I would like to express my heartfelt satisfaction at how festivities in Kerċem were celebrated. Three events in one, namely the feast of the patron saint, the commemoration of the 125 years since Kerċem became a parish and a festival organised by the local council to crown them all.

During the last five days of the second week of March, Kerċem was transformed into a cultural hub. The concert of Gregorian chant performed by Chorus Urbanus was very inspiring. Likewise, the comprehensive power point presentation by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage about the archaeological findings next to the church, dating back 5,000 years, was of outstanding quality.

The interest aroused in all those who attended the occasion spread to others by word of mouth. It tempted many not to miss other events on the following days. Two cultural tours organised by the local council were attended by locals and foreign residents as well. Besides, everyone had words of praise for the historical brief about Kerċem as a parish. Being complemented by audio-visual effects, the presentation was marvellous.

Pure entertainment was not lacking. On Saturday night the villagers and others shared in the merry-making provided. The smell of good food offered for sale from the stalls enticed most to mouth-watering pasta. Were it not for inclement weather, a bigger crowd would have thronged the village square.

For us villagers the climax of it all was on Sunday. The attendance for the morning pontificate and the procession in the afternoon were proof enough of community love for St Gregory the Great.