On Halloween, a spectre from the past raised its head on our TV screens. This spectre, a senior member of the Maltese clergy, after years of refusing to comment on the parish festa, in the absence of the bishop, was holding forth and pronouncing himself weightily on this very subject.

This year, he claimed, the general organisation of the festa across all parishes was smooth and relatively untroubled. I do not know on what reliable grounds he relied to make these statements, unless, that is, he assumes that his own perceptions carry the full force of inspiration or scientific authority.

He also stated that this festive utopia came to pass due to the greater cooperation between the clerical authorities and the Association of Bands. The Association of Bands disagrees.

In fact, discussions between the association and the Curia has hit an impasse. The sticking point is article 3.2.c of the infamous Document on the Maltese Festa that was issued by the Curia in November 2009.

Article 3.2.c is no insignificant issue. It is not about the skimpy clothing that seems to occupy the thoughts of so many of our clergymen. No, the provision in question is about the crux of the entire matter: the organiser of the festa. The Pro-Vicar General says that only the Church is the organiser of the feast. The Association of Bands begs to differ.

It has been alleged that the parties came to an agreement. Perhaps this was in reference to what had been hastily signed a few years ago during Christmas week at Id-Dar tal-Kleru, in Santa Venera about the Festa Parish Commission and the Feast Coordination Meetings presided by parish priests who lecture State officials about the norms of the Archdiocese. Obviously, this so-called agreement not only has no legal force but it actually led to a vote of no-confidence and forced resignations.

Despite all the perorations of the Pro-Vicar General, it has to be accepted that this is the only fact applicable in this context.