people of his parish.. The show must go on. All we can do is prey for them. Il-fest it-tajba to all the Xaghrin. Wish i was there.

joseph teuma

Sep 7th 2010, 16:25

Meta gie kristu fid dinja ghajjarhom oqbra mbajda......fil verita wara tant zmien, jekk kellu jerga jigi fid dinja l istess haga jaghmel zgur m hemmx dubju.nitkellmu daqsxejn biss sens, mix xaghra u mhux mix xaghra mhux proxxmu huma,nuru rispett ahna nsara jew m 'ahniex ?meta mmutu il gudizzju taghna jkun fuq x ghamilna f' hajjitna jew mill liema rahal jew post ahna? .Niftakru fi qrabathom minn jaf x qed ihossu bhalissa minhabba it telfa taghhom, il murtali ngawduhom ghal ftit mumenti izda dawn ser ibatu l bqija ta hajjithom Mhux tac cajt sa issa mietu sitta hemm tarbija wkoll jew insejniha din?

leo attard

Sep 7th 2010, 16:21

the farrugia family had agreed to store the fireworks as a favour to xaghara because they were supposed to be stored on a hill with police guard ---- nice way to repay the favour with pagan partying! no good deed goes unpunished! let all do according to their conscience, but please keep in mind that there is a woman who lost a husband, two sons, a daughter-in-law, a soon-to-be-born gramdchild and a son-in-law (if i am correct) waiting to die at mater dei --- think of her and her only surviving daughter. a family lost like that. let this be a lesson in humility and at how fragile life is....For god's sake! Gozo is so small we are practically one village, one family! everybody knows each other! let's start acting like one!

R.Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 16:06

Irid ikollok kuxjenza zbaljata tordna 70,000 euro ghall-hruq tal-nar!
Il-poplu ma jghidx li ma hawnx flus fl-idejn u li qieghed ibati minhabba r-ricessjoni mondjali!
Irid ikollok kuxjenza zbaljata mbaghad tippretendi li tkun ezentat mill-VAT!
Irid ikollok kuxjenza zbaljata mbaghad tippretendi li jkollok ezenzjoni mill-kontijiet tad-dawl u tal-ilma!
Irid ikollok kuxjenza zbaljata tohrog bl-ghajta li din hija festa ta' solidarjeta' li tigi ccelebrata b'dinjita'!
U HALLUNA!
TA' KULHADD TASAL!

P. Camilleri

Sep 7th 2010, 15:42

Vera tal-misthija. Dan hu ir-rispett li n-nies tax-Xaghra qed juru lejn min "ghamillom pjacir" u zamm dak in-nar kollu biex ikun jista jinharaq f dawn il-jiem. Ma sbieh il-jum tal-Hamis filoghdu u hekk kif jibdew isiru il preparamenti finali ghall funerali ta dawn in-nies, kulhadd jinduna li kien zball li il-festa saret xorta.

leo attard

Sep 7th 2010, 15:24

First, my heart and sympathy goes out to the victims and their families --- the suffering of the victims ended quickly, that of their surviving families will remain with them forever....@ T sultana and R Camilleri and the others that say life goes on and what the victims need is prayer --- i agree. So the feast should be one of prayer, of spiritualism and we should not think of a hedonistic 'I want to party all the time'' feast when the victims are still warm and one in the hospital is at death's gate!......Life goes on? Think of this -- if you're at a loved one's funeral, what would you think of me if I stood outside the church door with a pint in the hand singing 'Ob La Di Ob La Da?' ------- nothing? Life goes on, eh?

Bill Hopkinson

Sep 7th 2010, 15:23

As a Xaghra resident I look out from my balcony and see dozens of flags flying. Not one at half mast, and yet we talk of respect. Oh why do I despair.

Mario Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2010, 15:18

In one day 4 people died in an island of 400,0000. In the worst days of war torn Iraq (population 31 million) this would translate to 350!! May this simple fact touch the heart &conscience of both Church and civil authorities. It is now time for action. Yes we will pray for the victims but more concrete action is needed to avoid repetition of last Sunday!!!!!

David Thake

Sep 7th 2010, 15:08

"Ikun hawn festa minghajr nar"...... I guess that's because of the explosion that killed these people and not because of your "gest responsabbli".

John Zammit

Sep 7th 2010, 15:02

Dear Archpriest

your tone of voice is disgusting. I would have loved to hear , we are shocked and we should stop all festivities immediately? MAturity or no feelings? Shame on you ! I hope you have time to read the comments of a lot of people who are horrified at your insensitivity and hypocrecy. The feast should be cancelled and I would urge also Maltese authorities to show some respect by cancelling something as well from Malta. These tragedies are becoming too common and this loss of life is too painfull.
When something goes wrong in band marches the curia cancells the external celebrations immediately. So if a simple fight and a few bruises and hurling of bottles is sufficient to stop a feast, why such an explosion with so many deaths has no effect? I find this so frustrating. Another show how the church acts. You were right Mr Christ. They have the power and we have to obey them like sheep, but we shouldnt do as they do.

C Cassar

Sep 7th 2010, 14:58

Jien mix-Xaghra u jiddispjacini li l-festa sejra ssir. L-Arcipriet m'ghandux tort ghax jien zgur li u ghandu hafna jimbottaw warajh ghal interessi differenti biex il-festa ma tithassarx. Ghalkemm in-nies li mietu ma humiex mix-Xaghra huma kienu nvoluti direttament mal-festa ta' din is-sena. Wara kollox pjacir lilna x-Xaghrin kienu jaghmlu ghax accettaw li jhahznu n-nar maghmul min haddiehor fil-post taghhom.

Ghax ma nghidux ta' min huma t-trakkijiet li taru u li allahares il-kamra taret xi hin wara ghax kien ikun hemm hafna nies mix-Xaghra li kellhom igorru in-nar li kellu jinharaq il-Hadd stess.

Il-festa tax-Xlendi hija festa zghira hafna u n-nar li jinharaq u nsinjificanti, mentri ghal festa tar-rahal taghna kien hemm ghexiren ta' eluf ta' euro f'nar mahzun.

Kien hemm diversi li gabu skuza li mhux sewwa li ma ssirx il-festa minhabba l-bosta ndividwi li jahdmu s-sena kollha ghall-festa. Jien nghid li billi kienu ma saritx din is-sena ma kenitx se taqa' d-dinja imma kienet tkun opportunita tajba li nuru soledarjeta' genwina mal-vittmi u nieshom. Wara kollox meta kellna xi nghidu mal-awtorita' ekklesjastika fil-passat ghax ridniha bazilika ma qghadniex nahsbuha darbtejn biex ma naghmlux il-festa ghal diversi snin.

Jien naqbel li kellna nghamlu biss il-festi ta' gewwa u l-purcissjoni.

Ivan Attard Xaghra

Sep 7th 2010, 14:49

Lil dawk kollha li 'ghandhom qalbhom tugaghhom HAFNA' ghall-vittmi tat-tragedja tal-kamra tan-nar tal-Hadd li ghadda:

Sa fejn naf jien, f'kazijiet bhal dawn, festa titulari ta' rahal tigi kkancellata biss meta jkun hemm mewt ta' xi persuni mir-rahal li jkunu qeghdin jaghmlu xoghol volontarju b'rizq ir-rahal. Jidhirli li f'dan il-kaz ma kien hemm l-ebda tali mewt imsemmija imma kien hemm mewt ta' nies li kienu jahdmulna n-nar ghall-festa, jigifieri nies li qeghdin jithallsu tajjeb tax-xoghol li jaghmlu.

Ghalkemm gara dan, il-parrocca taghna kienet serja bizzejjed li tikkancella l-festi esterni tal-Hadd li ghadda li kif kulhadd jaf kienu jikkonsistu f'wiehed mill-aktar marci brijuzi fil-programm tal-festa u qed tniedi fond specjali li jghin lill-familjari tal-vittmi u lil dawk milquta minn din it-tragedja. Nahseb tkun idea tajba kieku din l-ahbar tkun ukoll fuq il-portal tat-timesofmalta. Nittama wkoll li dawk li qeghdin jiktbu hawnhekk u li 'ghandhom duluri kbar f'qalbhom', idahhlu jdejhom fil-but u jaghtu xi haga huma wkoll. Il-parrocca tax-Xaghra hija wahda mill-aktar parrocci generuzi fil-gzira taghna u cert li ser tingabar somma sabiha. Is-solidarjeta taghna x-Xaghrin u ta' Mons. Arcipriet hemmhekk tidher u mhux fil-paroli zejjed u fil-bluff ta' xi persuni fuq dan il-website!! VMB

T. Sultana

Sep 7th 2010, 14:41

Hbieb - Ejjew inkunu poplu matur! Ghaddejna hafna kummenti.
Nistaqsi :- kemm minna kellna l-hila nghidulhom xi TALBA ghar-ruhhom?
Dak li qed jistennew u jridu minna mhux ghira bejnietna.

R.Camilleri

Sep 7th 2010, 14:34

Nibda biex nghati l=Kondoljanzi lil dawk kollha li hallewna f'din it-tracedja u nitolbu ghal dak li ghadu jiggieled mal-mewt u l-familjari taghhom biex bl-intercezzjoni tal-Madonna jiehdu sahhithom lura bil-mod. Biss jien nahseb li kif qed jirraggunaw hafna ghandha tieqaf id-Dinja
meta tigri xi dizgrazzja f'xi pajjiz ? Dawn Talb iridu dawn, mhux diskors li hafna drabi jkun fil-vojt. 'Viva l-Madonna tal-Vittorja'.

Roderick Theuma

Sep 7th 2010, 14:25

Ara vera missejtu l qiegh !!!! Shame on you !!!

D Calleja

Sep 7th 2010, 14:13

Jien naqbel mad-decizjoni. Ir-relazzjoni ta dawn il-vittmi mal-festa kienet biss wahda finanzjajra u xejn aktar. Il-Bambina, San Pawl, Santa Marija... lilhom ma kinietx tghamilhom differenza, l-importanti li jithalsu tax-xoghol li qed jghamlu.

Toqodux tghidu ghax qeghdin igibu l'ewwel l'interess kummerjali quddiemom! Kullhadd jaf li llum il-flus jigu l-ewwel u qabel kollox.. Malta u Ghawdex!!

L. Sultana

Sep 7th 2010, 14:00

These people who lost their lives, left us doing what they probably loved doing the most. If they didn't love fireworks and their job, they probably wouldn't have risked their lives daily. I think that the victims would want the festa to continue in Xaghra. They, like most others involved in festi and fire works probably lived for festi. Obviously I can't speak on their behalf and I'm sure their family know better but that's just what I imagine. To the families involved, thinking of you.

Mike F Abbot

Sep 7th 2010, 13:59

What i find incredible is that we’ve had 6 big explosions in the past 9 months with tragic loss of life.

It saddens me to read people dismiss this with excuses like ‘it happens elsewhere in the world’ – as though that is a reason to ignore 6 big explosions on this small island within a year. There are comments that refer to the Dutch firework tragedy but seem to miss the point that it happened over a decade ago with no repeat disasters. The Dutch people reacted and authorities made wide scale changes to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
In three and a half decades of sectarian violence, the IRA only once managed to match the number of explosions Malta & Gozo has seen in such a short period of time. Politics prevailed and ended the bloodshed.

6 explosions & loss of life. People are still making petty excuses and NOBODY with power or influence is doing anything about it. No politics. No public uproar. Only excuses.
This is not terrorism. It’s worse. It will continue and you have to be incredibly naive to think it won’t.

Peppi grech

Sep 7th 2010, 13:57

Ghalfejn dan il-qrid kollu jekk issirx jew le il-festa.

Ejjew niehdu AZZJONI u nghatu risposta ghal min irrid xorta jiccelebra il-festa billi minflok immorru il-festa ,matul il-gurnata ta' ghada , immorru nghidu ftit talb ghal ruh dawn in-nies , fil-knisja tal-Fontana li tant kienu jhobbu.

V.Sultana

Sep 7th 2010, 13:05

Sur Laurence Bonello biex trid iddahhak - bil-video tat- 2008? Ahna qedin fis sena 2010 jekk ghadek ma tafx! Vera issa li ma baqax xi tghidu ghax issa waqajtu fil-hama.
Malajr tigi din il-mistoqsija :Tghid din kollha GHIRA? Jista' jkun !!!!!!!
Mhux ahjar flok ma nakkuzaw niftakru fihom fit-talb taghna milli nibqu sejrin bil-batti bekki. Dawn issa hekk ghandhom bzonn - mhux hafna paroli jew issir jew ma ssirx il-festa.

Joseph Mizzi

Sep 7th 2010, 13:01

Kif nista’ nieħu ġost bil-logħob tan-nar? Qed inħallsu prezz għoli wisq għal ftit pjaċir: il-ħajja ta’ min jaħdmu u l-inkwiet u n-niket tal-familjari tagħhom.

Imma nistħajjel min jgħidli, x’nistgħu nagħmlu aħna? In-nar ma jaħdmuhx f’ġieħ il-qaddis imma sforz in-namra lejn dan id-delizzju perikoluż. Dawk li jaħdmu n-nar huma iffissati, u kif jgħid il-Malti, l-għada li titrabba fiha, il-kefen biss ineħħiha.

Tassew, imma int u jien nistgħu nagħmlu xi ħaġa biex ma nkunux kompliċi fil-qtil ta’ irġiel oħra fix-xhur u s-snin li ġejjin. Jekk tassew nemmnu fil-valur tal-ħajja umana, u jekk konvinti li l-qaddisin fis-sema m’għandhomx bżonn l-istorbju u l-kuluri tal-logħob tan-nar, nistgħu nipproteġu l-ħajja billi ma nagħtu ebda kontribut finanzjarju, lanqas ċenteżmu! Meta jiġu jiġbru għan-nar, l-għażla f’idejna.

Min irid jixtri l-mewt, jixtriha bi flusu.

martin chetcuti

Sep 7th 2010, 12:46

L'Awtoritajiet ta'Xaghra qeghdin igibu l'ewwel l'interess kummerjali quddiemom u mela l'gieh lejn il Patruna. Nahseb ghal min jemmen il-Madonna luttu tkun trid wara tragedja bhal din u mhux Festa....Insomma Paganizmu fl'aqwa tieghu.

Mandy farrugia

Sep 7th 2010, 12:45

what does democracy have to do with respect?.......if this accident happened in another way i still believe that external feasts should be cancelled casue we are dealing with families that are going through the worst thing possible, why cannot we show some empathy!!!. The church is truly shining with hypocracy well done!!!

John Hili

Sep 7th 2010, 12:29

Il-kmamar tan-nar li splodew u qatlu lil hutna maltin, kollha kienu qed jahdmu nar ghal xi festa jew ohra ta Malta. Biex kull min kiteb qabli jinghata ragun, jien nissugerixxi li il-festi esterni kollha ta Malta u Ghawdex jithassru kollha ghal futur u ma nibqghux 'nilghabu aktar man-nar'. Il-mejtin u l-familji taghhom huma kollha Maltin u Ghawdxin u b'hekk inkunu qed nuru solidarjeta mal-pajjiz kollu. Nahseb li hadd ma jixtieq jara iktar vittmi ta kmamar tan-nar!

Vincent Galea

Sep 7th 2010, 12:22

Sometimes I feel as though we speak a different language,
We are all responsible to each other.
This is true even when we are in our most passionate disagreements.

May their souls bask in the light of the Creator.

Stanley Joe Portelli

Sep 7th 2010, 12:19

It is abominable that in the name of the dead one insults the living. So please while airing your views show respect and choose carefully the words you use. I am very sorry that for some every news item is a rush to judge and smite the church and its authorities. I really expect much more! There is always room for discussion but there is no room for rattle.

Joseph Micallef

Sep 7th 2010, 12:17

Bla dubju, din hija tragedja, l-istess bhal l-ohrajn li graw. Pero ghalfejn nissagrifikaw il hajja ta bniedem ghal gih il-Patrun? Tahsbu li l-qaddies jiggudikana mill-ammont ta beraq u baraxxijiet li naharqu ma tul il-festa? Meta il-knisja tghidilna li ghandna nitbedu mill-affariiet materjali tal-hajja ghaliex il-kurja ma tibdiex hi l-ewwel u tordna li l-festi ghandhom isiru minajr nar? Il-Knisja biss ghanda l-poter li twaqqaf dawn it-tragedji u l-ebda politikant.

R. Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 11:56

The feast should not be cancelled. Xaghra has nothing to do with it and had no influence a all to ensure that all legal obligations and safety precautions have been met. Bloggers please vent your frustration and anger on who was actually responsible. Well done Xaghra for not succumbing to these silly arguments.

Mark J. Magri

Sep 7th 2010, 11:41

I,fully.do not agree with the Parish Priest and all the people of Xaghra to continue celebrating
the Feast of their own Parish.As far as I know,the church always preaches the love and solidariety with those who experience a personal tradgedy or a mishap of all sort.
So,why the Xaghar community with the Holy Blessing of their Parish Priest agreed to continue with the celebrations while others are in weeping in deep sorrow for the great tragedy which struck their family....What a shame and disgusting!!...so surely Our Lady in Heaven
is not happy in Her Birthday towards this behavour and lack of solidarity.
What a disgrace coming from the same clergy who insist upon us to Love our neighbour and overall to love Our Lady in Heaven...

S. Said

Sep 7th 2010, 11:33

We are ALL living in a Democratic country, aren't we? No one should impose anything on anyone. Those who want to show respect are free to do so in their own ways. Those who wish to celebrate the feast of their Patron Saint should be free to do so aswell.

No one is celebrating the deaths.

John Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2010, 11:31

The Xaghra feast should continue as usual. However, as a sign of respect, the fireworks should not take place this year and this will show utmost respect.

Michael Grech

Sep 7th 2010, 11:30

So this is what the 'value of life' is all about?!

A.Busuttil

Sep 7th 2010, 11:18

Kif ma tisthix Mons?
mid divorzju biss tibzghu
din x'sensitivita hi?
Dear Bishop where are you, usually you are on the front, or are you preparing for the funeral, I am sure it will be a great show with lots of people crying

Andre Sultana

Sep 7th 2010, 11:11

Nies kiku tafu kem edin tamlu ragunament bla sens!! al lia raguni ma tkomplix il festa tax xaghra! il kamra li taret ma kinitx tax xaghra! ix xaghra kelna in nar mahzun andom u vera kin et jinhadem xi nar alina!
mela ibqaw iraguna kif et tiragunaw! u moru qudim il kurja protestaw talli fil waqt li taru dawk il kmamar tan nar kolla go malta il festi l ohrajn baqaw addejin.. min jaf kem kin inxtara nar min diversi kmamar li splodew.
hlif il festi tar rahal fejn saret l ispluzjoni ma waqfux,,, mela alfjen ix xaghra anda twaqaf il festa?

P. Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 11:09

Dan l-argument ghax mhux mix-xaghra mghandux x'jaqsam. Mela allura kull min mhux mir-rahal tieghi ghandi nigi naqa u nqum minnu. U ejja. Dan hu il-kattolicizmu li ghandha il-knisja taghna???? Sewwa naghmel jien u ma natix kaz dak li tghid. Alla jinsab kullimkien u il-knisja ghamluha in-nies tad-dinja ghal finijiet taghhom. Mela issa jekk jghidulu biex iqaddsilhom il-quddiesa imissu jghidilhom le ghax mhumiex mix-xaghra. Vera bla sens u imisshom jisthu. Il-kurja fejn jaqblilha titkellem, istituzzjoni ghal flus biss din. Iridu in-nies isegwuwhom imbaghad l-aghar eghmil ikun dejjem tal-knisja. Ma tisthux ticcelebraw wara dawk in-nies mejta.

Maria Vella

Sep 7th 2010, 11:05

I have to repeat myself. We are just a bunch of hypocrites. I was disgusted yesterday evening to hear somebody from the Xaghra organisation commitee comment on the local TVM news bulletin of 8.00pm that since the victims are not from his parish and their relationship is purely one of business, then it does not matter and the feast will go on. On a small island like Gozo where all know each other, I would have expected more solidarity. A case of brotherly love in true Christian spirit Eh? I bet that there will be many crying at the funeral of this incident. Crocodile tears, a circus, a typical show. Shame!

L.Azzopardi

Sep 7th 2010, 10:48

Il-verita hi li l-poplu Malti qed juri aktar solidarjeta ma' dawk li mietu minn dawk l-istess nies li ordnaw in-nar...

Għax mhux mix-Xagħra.....dan x'raġunament hu!!? Bħalikieku traġedja bħal din marbuta ma fruntieri!! Dan bis-serjeta jew?!!!

P Brincat

Sep 7th 2010, 10:39

I think it's disgusting to continue with the celebrations. Kurja shame on you all, no one realised that 6 people died.

PETER MUSCAT

Sep 7th 2010, 10:34

The title indicates that the parish priest and people of Xaghra are insensitive to a huge tragedy and loss of life. Since the fireworks were going to be used during the Xaghra feast there is a direct nexus and not as reported that 'the victimes were not from Xaghra: insensitivity at its worst! Is this Christianity or paganism? And what has the Gozitan Bishop to say! His silence is of great concern to us Chrsitians.

Jason Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 10:19

Sur Arcipriet - jalla xi darba tirrealizza l-hsara li qed taghmel lill-Knisja. Jaqaw ma qrajthiex l-Ittra Pastorali li hareg l-Isqof ta' Ghawdex dwar is-solidarjeta'?

Joseph E Briffa

Sep 7th 2010, 09:41

In my opinion, this is all a matter of business. If the external celebrations are cancelled, then there would be less people drinking beer and eating hot dogs and the kazini would lose business. Most people are not interested in the celebrations inside the church, they leave that part to the elderly. The main celebration of these village feasts is the marcijiet where people drink, jump like monkeys, use foul and insulting language and shout abuse at rival band clubs. This in essence is the traditional village festa in Malta and Gozo. It's a sheer saturnalia and bacchanalia. No wonder that the celebrations go on. The six deceased are not from Xaghra after all.

S. Caruana

Sep 7th 2010, 09:40

First of all I would like to point out that I am not a fan of feasts and never attend.
However I would like to point out one argument that came to my mind while browsing through the comments.

All those bloggers who want the feast to stop should stop and reflect. Did they ever think that most feasts are still held when in the world there are daily tragedies? Aren't these people too??? Is it a time to celebrate when thousands are suffering daily from floods, earthwakes, war, etc...

Should the feast continue now that the PM's father has died. Shouldn't we show a sign of respect too. And as for the case of Mr. Gonzi it could be for any tom, dick or harry.

I ask one to stop and reflect.

Life goes on and to be honest i would like that when i die, people celebrate my life and not cry my death.

Mario Cassar

Sep 7th 2010, 09:37

Tal-misthija..... u dan it-ton solenni li maghruf ghalih dan l-arcipriet aktar jirrabjani.Dawn il-hbieb taghna mietu ghax kienu qed izommu n-nar ta Xaghra. Ghala ta Xaghra ma ghamlux bhal haddiehor u nar hadduh fl-ghalqa tal-hruq kif pratikament jaghmel kulhadd!!!! Kieku ma kienx hemm dak l-ammont ta nar forsi ma kinux imutu 5 u sitt wiehed imdendel!! Vera nuqqas ta rispett! Ghax bhal li kieku mix-xaghra mir-rabat jew post iehor mux xorta !!! Mietu bi nar ta festa u l-festa xorta ha isir??????? ma nistax nemmen kif il-knisja tirmetti dan kollu! Ma setax sar pelligrinagg f'nhar il-festa u daqshekk? .... jew hekk il-take aways u bars ta xaghra ma kinux idawru lira???

George Camilleri

Sep 7th 2010, 09:35

I feel most of the comments on the decision "Xaghra Feast to be held as usual" are nothing short of the same devastation in life and property caused by the Faireworks' Factory blow up tragedy at Gharb.
Pointing fingers at persons, getting angry, using harsh words, sponaneous judgements, accusations and generalisation, have not helped, but rather worsened the situation. However, I feel there is a common undercurrent formed by ordinary people, committees, officials and authorities, where all are concerned and want the best way of proceedings.
The festive programme could be pruned, daily remembrance prayers for the victims and their relatives could be included in the Church functions. Dancing and any sort of fireworks during processions could be prohibited. A prayerful atmosphere mingled with a mourning spirit for the victims and solidarity with their relatives should prevail during all inside and outside celebrations.
Indeed, a tragedy has happened. We are all somehow affected. In such situations, let us all be positive in our thinking and constructive in helping authorities in taking proper and meaningful decisions.

Richard Galea

Sep 7th 2010, 09:31

Dear Fr. Refalo,
Your comments sound of parochialism. The "Church exists to evangelize " (Evangelii Nuntiandi) and not to celebrate titular feasts. So your comment about " mature solidarity on the 5th." are totally irrelevant. Going by the reaction of the Times readers below a lot of damage has been done to the Church's evangelic message.

H Mifsud

Sep 7th 2010, 09:25

IT SEEMS THAT IT HAS BECOME NORMAL TO BE INSENSITIVE OR MORE SO INSANE!

GJ Buttigieg

Sep 7th 2010, 09:25

What a callous community you must live in Father - 5 persons lost their lives to provide for your pagan festa and no amount of money they were paid to do this. Xaghra must be a really cold place to live in - Shame on you

A. Grima

Sep 7th 2010, 09:25

Gozo = Banana Republic

Lawrence Bonello

Sep 7th 2010, 09:19

Din ic-"celebrazzjoni ta'talb u solidarjeta' ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=643tbo87HHw&feature=related

David Caruana

Sep 7th 2010, 09:17

"Paganism describes a group of contemporary religions based on a reverence for nature. These faiths draw on the traditional religions of indigenous peoples throughout the world.

-Wiccans, Druids, Shamans, Sacred Ecologists, Odinists and Heathens all make up parts of the Pagan community.

-Some groups concentrate on specific traditions or practices such as ecology, witchcraft, Celtic traditions or certain gods.

-Most Pagans share an ecological vision that comes from the Pagan belief in the organic vitality and spirituality of the natural world.

-Due to persecution and misrepresentation it is necessary to define what Pagans are not as well as what they are. Pagans are not sexual deviants, do not worship the devil, are not evil, do not practice 'black magic' and their practices do not involve harming people or animals."

Please stop comparing such actions to Pagans.

Such actions can only be called SELFISH

Gejtu Cassar

Sep 7th 2010, 09:14

Fejna il kurja????? Tafu tisthu min dak li tipridkaw fuqu IPOKRITI. Nitolbu ghal ruhom u ghal min jihu id decizjonijit foloz....

Gino Caruana

Sep 7th 2010, 08:42

JEKK IN-NIES TAX-XAGHRA VERU IDDISPJACIJHOM FUQ LI GARA GHANDHOM MA'JIEHDUX SEHEM FIL_FESTA.............................

J. M. Vella

Sep 7th 2010, 08:13

Biex niftaħru li tagħna l-aqwa nar, anke jekk ma nħadimx min-nies tar-raħal, nkunu tal-ewwel... imma imbagħad f'każ bħal dan noqgħodu nsibu ix-xagħra fl-għaġina u nġibu skużi għax ġie maħdum x'imkien ieħor. Paganiżmu sfrenat. L-aqwa li naqbżu fit-toroq, nixorbu il-birra u nieklu il-hot dogs!

J Camilleri

Sep 7th 2010, 08:07

This is unbelievable, is the feast more important than the lives of 6 people? Shame on the organisers, especially when considering the fact that these people were doing you a favour by storing your fireworks. This is called paganism!!! How can you celebrate at a time like this!!!! You really should be ashamed of yourselves.

Freda Busuttil

Sep 7th 2010, 08:05

Shame on the person interviewed on TVM during the evening news. A 'Who Cares!' attitude ! How cold and shameful! What a caring message! Tal misthija.

J. Refalo

Sep 7th 2010, 07:56

Fejn hu r-rispett lejn il-familji tal-vittmi!? In-nies tax-Xaghra imissom jisthu u l-Kuria l-istess! Hija skuza bla qalb li ma jikkancellawx il-festa ghaliex il-vittmi mhumiex mix-Xaghra! Bhal li kieku n-nar li sploda ma kienx ghall-festa tax-Xaghra!!

david debono

Sep 7th 2010, 07:49

ma tahsibx li hadt decizzjoni hazina, anzi hafna hazina.pellegrinag bir-ruzarju u jithassar il-marc ta' filghodu ma kienx ikun ahjar jew gralek bhal ma gara lil pilatu w beza' mil-folla. hemm min ghandu hsieb li jinzebah bil-blu waqt il-marc ta' filghjodu meta l'ahmar tad-dmija ghadu frisk. dwar in-nar x'rispett hemm li mhux ha jinharaq mhux bil-fors jekk nahseb spicca kollu mal-ispluzzjoni. jekk tbaxxi rasek w isir festa b'mod aktar devot bhal ma sar ir-rahal taghna fil-mosta tkun urejt pass ghaqli ferm u fl'ahhar premju tiehu zgur. nahseb hemm tkun jum il-vittorja ghax jkun rebah il-mohh u mhux il-qalb. naghti l-kondoljanzi lil famiji kollha li intlaqtu min din id-dizgrazzja.

Nataly Muscat

Sep 7th 2010, 07:40

Xaghra ppl you should be ashamed!!! and Curia you should be more ashamed to not speak up and tell xaghra ppl to stop the feast....6 gozitans have died...there is no reason to celebrate...wake up....

P. Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 07:20

Sa certu punt nemmen li il-festi esterni m'ghandhomx isiru pero nigi ukoll bejn haltejn. Waqt li wiehed ma tantx jista jhossu li ghandu jiccelebra minn naha l-ohra hemm ammont ta nies ohra li jippreparaw ghal festa bl-istess sagrificcju li mghandhomx x'jaqsmu man-nar u li jkunu qed jistennew il-festa biex il-business taghhom jiehu spinta bhal ma huma il-bars tal-pjazza u kazini, kiosks etc. Ma nahsibx li kull darba li ittir kamra tan-nar ghandhom ibatu dawn in-nies ukoll ghax ghal hafna huwa hobzhom. Nahseb hija sikkina taqta minn zewg nahat. Forsi kieku l-ahjar soluzzjoni tkun li il-festa issir xorta gewwa u barra imma ghall-inqas bhala sinjal ta rispett jitnaqqsu xi haga mic-celebrazzjonijiet, forsi xi cikcifogu jew xi marc.

martin chetcuti

Sep 7th 2010, 07:13

Xi skuza tajjba min-nies ta'Xaghra u l'Arcipriet . Naghmlu l'FESTA ghax il-vittmi Ghawdxin m'humiex mix-Xaghra u jew ghax fil-FESTA ha nitolbu ghalihom. Dawn jafu x'inhu rispett lejn min miet fi tragedja, jafu li rispett f'kazi bhal dawn ma jigix billi niccelebraw b'Festa. Din mhux tradizzjoni jew mhabba lejn il-Madonna izda EGOIZMU U PAGANIZMU fl-aqwa tieghu.

Carmel Saliba

Sep 7th 2010, 07:06

ID-DRITT TAD-DECIZJONI JEKK ISSIRX IL-FESTA ESTERNA HI TAX-XAGHRIN.

MA NINSEWX LI DAN KAZ PARTIKULARI PERESS LI IL HAZNA TAN-NAR KIENET KWAZI KOLLHA GHAL FESTA TAL-BAMBINA.

MA NINSEWX LI KIEKU KELLU JGHADDI FTIT TAL-HIN OHRA SETGHU MIETU NIES MIX-XAGHRA PERESS LI HAFNA NAR KIEN LEST GOT-TRAKKIJIET BIEX JIGI TRASPORTAT GHAX-XAGHRA.

NITLOB LI MIN HU RESPONSABBLI MIL-FESTA JERGA LURA MID-DECIZJONI LI HA.

JEW GHALLINQAS JAQTA IL-MARC TAL-HDAX U L-MARC TA' L-AHHAR.

MA NISTGHUX MA INHOSSUX GHAL PERSUNI INVULUTI F'DIN ID-DIZGRAZZJA LI LAQTET L-ART GHAWDXIJA META SUPPOST QED INQIMU LIL-BAMBINA.

Crocefissa Grima

Sep 7th 2010, 03:29

I am extremely disappointed at the people of Xaghra and the Archipriet Carm Refalo that it was decided to have the feast after what happen on Sunday. It was also very disappointing to hear that the feast was being held because the victims were not from Xaghra. Where is the respect for human life? What about Christianity. There is a lot a preaching but when it comes down to it there is no practice.
Sorry to hear about all of the victims and the families. I wish the people of Xaghra had a little more respect for human life. The committees that decided to have things as normal with the exception of fireworks because they do not have firework because it was destroyed should be embarrassed. Where is the honor and respect to human life?
The religious part of the feast could have been held but no Marches.

Shame on all who made this wrong decided.

steve sultana

Sep 7th 2010, 02:28

L-ewwel haga nixtieq naghti l-kondoljanzi lill-familja Farrugia.
Jien nahseb li d-decizjoni ta l-arcipriet kienet wahda GUSTA. Vera li din kienet tragedja kbira hafna pero x-Xaghra xorta wriet gest sabih billi dakinhar filghaxija thassar kollox.
Assolutament ma naqbilx ma dawn il-kummenti kontra din id-decizjoni li ttiehdet. Qed taghmlu hafna hsara!!!!!!!!!!

C Galea

Sep 7th 2010, 01:51

Xaghra feast to be held as usual -

Celebrating what? Death?

Show some respect!!

J. Mercieca

Sep 7th 2010, 01:35

What we all should protest about is not whether Xaghra should do the feast or not but if we should eliminate fireworks from feasts.
Attacking the Xaghra Priest won't solve any issues but if we all join hands like we are doing to attack the Xaghra Feast Committee, to make these dam firework factories illegal there won't be another tragedy like the one that just happened.
So stop criticizing and start working maybe in the end we eliminate dangers from what should be a celebration.
May the victims rest in peace, God be with their families in this time of sorrow.

godwin chircop

Sep 7th 2010, 00:34

FESTA B MATURITA
FESTA B TIMBRU SPIRITWALI
FESTA LI SSIR B CELEBRAZJONI TA TALB U SOLIDARJETA U B DINJITA
l ispiritwalita kienet tkun jekk wiehed jiftakar illi l festa interna hi l aktar importanti u billi ghal sena wahda ma sirx dik esterna ma jkun gara xejn.ma ntihx tort lil Mgr Refalo. nixtieq namel suggeriment lil kumitat biex f kazi bhal daw jahtru persuna li ghanda daqsxejn P.R. biex jidher fuq stazjon nazzjonali f isimhom

Mark Galea

Sep 6th 2010, 23:50

Jien, fl-opinjoni tieghi, l-festa esterna ghandha ssir, ovvjament bi ftit aktar attenzjoni. Ikun ahjar li fi snin li gejjin, il-festi jsiru bla murtali. Hekk nevitaw tragedji bla bzonn. Pero li kull darba li jinqala xi haga, irid jitwaqqaf kollox mhux sewwa. Ara kemm kien hemm nies li m'ghandomx x'jaqsmu man-nar, kemm kien ilhom jippreparaw?

Doris Mizzi

Sep 6th 2010, 23:14

@ K Said.
It's shameful that the Xghara feast will be held as usual but it is even more disappointing to know that people like you seem to be relieved that the feast is not cancelled and the programme of 8th Septmember is followed as planned. Respect and deep sorrow for lost members of the same family should be the sentiments to be expressed here. I am also disappointed by the attitude of the Xghara parish priest, he should have cancelled the feast as a sign of respect to the loss of these fireworks victims.

Anthony Mizzi

Sep 6th 2010, 22:44

Just no respect! Saw the 8:00 p.m. news and felt totally disgusted at the decision for the Xaghra feast to be held a usual.

Is there no compassion left for our fellow men, fellow Gozitans at such a tragedy with a decision to hold the feast ,that shook the island more than the explosion did?

P. Camilleri

Sep 6th 2010, 22:21

I believe that the arcpriest was pushed to take the decision by the organising comitee. Suspension of the external celebratios has always been the norm in these cirsumstances, not to mention the number of victims and their contibution to the feasts. if anyone asks for the proof of the above just watch the interview of Reno Bugeja in TVM news. Shame.

Norman Vella

Sep 6th 2010, 21:57

While you were busy discussing, an immense car-cade (over a hundred cars, for sure), equipped with horns and loud music, has just passed through Mqabba, Qrendi, Kirkop and other villages celebrating the conclusion of Zurrieq’s village feast. Time: approx 9p.m.
Il-karkejd tax-xalata jghidulha!
As if it wasn’t enough that all of us living in these neighbouring villages had to endure a whole week of bum bum bang at all times of the day and night.
But how on earth can those who have no respect for fellow festa enthusiasts have respect for us common folks?
This is BULLYING at its best but for the police and for the state its business as usual.

chris cachia

Sep 6th 2010, 21:47

Bishop.... Curia ... hello where are you?

ryan said

Sep 6th 2010, 21:35

META TARET TAL MOSTA GHAX SARU L FESTI TA L IMQABBA QRENDI MGARR HAL GHAXAQ ATTARD U GUDJA??????????????????????????? DIN IL KAMRA TAN NAR KIENET PRIVATA MA KINITX TA XI SOCJETA MIX XAGHRA. JIEN MINIEX MIX XAGHRA IMMA NAHSEB LI L ARCIPRIET TA DAN IR RAHAL MA HUWIEX ZBALJAT U NAHSEB LI HADD MA JZOMM NAR BI PJACIRI TA XEJN !!!!!

joe vella

Sep 6th 2010, 21:07

pl note that i was disgusted by the attitude of the person interviewed today on tvm s 8pm news. what was all that shrugging and lip pursing about? why denigrate the tragedy when fellow Gozitans passed away..........although they were from a different village there is no palce to say that they had nothing to dow ith you. they took the risk for you. In fact the ews features said that Ninu was doing someone a favour and keeping all that stuff in the factory rather than in containers on hilltops. I was disgusted to hear and see this person s attitude. shame on you and all ppl in yr village who are of the same idea.
@deo catania: with that attitude of so what??? fireworks factories blow up anyday?????!!!!!! what would you say if it were yr own family involved or a really close friend? or maybe you don t have any????????????

Jennifer Cosaitis

Sep 6th 2010, 20:55

Has the parish priest got no shame?

Adrian Sciberras

Sep 6th 2010, 20:32

ma naqbel xejn ma dan li sar, qas naqbel ma kif tkellem il-Kaxxier fuq l-ahbarijiet ta'stazzjon partikolari. mela ghax persuna ma kinietx mix-xaghra issir xorta l-Festa? riedet tkun xi membru ta' Kumitat jew helper, u riedet tkun Kamra propjeta' ta xi kazin jew ghaqda ohra tal-Festa? Jien naraha decizzjoni li kella tidhol il-Kurja fiha. imutu 4 persuni li kienu jahdmu privat, xorta wahda kellu jsir luttu bhal ma saru f'bliet u rhula ohra Maltin matul din is-sena. ma naqbel XEJN ma dak li sar u ma kif tkellem il-Kaxxier anke meta f'certu mistoqsijiet meta gie dahru mal-hajt qal li ma jistghax iwiegeb.. ma jwegibx mistoqsija bhal: ' minn kemm kmamar ohra maltin xtrajtu nar, ghax int ordnajtom' jghid li dak qed jghidu l-gurnalist? skuzawni ser nghida... imma dawn huma kliem iebsa li jweggaw hafna qlub specjalment nies vicin u familjari tal-vitmi

mike galea

Sep 6th 2010, 20:09

L-arcipriet ghallimna li hi 'maturita' kbira' li l-festa giet sospiza ghal JUM wiehed minhabba dit-tragedja. Pero l-festa xorta se ssir (bla nar, ghax diga' splodut)
Li tghid li fi zmien il-festa, quddiem tragedja tali b'erba' vittmi u possibli iktar, tragedja marbuta mal-festa esterna tax-Xaghra, johrog l-arcipriet ighid li hi maturita' kbira li l-festa giet sospiza ghal JUM WIEHED, pero kollox se jsir mill-bqija hlief in-nar (li ovvjament diga' sploda), ma tinftiehemx.
Jekk din tissejjah 'maturita' kbira', kif tkun 'immaturita'?
Personalment, din iktar tidher nuqqas ta' sensittivita' u spirtu Kristjan.
Kemm hu facli li naqsmu s-simpatiji taghna lejn il-vittmi bil-paroli sbieh.
Forsi tajjeb ighidu barra minn artna: 'money talks and money walks'!

S Vella

Sep 6th 2010, 19:50

Skond il media in Nar li kien hemm fil kamra li splodiet kien qieghed jinzamm hemm bi pjacir ghall parrocca tax-Xaghra. Allura jekk hu hekk Sur Arcipriet ( u anki kieku ma kienx) X qalb ghandkom int u il kumitat tieghek li tghamlu il-festa xorta wahda? Anzi intom l-Ghawdxin suppost imsemmijin ghall kemm intom insara u kemm thobbu lill ghawdxin bhalkom. Tal misthija li wara tragedja bhall din tibqa ghaddej bil festi hlief ghall march zghir li hassartu fil 5 ta settembru..TAL-MISTHIJA U PAGANIZMU SFRENAT

Darren J. Galea

Sep 6th 2010, 19:32

The church is silent on this matter. Why do you think that is? Regardless of comments from the likes of A.tabone and his fellow pyromanicas, I feel that the Church's silence on this matter bearing in mind the huge role they play in these matters, is deafening.

Is the best they can do is use a pompous clueless Monsignor to cover for them? Families have been destroyed all in the name of some obscure saints, and the best the church can come up with is that the "Xaghra feast to be held as usual"?

Hardly surprising then that the church is losing it's grip. Well deserved if you ask me.

V. Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 19:25

Tajjeb jinghad li n-nar ghall-festa tax-Xaghra kien ga lest u mghobbi fit-trakkijiet. In-nar li kien qed jinhadem kien ghall-festa tax-Xlendi.
L-Arcipriet u l- knisja m'ghandhom x'jaqsmu xejn. mghandniex nippuntaw subghajna lejn hadd ghax hemm tlieta jippuntaw lejna!!!!!!! Id-decizjonijiet mhux l-Arcipriet biss jehodhom.

Stefan Attard

Sep 6th 2010, 19:04

Let's pray the Virgin Mary to enlighten our minds and to act mature!! xaghra is showing respect, with ongoing prayers at the basilica during different services like previous years. Definition of what one call an exemplar festa!!!

Demos

Sep 6th 2010, 18:55

Accident kbir vera, izda memx ghalfejn jikancellaw il-festa tax-Xaghra, ghax f'dak il-kas nistew nibdew nalqghu l-affarijit kull darba li jkun hemm accident tat-traffic.

Naghmlu effort biex nnaqsu ic-cans li jkun hawn accidenti ohra bhal dawn, u noffru il-kondolenzi taghna lil familjari taghhom.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Sep 6th 2010, 18:50

I have just been informed in a private message by a certain Gozitan gentleman, that my comments earlier had hurt his feelings and that I should be ashamed at what I'd written.

According to him, since neither the victims nor the factory were from Xaghra, there was absouletly no reason why the feast should be cancelled, and as such, he told me, in no uncertain way, that I was talking nonsense and that he expected an apology...

Well..as I see it, Gozo has lost 4 of its children, and no matter which village they resided in, 4 tragic deaths in a small community is nothing less than a national tragedy. I once again state that I am of the opinion that not cancelling the feast was callous and unsensitive, and goes against the grain of solidarity.

ENjoy your beer whilst dancing joyfully around!

dominic vella

Sep 6th 2010, 18:49

The farrugia factory was only rented by the Xaghra Community to hold the freworks in question as permitted by law in their trucks. However commercial work was still going on in the factory by the workers for another feast. Somehing terrible happened and the factory blew off with the consequence that the Xaghra fireworks stored in the factory blew off as well , after the first explosion in the factory. As a sign of respect and condolence to the families concerned the outdoor festivities were cancelled on Thursday evening. Can you blame the Archpriest for holding the feast as usual. In my personal opinion he did the right thing.

A. Vassallo

Sep 6th 2010, 18:08

Is the importation of the material used for the manufacturing of fireworks controlled by anyone? Or is it free for all? Is it the duty of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority or of the Malta Standards Authority that should inspect what we are importing? Do we have experts to perform these checks?

Can somebody from these Authorities or any other authority, in that case, enlighten us who is responsible to see that these checks are done so that tragic accidents like these do not keep repeating themselves?

We need answers and quick please.

J. Mifsud

Sep 6th 2010, 18:03

I urge the people of Xaghra to boycott all external festivities, at least out of respect to the victims' families.

Although the victims were not from Xaghra, Gozo is definitely considered as one big town.

Xaghrin, show whoever decided that it's business as usual that you have feelings, and respect comes before anything else.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Sep 6th 2010, 18:02

Why is this a Xaghra issue? Perhaps ALL celebrations in ALL localities should have been cancelled: there is no logic in Xaghra being singled out, in the circumstances.

C.Muscat

Sep 6th 2010, 17:57

The feast should have been cancelled. Out of respect. This should have nothing to do with money spent and everything to do with showing some real respect for the people who lost their lives and their families. I expected more from our Archpriest and our village locals. The feast is celebrated each year, there is always next year. These people's lives have ended forever. I feel that is worthy of canceling this year's celebrations.

C.Muscat

Sep 6th 2010, 17:57

The feast should have been cancelled. Out of respect. This should have nothing to do with money spent and everything to do with showing some real respect for the people who lost their lives and their families. I expected more from our Archpriest and our village locals. The feast is celebrated each year, there is always next year. These people's lives have ended forever. I feel that is worthy of canceling this year's celebrations.

kate spiteri

Sep 6th 2010, 17:51

iz-zejtun xahar qabel il festa splodiet il kamra ta narh u ghall bniedem wiehed biss thassret il festa. mela kemm ghandha aktar ma ssirx din il festa ghall erba' vittmi u tnejn jilghabuha mal-mewt.

@ C. Debono
Il maltin x kellek xi tridhom mela ghawdex biss jinsabu l qaddissin. Imbaghad ghawdex trid qisu distrett wihed ghalhekk kollha familja wahda

Josef Cristiano

Sep 6th 2010, 17:47

i just heard the comments of the Arcipriet tax-Xaghra.....only one word to say...UNBELIEVABLE !! He said 'b'mod konkret u matur hafna (twice he said this).....thassar il marc'....WOW...x'sagrificcju dan!! Tal-misthija. 'Avolja mux mix-Xaghra qal' !!! by the way, il festi sbieh u hafna Maltin ihobbuhom imma dan huwa nuqqas ta rispett. Missek tisthi sur Arcipriet - numru ta' familji gew imkissrin ghax kienu qed jamlulkom in-nar.

A. Mamo

Sep 6th 2010, 17:44

Jista xi hadd minn hawn taht jghidli fuq liema kriterju ghandha tithassar il-festa? Dawn il-vittmi, il-bambin jaghtihom il-glorja tal-genna, u dejjem jekk mhux sejjer zball (xi hadd jikkoregini fil-kaz u naghmel apologija) ma kienu qed jaghmlu l-ebda xoghol volontarju ghall-festa. Il-kaz totalment differenti minn tal-Mosta. Is-sogru li kienu qeghdin jiehdu l-vittmi, kienu qeghdin jiehduh ghalihom infushom, biex jaqilghu lira, u mhux BISS biex iferrhu l-kommunita' taghhom fil-festa. Biex inkun car, anke meta kien hemm kazi li waqt xoghol strutturali fil-kazin weggghu xi membri, saret mod ta' solidarjeta' mall-vittma billi thassru xi partijiet mill-festa. Ma kienet tghaddilu minn mohh hadd, li jithassar xi haga, li kieku x-xoghol li kien qed isir fil-kazin, flok membru kien qed jaghmlu xi kuntrattur. B'daqshekk ma jidhirlix li tkun qed tnaqqas mir-rispett tal-vittma jew familjari!

Sean Zammit

Sep 6th 2010, 17:35

I agree that all external celebrations in the locality of Xaghra should be cancelled and called off as a sign of respect towards the victims of this enormous tragedy!!! Its true that there were no Xaghra resident victims involved in this tragedy but it is also true that all the dead people in this accident were working for the Xaghra feast!!! Practically they died for the aforementioned feast!!! The Arcbishop and the Xaghra external committee should at least show some sort of respect and gratitude towards the families of the victims!!!

Moreover right now all Gozitan people and not are shocked and moved by this incredible tragedy!!! Everybody is still talking, investigating and asking about might have happened!!! The entire nation is a mourning state since the victims were very well known and respected by everyone!!! How on earth can the people of Xaghra think to celebrate, drink and be in a festive mood under such circumstances!!!

Its true that everybody is eager and anxious for his village feast...calling off a feast is not easy at all...however in this particular case maturity and common sense should prevail on anything else!!! After all are we Christians or not???

Charles J. Buttigieg

Sep 6th 2010, 17:34

Why do you lot keep insisting that our towns and villages feasts are a celebration to the respective patron Saint? They are not, they are only a pagan celebration, no more no less, and I’m excluding no town or village except for the religious part within the church.

Our Lady of Sorrows enjoys enormous spiritual devotion by practically everyone. On the day dedicated to ‘Il-Madonna tad –Duluri’ we give Our Lady our total respect and show our devotion by going to church, attending to a truly religious procession and do some penance. No African rituals at band marches, no qubbajd and definitely no kaxxi nfernali and trikitrakki.

And then comes Summer and the Church and the nice folk of St. Paul’s Bay decorate their church and main roads with pavaljuni, fairy lights and other rubbish. While the bands are playing and trikitrakki going the Devout Catholics paint their half naked bodies with blue war paint, drink alcohol in excessive quantities, munching on hotdogs and qubbjt tal festa and making fools of themselves with their pagan rituals. And this during the day dedicated to the same Lady of Sorrows.

Now does any of the latter make sense to_a_true_Roman_Catholic?

r.xiberras

Sep 6th 2010, 17:29

jin nahseb li l arciprit qal sew ghalkem il vittmi mhumix mix xghara xorta wrejna rispett u ma ghamilnix l aktar marc popolari, imma ma naqbilx li ghandna inwaqqfu il festa - hajitna tkompli tal mosta hasru kollox ghax l vittmi kienu mil mosta stess imma ahna ma ghandniex vittmi mhix xghara u xorta ma ghamilnix il marc nahseb li kien att matur li ma ghamilnix il marc imma nibqa insostni li ghandna dritt naghmlu il festa u ic celbrazzjoniet b mod dinjituz

L. Calleja

Sep 6th 2010, 17:25

Il-veru tal-misthija li l-festi esterni jsiru xorta wahda. Jien wisq nahseb li l-arcipriet ghandu l-pressure minn dawk l-erbgha delettanti tal-festa. Imma tal-misthija kif rispett lejn persuni hutna umani ma jiswa xejn. Nispera li l-festi Maltin jaghtu taghlima ta' xi tfisser soliderjeta mal-familja tal-mejtin billi inaqsu xi ftit mill-festi esterni taghhom.

Simon Zammit

Sep 6th 2010, 17:21

I respect Mgr Carm Refalo for all his good work and always will. However I understand he has been caught in between a very difficult situation and the final decition remains his. Not withstanding all of this I do not agree with his decition.

R.Camilleri

Sep 6th 2010, 17:18

L-ewwel net nixtieq nibda billi naghti l-kondoljanzi lill familjari tal-vittmi li hallewna ghall gieh tal-Madonna tal-Vittorja. Ix-xoghol taghhom perikuluz zgur kien qed isir ghall glorja tal-Madonna u dan Hi tafu zgur u tidhol ghalihom quddiem il-Mulej 'Alla taghna'. Nawgura lil vitmi l-ohra fejqan ha jkunu jistghu ikomplu mall - familjari taghhom. Nitolbu ghalihom Lil- Madonna li tant thobbna. Biss jien ma' naqbilx ma' dawk li qed jghidu li kella tithassar il-festa ghal kollox. Il-Kappillan u l-kumitat irragunaw tajjeb fejn qalu li din hija okkazzjoni ta' gabra flimkien quddiem il-Madonna biex niftakru f'dawn in-nies, il-purcissjoni issir xorta biss il-baned ikunu kawti bil-Marci taghhom. Ma'nhossx li xi hadd ghandu jghid x'ghandu jghamel il-kappillan/Arcipriet. Grazzi.

Joe Agius

Sep 6th 2010, 17:17

If I heard these comments coming out from someone else rather than a priest,I would still have been disappointed.Now I simply flabbergasted seeing and hearing them from a priest!!!.
So cancelling yesterday's programme (especially the big and popular march) was in itself an act of solidarity. I simply don't understand and can't believe what I've just heard.
To top that he said that these people were not from Xaghra and therefore it's justified to continue with the external feast.
Utter paganism.

A Balzan

Sep 6th 2010, 17:16

Nghid ghalija huma l-awtoritajiet li f'dan il-kaz iridu jiehdu l-mazz f'idejhom. Kellna wisq tragedji. Irridu nibdew naraw x'materjal qieghed jingieb minn barra u llum qabel ghada jinbena laboratorju fejn dan ikun ikkonfermat li huwa ta' livell qabel jintuza.

Mghandiex dubju li f'hafna mill-incidenti li graw dan l-ahhar kien hemm affarijiet li ma kienux fil-kontroll tad-dilettanti.

Dwar jekk kienx ikun xieraq li tithassar il-festa tax-Xaghra. Nahseb li iva. Izda biex inkunu gusti meta l-Mosta miet Mario Dimech is-Santa Marijiet lohra kollha saru !

v.Cassar

Sep 6th 2010, 17:09

Xhin tghid nazzjonali, qieghed tfisser li li l festi kollha madwar l pajjiz li ha jiccelebraw xi festa, ghandhom jisthassru?!??? forsi jien ma naqbilx man nar, allura ghalfejn m'ghandix ngawdi festa? While I show respects towards the victims, I strongly believe that is was their final decision to go in such evironments and they knew the risks. U ghal liema raguni tghidu li ghandha tithassar l festa tax Xaghra, sempliciment ghax kien hemm n nar mahzun hemm...Forsi kien hemm xi nar iehor li kien qieghed jinhadem u li certament ma kienx ghal festa tax xaghra!

T.Attard

Sep 6th 2010, 17:00

Once again the wrong decision has been taken - the XAGHRA external feast celebrations should have been all cancelled!!! What kind of celebrations will there be when all the island is shocked and all the people in all Gozitan villages are still stunned, struck, astonished and all the time talking about this tragedy!!! Its true that there were no Xaghra victims involved in the accident but the people who died yesterday were all preparing fireworks fo the Xaghra feast...they practically died for the aforementioned feast!!! All external celebrations should be cancelled immediately as a sign of respect and dignity!!! Gozo right now is in a mouring mood since the people involved in the tragedy were much known and loved therefore joyful celebrations right now are out of place!!! Shame on the Xaghra feast organizers and on Mgr Carm Refalo, who should set the example in primis!!!

K. Said

Sep 6th 2010, 16:53

It is a terrible tragedy, however due to a person's mistake should an entire village pay for his consequences?

After all what difference does it make if external celebrations are held or not... unfortunately they've passed now & nothing is going to bring them back. All we can do is pray for those who passed, pray for the 2 critical ones & most of all pray for their families...

J. Vella

Sep 6th 2010, 16:47

SHAME SHAME SHAME. L-Arcipriet qalina li dawk li mietu ma kellhomx x jaqsmu max-xaghra. Ftit ragun hemmek ghandu, imma il hames vittimi huma kollha ghawcin!!!!!! Din tisejjah tragedja Nazzjonali !!!! Kif tista ticcelbra festa b disgrazja bhal din!!!

@C Debono, immisek tisthi isemmi il flus b tragedja bhal din

joe portelli

Sep 6th 2010, 16:43

Maturita kbira urejtu , vera prosit. Il kultura Ghawdxija, la sewwa jien x'jimpurtani minn hadd iehor. X'differnza taghmel ghax mhux nies mix Xaghra ? Practice what you preach Sur Archipriet!

Geoffrey Mifsud Farrugia

Sep 6th 2010, 16:22

Hadd ma ghandu htija ta' dawn l-imwiet inutli jekk mhux dawk l-iffissati li mohhom biss fil-festa pagana u jghixu biss ghaliha. Li hu tal-misthija li tintuza l-knisja u qaddis patrun biex issir festa li llum saret iktar profana u pagana milli religjuza.

L-awtoritajiet tal-Knisja dan jafuh sew u ttiehdu mizuri biex kemm jista' jkun tigi protetta l-festa religjuza. Pero hadd mhu iblah - kulhadd jaf li llum l-qaddis jintuza biss bhala skuza biex issir festa, u festa fis-sens wiesgha tal-kelma - daqq, ikel, storbju, musketterija u cikcifogu, nies fis-sakra jitbellhu..hmieg, tfiegh tal-karti minghajr sens basta jithammgu partita toroq...insomma minn kollox.

Is-sabiha ta' dan kollu hi li tal-health and safety issibhom kulllimkien jikkontrollaw u jispezzjonaw sa l-inqas toqba u sewwa jaghmlu - pero fil-festa ma tarhom imkien u l-hnizrijiet fl-ikel u l-igjene li rajt isiru fil-festi ma rajthom isiru mkien!

L-awtoritajiet tal-Knisja iridu jiehdu decizjoni iebsa izda decizjoni li jinhtieg li ssir, mhux ghal gid tal-festa biss izda ghal gid spiritwali u spirtu religjuz. Il-profan irid jinqata' l-barra kompletament. Il-festa tal-qaddis ghandha ssir miz-zuntier tal-knisja l-gewwa. Dak li jsir barra mhuwiex la religjuz u inqas u inqas folkloristiku.

Pero hemm wisq interess kummercjali fil-festi u l-marda dahlet wisq fil-fond.

C. Debon0

Sep 6th 2010, 16:17

@ C. Cutajar - I am not worrying about the money, but it does not make sense at all to cancel the feast!!! I ll explain again ..... First of all, the people who left us might have been working for the fireworks for the Xlendi feast, because ours came from Malta. Secondly, what will you gain if the feast is cancelled? What difference does it makes to you?? Respect is ideal while alive. During the feast we will be surely praying for them...We will not be dancing...Our lady will be visiting the streets and share her blessings on everyone!

And yes, its a catholic feast!!! So why do processions go outside and do not stay internal!??! Simply, because we want to show the world, that Christ and in our case our Lady, is for everyone and not for church goers only! What's wrong with that?!! Ain't we're showing respect to the victims?

C. Cutajar

Sep 6th 2010, 15:57

@ C. Debono

you are worrying for the thousand of euros blown in vain you paid??? Can you answer this pls??
HOW MUCH THOUSANDS OF EUROS ARE YOU GOING TO PAY FOR A LIFE OF SOMEONE FROM YOUR FAMILY??? . if it is a catholic feast than it could be celebrated internally only because that's what our lady want- prayers . I don't think that it makes any difference for our lady if no external celebrations take place .

C. Cutajar

Sep 6th 2010, 15:46

veru li gara mhu tort ta hadd wisq anqas tal-arcipriet imma kulhadd kien jistenna aktar rispett lejn il vittmi ghax wara kollox bicca min nar ghal festa ta marija bambina kien qed jinhadem. Ghawdex kollu xxukjat u intom se ticcelebraw il festa qisu qatt ma kien xejn. Messna nuru li ahna aktar insara minn hekk. Priedki biss u meta nigu ghall-fatti ...................... Tahseb li b'dan l ghemil ha jingibdu aktar nies lejn il knisja????? Din festa mhux f' waqtha. Ithassru hafna festi jekk tithassar din ma kienetx ha taqa d dinja. F dan il pajjiz kulhadd jista jizbalja politici, professjonisti, etc imma alla jbierek il knisja ma tizbalja qatt.

R Farrugia

Sep 6th 2010, 15:44

Let's reason things out: As already stated by others, nothing will change irrespective of whether the Xaghra outdoor celebrations continue as planned or not. Secondly, one should respect the position taken by the Xaghra archpriest since it is a delicate issue and usually festa celebrations are cancelled when a tragedy involves the parish community members. For some it's easy just to call off all celebrations, but being a complex issue, let all of us talk less and pray and reflect more. We should all unite efforts to address the issue of fireworks and have a mature debate - for the time being we are all too shocked by this tragedy...let us not err in finding out the culprit or black sheep.It's a difficult moment for all...if the feast will continue as usual,let it be a feast of unity and reflection,a feast with a difference for all those who take part.Aggregating people together might become an opportunity to discuss,reflect and pray and celebrate LIFE deciding to avoid putting it to such risks in the future,starting from today...

Stephen Schembri

Sep 6th 2010, 15:41

Bir-rispett kollu lejn kulhadd meta gara l-incident il-bierah xi hadt kien hemm in-nar li tar veru kien ta' Marija Bambina ghax kien lest ghal festa li ha qedgha ssir icelebrata gewwa Xaghra Ghawdex, izda dak il-hin beda jsir nar ta' festa ohra li hija dik ta' Xlendi Ghawdex ilhi fadal biex issir u minflokk stennew naqa u komplew wara l-festa tal-Bambina bdew qabel u hemm ara x'gara!! Il-kamra ta' nar li taret mhux bhal ta' Malta ghax hemmhekk kumpanija u mhux li tirraprezenta il-festa.. Nemmen li Nhar l-Erbgha ssir festa normali ghax il-Madonna ma tahtix.. u l-festi ta' hemm mhux bhal ta' Malta xebgha tghajjir u hekk izda festa li ghandha att religjuz u nies jattendu hafna ghaliha!!

W. Cauchi

Sep 6th 2010, 15:41

Xi hadd qalinna. Tparlwax minghajr ma tafu il -fatti kollha

Il-FATTI tafhom Malta kollha

Erba nies mejta, 2 ohra fill periklu tal mewt u familji imkissrin.

Jaqawn dawn MHUX FATTI.
Jekk le, allura miskina il-knisja f'Malta.

C.Debono

Sep 6th 2010, 15:32

to those accusing the priest: Sorry to say, but I DO NOT AGREE with what you are saying. First of all, the church and those organizing fireworks are different organizations. Secondly, we paid thousand of euros, which were blown up like this, and now you're asking for the feast to be cancelled as well, more thousand euros to be blown in vain too?? are you serious?? we will not be celebrating the death of these people mind you, but the birth of our lady!! we are a catholic village who celebrate feast with a religious aspect, unlinke most of your feast who swear, and celebrate feast with a very ateist side!!!

This have nothing to do with you, and please shut up and don't come if you simply do not agree. Band marches will be different than usual and that's for sure. But you don't have any right to impose on our priest and tell him what to do?!!! who are you?!! neither the prime minister can tell him what to do.

I symphatize with the families involved!! You'll never be forgotten, and the people of Xaghra will keep you in their heart and in their prayers

Charles J. Buttigieg

Sep 6th 2010, 15:04

@ A.tabone

You tell us what the facts are. Facts are that your community are showing utter disrespect to the families of the victim’s family. It’s shame on you, your pompous Monsignor and the community. People of good will and respect for the victims should boycott your sick feast. Imistkom f^#*ing tisthu.

charles tanti

Sep 6th 2010, 14:52

It is ashame to celebrate a feast .Please if we are catholic I hope all the maltese and
gozitans do not go for the out door feast.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Sep 6th 2010, 14:51

And they still call it a celebration.,..

A TAbone..Against freedom of expression are we? Nice woreds you choose...Very Catholic...Prosit..Malta needs more pagans like your kind self.

E. Abela

Sep 6th 2010, 14:25

A. Tabone - mahniex nakkuzaw il knsija. Inhossuna semplicement urtati li il festi se jkomplu qisu qatt ma gara xejan. U din x'democrazia hija li tghidilna nhalqu halqna - mela hekk tirraguna ma min ma jaqbilx miek. Tajba din.

Lawrence Camilleri

Sep 6th 2010, 14:09

L-Arcipriet Refalo qatt ma qal li l-festa se ssir bhas-soltu - kien ghad l-anqas maghruf il-gravita tat-tragedja il-Hadd fil-ghaxija li ma laqqax b'urgenza l-Kumitat Centrali tal-Festa u ttiehdet id-decizjoni unanima li l-marc tant mistenni u celebrazzjonijiet kbar ohra ta barra dik il-lejla jithassru kollha. Fil-Pjazza ngabret folla kbira ta' nies mix-Xaghra u minn barra x-Xaghra izda mhux jiccelebraw izda fuq wicc kulhadd kienet tidher dieqa u kliem ta solidarjeta ghall-vittmi li tilfu hajjithom u l-familjari taghhom. Ix-Xaghrin jafu jiccelebraw izda ghandhom qalb kbira u jafu jgibu ruhhom u jaghmlu sagrificcji meta titlob l-okkazjoni. L-ahhar tlett ijiem se jkunu celebrati izda mhux bhas-soltu (as usual). Id-dilettanti tan-nar tar-rahal kienu kapaci jgibu nar ftit jew wisq minn Malta izda huma ghazlu li jhassru l-programm tan-nar kollu sal-inqas bomba zghira b'rispett lejn dawk mejta li kienu jafu mill-qrib u li kienu ghamluhom qishom parti minnhom. Fuq kollox qed isir talb kontinwament ghall-mejtin. Issa min irid jinqeda bl-okkazjoni biex jiftah 'in-nar' li jhobb jilghab bih biex jattakka lill-Knisja u lill-Kleru allura wiehed jikkumpatih u jitlob ghalih ukoll. Mons. Arcipriet huwa bniedem ta integrita u hadd mhu se jaghtih lezzjonijiet kif ghandu jagixxi. Il-Mulej jaghti lill-mejtin il-mistrieh ta dejjem u lill-familjari konsolazzjoni.

N. Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 13:55

I understand why they won't cancel all celebrations but at least fly the flags half mast to show some RESPECT people!!!!!!!!!!!!! not even one is half mast in the whole village of Xaghra.

A.Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 13:49

L-arcipriet tax -xaghra mandux htija!!! M'hawnx ahjar minnu!!!

dvella

Sep 6th 2010, 13:37

Its a shame for those who are blaming the Xaghra Archpriest as one should check the facts to what happened yesterday.

A.Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 13:37

Gheziz kummentaturi,

Jien mix-Xaghra, iddispjacini hafna ta li gara ghax vera intilfu il hajjit. Imma ghandkom tkunu tafu li ma tistghux titfghu l-htija fuq l-arcipriet tax-Xaghra. Huwa bniedem mil-ahjar, jistinka hafna ghar-rahal u jaghmel minn kollox biex izomm parocca maqghuda. Harsu ftit lejn z-zaghzagh xaghin li sena wara sena jibqghu jistinkaw biex il-festa tax-xaghra illum il-gurnata hija wahda mill-ahjar f'ghawdex. Ghandna kumitat ta l-armar, tan-nar u ta l-organizzazzjoni ingenerali tal-festa li tassew ghandna biex niftahru bih.
Skuzawni nghid li hafna minkhom taraw biss sa mniehirkom. Xi nghidu ghal-emigranti li hawn fostna, gew apposta ghal din il-festa li ilom ma jaraw ghal tul ta snin? Billi nikkancellaw kollox lil-mejtin ha ngibuhom lura?? Sinjal ta rispett urejna ghax hassarna wiehed mill-aqwa marcijiet li ghandna.
Barra min hekk tajjeb li nghidu li hafna minnha l-fatti ma jafomx tajjeb....staqsu ftit lid dilettanti xaghrin tan-nar li kienu fuq il-post minuti wara li gara l-accident. K'ma tafux l-istorja sew tikkumentawx.
J'alla il-mejtin jistrihu fis-sliem li xnieghat bla sens u akkuzi invalidi jiefqu.

A.Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 13:36

Naqbel mieghek. L-arcipriet hu bniedem mill-ahjar ma nafx din x'atitudni hi li kulhadd jitfa t-tort fuq l-arcipriet taghna li hu persuna mill-ahjar. Wara kollox in-nar tax-xghara kien mizmum biss f'din il-kamra u l-kamra ma tiritx minhabba fih. Nahseb li naghmlu ahjar jekk ma noqghodux nippruvaw inwaqqghu t-tort fuq dak u fuq l-iehor. X'hin rajt dawn il-kummenti ghamilt dwejjaq kbar ghax hafna nies qed jaraw biss sal-ponta ta mnehirhom u imesshom jisthu. Billi ssir il-festa ma jfissirx li hawn xi nuqqas ta rispett ghal dawk li mietu

George Sant

Sep 6th 2010, 13:26

Qabel tigudikaw u tikkumentaw araw ftit il fatti....il kamra tan nar mhix tax xaghra.....dik hija kamra privata li xogholhom hu li jissuplixu in nar lil festi f malta u ghawdex cioe dawn mietu waqt li kienu fuq il post tax xoghol taghhom. Ikun ahjar li kieku naraw kif dawn l incidenti ma jerghux jigru u kif nistghu nisspartjaw l familji tal vittmi mill noqghodu nargumentaw ghandiex issir il festa jew le. Festa tmur u tigi l mejta tal familjari mhux ser jerghgu jigu zgur.

J. Galea

Sep 6th 2010, 13:20

Shame in Gozo is a word that doesn’t even exist especially in this village. I was going to attend for this feast but in show of protest I wouldn’t even go if they pay me. These people died while preparing and storing the fire works for their feast, how they dare to continue like nothing happened. Although these people weren’t from Xaghra it doesn’t mean that they were less important. They were still people, still Gozitans, still lives lost for their feasts. Shame to all those that consider themselves Catholics like most people in Gozo do. Being a good Catholic would have meant to cancel the entire outdoor feast and continue with the indoor with a mass and an adoration to Maria Bambina. It’s just called business in a polite manner for this village. What about the police should stop the permits for the outdoor feast like they did in Mosta for the Santa Marija feast. They cancelled all the permits to bars, kiosks, ecc.. What’s the difference in Gozo? They have the right to keep on celebrating even after 5 people died for their feast. Solidarity and condolences to all the members of the people victims.

R Marquette

Sep 6th 2010, 13:13

this make me feel proud of my beliefs!

Alfred tabone

Sep 6th 2010, 13:11

Imiskom tisthu takkuzaw lill-arcipriet. Ghamlu pjacir kbir lill umanita intom li qed tajdu kontra id-decizjonijiet li qed jittihdu u ghalqu halqkom. Jekk ma tafux kollox jew tafu biss xi ftit trufijiet ta l-istorja ghamlulna pjacir u ghalqu halqkom. Isimghu minni u tparlawx bl-addocc ghax iktar qed issir hsara milli gid. U lill-dawk li qalu li messa tithassar il-festa qedin tirragunaw hazin. L-arcipriet inqabad f'nofs sitwazzjoni antipatka hafna u naghmlu tajjeb li nghinuh flok infixkluh bil-paroli taghna

A.tabone

Sep 6th 2010, 13:04

Imiskom tisthu takkuzaw lill knisja fuq dan li gara. L-arcipriet ghandu ragun ikompli bic-celebrazzjonijiet tal-festi interni u esterni u jekk ma tafux x'inhu ghaddej ghamlu pjacir lill-kull wiehed u wahda minnha u ghalqu halkhom ghaliex qed taqghu ghac-cajt taqbdu u tparlaw minghajr ma tafu il-fatti kollha.

M Tabone

Sep 6th 2010, 13:01

I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS DEEPEST SIMPATHY WITH THE VICTIMS ' FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, THIS IS A TRAGIC EPISODE THAT WILL MARK THEIR LIVES FOREVER.

BUT ON THE OTHER HAND LETS NOT FIND AN OPPORTUNITY TO RAZE THE MESSENGER (Mgr Carm Refalo), AS ALWAYS. WE SHOULD BE MATURE ENOUGH TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT DOING OR NOT DOING THE CHRISTIAN CELEBRATION (FEAST) WILL NOT CHANGE ANYHING. TRIBUTE AND RESPECT SHOULD BE WITNESSED IN OUR FAITHFUL PRAYERS.

G Falzon

Sep 6th 2010, 12:56

Respect should be shown in life, first and foremost, rather than after death. If we really respect life, all external feasts (mostly composed of idolatry) should be stopped immediately to avoid fireworks and more senseless bloodshed.

M.Debono

Sep 6th 2010, 12:55

Basta nitolbu ghal mejtin, laqwa li wara il funerali jiccelebraw u jifirhu qisu qatt ma gara xejn.
Ta l'iskantament il knisja.

P BORG

Sep 6th 2010, 12:53

Dan l-arcipriet qed jiehu l-vangelu wisq "alla lettera": Hallu l-mejtin jidfnu 'l-mejtin.
Bhallissa veru qed nisthi nghid li jien kattoliku nisrani... vera ma fadal l-ebda valur... lanqas min minn suppost jghati l-ezempju!!!!

D. Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 12:52

You can't just blame this on the Xaghra Parish Priest if you don't know what's going on! The Arch Priest is caught in the middle of this and surely this decision was not taken by himself only. We cannot help but think that these people died because of xaghra's celebrations, but after all the Xaghra people were paying them to keep the fireworks there, it was their job, they were the ones who decided to have a fireworks factory while knowing all the risks it entails. no one forced them to store explosives there, it was their choice and their choice only. Still, i personally think that fireworks should be banned from the feast in the future.
And even if celebrations are going to be held as usual, do you seriously think things are going to be the same?

Chris Grech

Sep 6th 2010, 12:51

ahna ta santa maria tal mosta, kif gara l-accident, f'ottubru (10 xhur qabel il feata) mill-ewwel iddecidejna li innaqsu il-programm tal festa! nar ghal festa ma sarx, u il banda hassret kuncert uil marc ta filghodu.

il festa ma kielliex issir ghax fit 13 ta awwissu kien hemm accident fil post tan nar l-iehor tal mosta... u dakinhar stess thassar KOLLOX.

sar pellegrinagg bit talb tar-ruzarju.

ir rispett dejjem urejnijulhom f'hajjithom lil dawn shabna il mostin. u tant iehor ghamilna wara mewthom

URU FTIT rispett u iccahdu mill festa ta din is sena! hudu ezempju!

min hawn nixtieq naghti il kondoljanzi lill din il familja, u lil kull min garrab xi dizgrazzja bhal din, ghax bhal dan iz zmien, il ferita terga tinfetah.

striehu fil paci hbieb

MT Caruana

Sep 6th 2010, 12:44

The feast of Our Lady of Victories in Xaghra will be celebrated as planned on Wednesday, the parish priest of the locality said today.

Tajjeb hafna ehhh....bir-rispett kollu ta', imma 5 hajjiet intilfu, li jsiru il-funzjonijiet ta gewwa ok, imma hniena dinja ta barra ukoll?
isthu jekk tafu kif!!!!

Steven Sultana

Sep 6th 2010, 12:40

Today's and tomorrow's celebrations will be held too, according to the Feast's programme. DO try to say everything a person says, just as s/he said it.
My condolence to the victims' families, we'll be praying for you.

Pierre André Aquilina

Sep 6th 2010, 12:39

What?!

If we already cancelled the "most important celebratory item in the feast programme", then it won't hurt to cancel the Wednesday programme, as a sign of respect, and also maybe to indicate that - where and when they can - Church authorities are eager to show that the men and women who devote their time to manufacture the petards in honor of the patron saint deserve much, much, much, much safer working conditions.

Shameful.

antoine attard

Sep 6th 2010, 12:29

din is-solidarjeta timpressjonani!imutu 4 minn nies u "the feast to be held as usual"!dawn il-murtali kienu ghall-festa ta marija bambina.

Vincent Galea

Sep 6th 2010, 12:24

To-day's comforter is to-morrow's mourner, and to-day's mourner is to-morrow's comforter.

L. Cutajar

Sep 6th 2010, 12:22

Jekk il-politikant Nazzjonalist jew Laburist ser jibqaw ibaxxu rashom ghall dawn it-tragedji ma nafx kif xi darba nistaw nirrangaw is-sitwazzjoni. Jekk minn naha l-ohra hemm il-biza tal-voti allura ahna in-nies semplici m'ahna xejn hlief pupazzi bl-ispaga. Toqghodx titkellem fuq spezzjonijiet, pieni u regolamenti ghax man-nar m'hemmx hniena u id-dizgrazzji ma jistawx jonqsu. Is-serjeta u protezzjoni tan-nies tigi qabel id-dilettant tan-nar. X"GHANDHOM XI JGHIDU IL-MINISTRU U IZ-ZEWG MEMBRI PARLAMENTARI LABURISTI LI JKUNU DEJJEM TA QUDDIEM FUQ IX-XOGHOL TAN-NAR??? Irridu risposta minghajr tlaqliq. Ma jistax ikun nibqaw sejrin hekk, tigi dizgrazzja, noqghodu nibku ghax miet dak u l-iehor, jintesew l-affarijiet u ftit wara tigi dizgrazzja ohra.

Michael Balzan

Sep 6th 2010, 12:20

The programme yesterday included an afternoon band march

Correct me if I'm wrong....how come this afternoon march was cancelled when the tragedy happened at 6.15pm??? So this should be enough sacrifice for the Xaghra people towards this big tragedy??? Why not ALL outdoor celebrations cancelled??? Is this too much for the Xaghra people??

M.Camilleri

Sep 6th 2010, 12:19

Nice to see that the Church supports this craziness!

R. Said

Sep 6th 2010, 12:14

Shame on the parish priest. Stop these pagan rituals.

mary Pace

Sep 6th 2010, 12:13

What I cannot believe what I'm reading!!!!! surely they should not go ahead with the feast!!!!
my condolence to the family

Mario Bonnici

Sep 6th 2010, 12:13

So the island is in shock and the Xaghra parish priest decides to go on with the festivities!!!

L. Cutajar

Sep 6th 2010, 12:06

Only indoor religous ceremonies and the outside procession should be celebrated during the feast. External activities should be cancelled. It would be a shame if external activities are held. I hope that all other 8 Settembre feasts in Malta wil also show some type of solidarity with regards to this national tradegy. All external feasts should be minimised as a respect towards the family.

E. Abela

Sep 6th 2010, 12:06

Mgr. Refalo - you are not interested in questionning why this spate of fireworks factories blowing up ? Are you only interested that the village feasts are held as usual. No doubt the 'faithful' will pray for the victims and their families but the 'faithful' are asking questions too.

Ernest Vella

Sep 6th 2010, 12:05

is this a show must go on idea!!! All exterior celebrations must be stopped immediately...where is the respect as Mosta did?

R.Borg

Sep 6th 2010, 12:04

Dear Mgr.Refalo,
Many simply do not agree with you.
The Feast should be cancelled.
MHUX SE TAQA' D-DINJA.
DAQSHEKK AHNA DDROGATI BIL-FESTI.

VV Bartolo

Sep 6th 2010, 12:04

is this statement coming from a person who preaches love & respect towards our neighbour?? SHAME!

RMangion

Sep 6th 2010, 12:00

Da bis serjeta aaa jew ? Hudu ezempju min tal-Mosta li hassru kollox MIL-EWWEL. Xha ticelebraw ? il-mewt ?

renald williams

Sep 6th 2010, 11:58

Quote... the feast of our lady of Victories being celebrated…
1. it is through Jesus that Christians have their victories
…r-Rebħa permezz ta’ Ġesù Kristu. 1 Corinthians 15:57.
…dejjem iRebbaħna fi Kristu. 2 Corinthians 2:14
…aħna aktar minn Rebbieħa permezz ta’ dak li ħabbna…. Kristu Ġesù Sidna.
Romans 8:37-39.
…jiRbaħ id-dinja… min jemmen li Ġesù… 1 John 5:5
…l-Iljun tat-tribù ta’ Ġuda (Jesus), ir-Rimja ta’ David (Jesus), Rebaħ… Ħaruf (Jesus) Apocalypse or Revelation 5:5-6

Quote... dead… injured… in… fireworks factory blast
2.No judging but is this a christianity celebration?
Start reading the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament… peace and health to all