DEMAJO. On December 19, at Mater Dei Hospital, to Rebecca née Gerada and Jean Paul, God’s precious gift of a daughter – LUCIA. Deo gratias et Mariae. Many thanks to all the staff at the hospital.
Obituary
ABELA. On December 19, at San Pietro Hospital, Rome, Fr JOHN ABELA, ofm, aged 56, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his brother friars of the Maltese Franciscan Province of St Paul the Apostle, his mother Vitor, his brother Karistu, many relatives and friends. The funeral cortège leaves St Mary of Jesus Friary (Ta’ Ġieżu), Rabat, today at 9.15 a.m. for St Mary of Jesus church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9.30 a.m., followed by interment in the chapel of the Franciscan Province at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Kleru, Birkirkara, will be greatly appreciated.
GELLEL. On December 23, at Mater Dei Hospital, JOE of Vittoriosa, aged 76, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his sons Anton of Mifsud Garage, and his wife Doris, and Joseph of Swan Lake Restaurant, Marsascala, and his wife Josephine, his grandchildren Lawrence and his wife Natasha and their son Jake, Maria, Matthew, Christine and Bernard, his brother-in-law Joe Darmanin, his brothers Laurie, Lino and his wife Mary and Charles and their respective families, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, other relatives and friends. The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital on Monday, December 27, at 8 a.m. for St Lawrence Collegiate parish church, Vittoriosa, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.30 a.m., followed by interment at St Lawrence parish cemetery, Vittoriosa. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be appreciated. The family would like to thank all doctors and staff at ITU, Mater Dei Hospital. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.
MERCIECA. VICTOR, widower of Maria née Micallef, aged 83, former assistant director at the Department of Information and broadcaster, passed away yesterday at Villa Messina, Rabat, comforted by the rites of Holy Church and with the deep belief of eternal life through Christ our Saviour. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Maryrose, Anthony and Veronica, John and Marianne, Bernadette, Anna and her partner Anthony, Jacqueline and Joseph, Joseph and Elaine, his grandchildren Mark, Maria, Francesca, Clare, Andrew, Nathan and Liam, Jacqueline, Katrina, Claudia, Daniel, Maria, Jacob and Francesca, his brother Anthony, his sister Mary, nephews, nieces and in-laws. The funeral leaves Villa Messina in Rabat on Monday at 8 a.m., followed by Mass at St Mary parish church in Birkirkara at 8.30 a.m. Interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery will follow. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza and the Moviment Missjunarju Ġesù fil-Proxxmu would be appreciated. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
PULÈ – CARMEL, aged 84. He went to meet the Risen Lord on December 23, comforted by the rites of the Holy Church. Deeply mourned by his wife Polly, sons Twanny, Mario, Michael and Godwin, their wives Eva, Ina and Mariella, his beloved grandchildren Marcette, Benjamin, Daniel, Maria and Abigail. The funeral Mass will be held today at the Immaculate Conception collegiate church, Cospicua, at 2.30 p.m. We thank the Lord for his beautiful life and kindly ask you to remember him in your prayers. Special thanks to all the caring staff at Emergency Ward 1, Mater Dei Hospital. Lord, grant him eternal peace.
SCICLUNA. On December 23, at Mater Dei Hospital, MARIA of Dingli, aged 83, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children Angelo and his wife Jessie, Connie and her husband Joe Sammut, Miriam, Bernadette and her husband Charles Briffa, Joe Chetcuti, widower of her daughter Pauline, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her brother Lawrence Galea and his wife Lourdes, in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital today at 8 a.m. for St Mary’s parish church, Dingli, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.30 a.m., followed by interment at Dingli cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be greatly appreciated. Lord, grant her eternal rest.
SPAMPINATO. On December 22, at Mater Dei Hospital, CATHERINE, aged 66, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her mostly beloved daughters Christa and her husband Robert Aquilina, Fabrizia and her husband Richard Cleland, her beloved grandchildren Max, Julia, Sophia, Bianca, her brothers and sisters Carmen Bouvet, Jean and her husband Hector Castaldi, Josephine and her husband Richard Tabone, Alfred and his wife Jane, Ovi and his wife Sandy, Dorothy and her husband Lawrence Avellino, her nephews, nieces and friends. The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital on Monday at 8 a.m. for Balluta parish church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.30 a.m., followed by interment in the family grave at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Puttinu Cares will be greatly appreciated. Lord grant her eternal rest.
In Memoriam
ANASTASI. In ever loving memory of CARMELO, a dear husband and father, on the 40th anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his wife and children.
ATTARD – VIOLET. In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, tomorrow the fifth anniversary of her death. Sadly missed by her eight children, in-laws and grandchildren.
ATTARD PORTUGHES – THEODORA. In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, today being the eighth anniversary of her demise. Lord, grant her eternal rest. Lovingly remembered by her family.
BAJONA – CETTINA (Dada). Unfading memories of a dear aunt who passed away 24 years ago today. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Her family.
BEZZINA – LINA. Remembering with love and gratitude a most wonderful and caring mother and grandmother on the eighth anniversary of her demise. Much missed by her daughter Tanya and her family.
BONELLO. Loving memories of our dear WILLIAM on the anniversary of his demise. His wife Ethel, his daughters Tanya and Geoffrey, Moira and Martin and grandchildren.
BUSUTTIL – JOE. In loving memory of my beloved brother on the 11th anniversary of his passing away. Sadly missed by his only sister May, her husband Joe and children.
DEBONO – PAUL. Unfading memories of a beloved brother who went to meet the Risen Lord on Christmas Day 21 years ago. His family.
DEMICOLI. Ever loving and treasured memories of our dear ANTHONY on the second anniversary of his death. Much missed by his family. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
FARRUGIA. In loving memory of NICHOLAS, a dear husband, father and grandfather, on the 21st anniversary of his death. Never forgotten by his wife Lucy, his children, in-laws, grandchildren, relatives and friends. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish church, Fleur-de-Lys, Birkirkara.
FORMOSA – JOHN (Magistrate). Today being the 17th anniversary of his demise, the 6 p.m. Mass at St John of the Cross parish church, Ta’ Xbiex, will be offered for the repose of his soul. Fondly remembered by his wife Lina, his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret, their spouses and grandchildren. A prayer is solicited.
GATT – PETER, A&CE. On the 17th anniversary of his demise. A day sadly remembered by those he loved. Mabel, Matthew, Peter, Damian, in-laws and grandchildren.
GERADA-AZZOPARDI – IDA. Lovingly remembered and missed especially tomorrow, Christmas Day, the anniversary of her passing away. Lord, grant her eternal rest. Her son, Joe. Today’s 11 p.m. midnight Mass at Jesus of Nazareth parish church, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of her soul.
MELI – JOSEPH. Loving memories of a dear husband and father, tomorrow the second anniversary of his death. Always in our prayers and thoughts. Josephine, Stephanie, Roberta and Darren. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
MICALLEF – LINO. In memory of a most loving husband, father and granddad on the 21st anniversary of his passing away. Loved by his wife Connie, children and grandchildren.
MONTAGUE – LAURA. Sweet memories of you celebrating Christmas with your friends, your family. You have so much Joy to give to all, to me. With love, mum, dad, Holly and Sam.
MONTAGUE – LAURA. Can there be a year without Christmas? Can Christmas ever be the same without you? Remembering our precious Laura with much love. Nanna and nannu, Catherine and Ian and Christian.
MONTAGUE – LAURA, 30.5.’82. Please think of Laura on this day. From auntie Louise, uncle Douglas, Alexander, Stephen and Emily.
SAID – RENO. In loving memory of a dear father. Maurice and Mary Rose.
SAMUEL – HARRY. Fond memories of a dear father and grandfather on his 19th anniversary. His family.
THOMAS – NOEL, 24 12. ’95. Treasured and unfading memories of a beloved son and brother. May God keep him always in the palm of His hand.
TUFIGNO – TESSIE. In loving memory, tomorrow the ninth anniversary of her passing away. Sadly missed, fondly remembered and always in our prayers. Benito, children and respective families. Lord, grant her eternal rest.
ZAMMIT. In loving memory of LOUIS on the fifth anniversary of his demise, 26.12.2005. Missed and never forgotten by his sister Melina and his nephews and nieces, Maria and Lawrence, Henrietta and Louis, Michael and Sandra, Stephen, Nathalie, Johanna and David.
Season’s greetings
Charles Andrews wishes his family and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
William and Dorothy Buttigieg wish their family and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Christmas Eve Mass
Mass will be said at Dar Tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, at 11.30 p.m. today, Christmas Eve, under a large tent. The celebrations will be led by Fr Charles Tabone and the Nazareth Youths.
Car lottery
The winner of the car lottery held by the Richmond Foundation is the holder of ticket number 33424. The winner has been notified and a formal presentation will be held in early January.
PHRF centre
The centre of the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund in Paola Hill, Paola is closed till January 3.
New Year concert
The New Year concert, organised by the Office of the President, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism and the Malta Arts Council, will be held on January 9 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.
All proceeds will be donated to the Malta Community Chest Fund.
Tickets can be bought from the Palace, Valletta, between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.; San Anton Palace between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; and the Mediterranean Conference Centre. For more information call 2123 1350/2122 6226.
Hand postmark
Maltapost is issuing a special hand postmark – St George’s Altar Dedication 1960-2010 St Georges Basilica – to mark the 50th anniversary of St George’s altar dedication. The postmark will be available at the Victoria branch.
It can be ordered from the Philatelic Bureau, Maltapost plc, 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, by calling 2596 1740 or via e-mail at philately@maltapost.com.
Bus service
The bus service would stop for three hours in the afternoon tomorrow, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Transport Malta said. The scheduled service would not operate between noon and 3 p.m., it said.
Blood donation
The mobile blood donation unit will be available for blood donation at the Siġġiewi parish church square on Sunday, Boxing Day, from 8.30 a.m. till 1.30 p.m.