Archbishop Paul Cremona yesterday made an appeal to parishioners to respect the religious nature of Malta's feasts and he urged them to discard other elements.

Mgr Cremona said he was aware that many enthusiasts worked hard in preparations for the feasts but this dedication was not always driven by religious values. Speaking at the start of the feast season, he said some people did not differentiate between setting up a religious feast and any other activity.

Mgr Cremona called on all those who had Malta's feasts at heart to ensure that their religious value was not lost. Quoting Saint Paul, he highlighted how celebration could be carried out in a Catholic way.