The College of Parish Priests has expressed concern over any risks which may be caused to the sick and any inconvenience which can be caused to people visiting Mater Dei Hospital should approach roads be closed for the feast of St Joseph in Msida.

Reacting to a Sunday Times article entitled “Closing road for Msida feast could be dangerous – Mater Dei Superintendent”, the parish priests said they disapproved of comments reportedly made by Vince Azzopardi, president of the Ghaqda Melita Banda San Guzepp. Mr Azzopardi said the Regional Road had been closed at least for the past 11 years and would continue to be closed for the feast as long as he is alive.

He said ambulances would still be able to get through.

The road is usually closed for the letting off of fireworks.

The parish priests said Mr Azzopardi’s attitude was not worthy of a modern society , a Christian people and a person holding a position of responsibility in the organisation of a Christian feast.

All those involved in the organisation of feasts should follow the basic criteria of Christian love, respect among the people, and cooperation with the ecclesiastical and civil authorities, the parish priests said.

They augured that with regard to the Msida feast, the authorities would reach a decision for the common good.