The ALPS group at St Peter’s Square.

A group of members of the Association of Lyceum Past Students (ALPS), some of them accompanied by their spouses, children and friends, on November 5 attended the general audience with Pope Francis on St Peter’s Square in Rome.

The 109-strong group was ac­com­panied by Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, himself an Old Boy of the Lyceum, who presented the Holy Father with a cheque for €1,000 for his special causes.

The money was raised by members of the association.

During the presentation, Mgr Cremona was accompanied by Cardinal Prospero Grech.

The Papal audience and presentation were the highlight of a trip to Italy organised by ALPS to mark its 20th anniversary, and after it ended, the ALPS group visited Tivoli.

The next day, Mgr Cremona joined the group on an excursion to Montecassino, where he celebrated Mass in the crypt of the famous Benedictine Abbey.

The group also visited Assisi, where Mgr Cremona concelebrated Mass in the basilica with Mgr Paul Vella, who accompanied the group, and with Fr Charles Baldacchino, who made all the necessary arrangements on behalf of ALPS. Irene Saliba, widow of ALPS founder president Dr Guido Saliba, also joined this pilgrimage to Italy.

Other activities are being or­ganised by ALPS to mark its 20th anniversary; they will end with a gala dinner on December 13.

Many former students who were educated at the Lyceum have gone on to become leading personalities. All former students are eligible to join ALPS. Members who live abroad will be able to receive its newsletter.

Those wishing to join may send an e-mail to the ALPS secretary general at alpsmalta@gmail.com.