Gozo Bishop to set up commission on fireworks in feasts

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said today that he would be setting set up a commission to help him issue directives on fireworks in feasts.

He made the announcement at Xaghra parish church during Pontifical Mass this morning to mark the Nativity of Our Lady.

In his address Mgr Grech appealed for prayers for the six victims of last Sunday's fireworks factory explosion and their families.

What happened on Sunday, he said, was a human tragedy which had shocked everyone.

He said that such a tragic loss undoubtedly created reflections on the value of life. The feast of the Nativity of Our Lady was a celebration of life, life which had to be safeguarded from conception till natural death.

Mgr Grech said fireworks were associated with religious feasts and incidents involving fireworks easily blemished religious feasts. He would therefore set up a commission to advise him on directives he would issue to the diocese on fireworks at feasts.

The bishop expressed appreciation for the dedication and love shown by the parish priests of Fontana and Xewkija, where the victims lived.

He also greeted the Parish Priest of Xaghra and the parish community who had made 'significant gestures' that showed their sensibility for what had happened, particularly by having created a fund to show solidarity with the victims and those who suffered damages.

Mgr Grech said he was very aware of the hardship which the Xaghra parish priest had to endure through the decisions he had to take.