The Church is to hold a major 'Celebration of the Family' at the MFCC in Ta' Qali on May 15, a fortnight before the divorce referendum.

Church officials said the timing was not motivated by the referendum, but by the fact that World Family Day is marked on May 15.

The celebration will consist of entertainment, discussions, a speech by the Archbishop, games for people of all ages and a range of other activities including sports, tree planting and blood donations.

The festival will be held under the main tent and five satellite tents dedicated to children, youths, married couples, the elderly and vocations.

The activities related to vocations stem from the fact that the family is the cradle of vocations, Mariosa Micallef, a member of the organising committee said.

The Archbishop will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m. and there will another Mass at noon.

The festival is being organised by the Diocesan Family Commission and the Pastoral Secretary.

Dr Rita Borg Xuereb, president of the commission, said the festival would help raise awareness of the importance of the family unit and the services available in Malta to help families.

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