Joseph and M’Assunta Caruana of Vittoriosa got married over a century ago and raised a close-knit family of nine siblings. The Caruanas’ grandchildren held a successful reunion two years ago with no other objective than that of celebrating life and their kinship. They were now clamouring for a repeat reunion.

The first reunion took place at a Qawra restaurant. The second was held at St George’s Bay on the outskirts of Birżebbuġa, on March 19, the feast of St Joseph, patron saint of Nannu Ġuż. 

The reunion of the cousins, accompanied by their spouses, was a six-hour happy event. Mass, celebrated at the quaint St George’s chapel, was said for the family by Fr Charles Carabott, who coincidentally was celebrating the 47th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

Prior to Mass, the cousins had a coffee together and spent an hour chatting and exchanging news. Most of the cousins had become grandparents themselves.

Uncannily, one of the cousins had become a grandparent for the fifth time on the eve of the reunion, while another had become a grandparent for the fourth time that very morning.

After Mass, the group crossed over to Al Fresco restaurant and had dinner there. They were four hours of food, conversation and warmth during which time flew by. They all agreed how enjoyable the day had been.