I do not hail from Żejtun, neither am I a fan of the numerous village feasts. However, I cannot understand the Curia’s decision to cancel the feast there simply because the archpriest died some weeks ago.

According to what I read, this priest led an exemplary life. Are we not to assume, therefore, that he merits the pleasures of heaven?

Is our life, here, on earth, more important and significant than an eternity with our Maker?

I was always made to believe that our sojourn here is simply a key or passage to a situation of everlasting mirth, fulfillment and coexistence of utter joy; frankly the main reason to live a Christian life.

For this reason. we should feel happy at a person’s demise, not mourn, no sadness or gloom expressed but feel a euphoria just as if the one in question had embarked on a trip to Shangri-La.

One will evidently feel sad because of the loss of physical contact or lack of dependence or companionship but truly as Christians we should experience joy, joy in the knowledge that, finally, the person had taken full possession of the true reason of his creation.

This is and should be the true spirit of Christian funerals and nothing else and the Curia should allow the feast to be held, indeed with more pomp than usual in celebration of the final destination of one of its first-class members.