The Church authorities have cancelled the feast of St Paul’s Bay following the death of parish priest Fr Joseph Cilia.
In a statement, the Archbishop’s Curia said unanimous agreement to cancel indoor and outdoor celebrations was reached following talks with parish administrator Fr Arthur Cutajar, the religious community, the Sta Maria Addolorata feast committee and St Paul’s Band.
It is the second to be cancelled this year, after Żejtun’s feast of St Catherine on June 16 was called off out of respect for the parish priest Fr Eric Overend, who died on April 28.
Despite objections raised by the Għaqda Mużikali Beland, Għaqda Banda Żejtun, Għaqda tan-Nar and Għaqda tal-Armar, Church authorities reconfirmed their decision to cancel all celebrations.