A very busy week starts in our locality
26 October 2009

The preparations by the Local Council and the Twinning Committee which were underway during the last few weeks will be reaching their climax this week when on Wednesday the first guests will be arriving in Gozo. In fact some of these guests have become frequent visitors in our locality.

This morning we popped into the Local Council office where we could experience the activity going on there. We spoke to the Secretary Lucienne Haber who said that the council is now in the final stages of the preparations with only the finishing touches and a few last meetings to ensure that all is in place

Yesterday the Feast Committee took the responsibility to assemble the flag poles along St. Lawrence Street and in the Square for the flags of Malta, Europe, Italy and France, thus creating a festive atmosphere to welcome not only our friends from abroad but also the hundreds of Gozitan and Maltese that are expected to join the Concert of Chasing Pandora and Ruth Sammut Casingena this Saturday.

Regarding publicity everything indicates that we are reaching the core of the preparations made for this week. Bill boards and posters have been put up around Gozo to advertise the event, while several interviews and advertisements are being presented on various television and radio stations. Also during this week flyers are being distributed to all households in Gozo so that the message associated with the international conference to be held on Friday and the event to be held on Saturday reaches everyone.

San Lawrenz creates an opportunity for tourism in Gozo
24 October 2009

The activity that will be organised in Gozo on the 30th and the 31st of October, will not only generate a social and cultural element but will also create another opportunity to attract internal and external tourism directly to Gozo.  In this way this opportunity will advertise Gozo as a distinct destination.

For the occasion of the international conference for creativity and innovation on the 30th October and also for the Festival “d-link” that will take place on the 31st October, the San Lawrenz Local Council has invited foreign participants to take part in this conference and festival.  During the last few months, through its contacts abroad, the San Lawrenz Local Council has organised a publicity campaign and was able to attract 125 persons who will be in Gozo between the 27th October and the 3rd November to be able to participate in these activities that focus on European awareness. They will also have the opportunity to experience Gozo and later the participants themselves will be able to advertise Gozo on their return to their country.  The participants are coming from the Region of Veneto in Italy, the Island of Elba and the Region of Savoy in France.

The Local Council has obtained funds from the European Union through Citizens’ Meetings Project.  This is the third time in less than two years that the San Lawrenz Local Council has acquired funds from this Project.

For the Festival of the 31st October, which is open for everyone, environmental tours will take place in Dwejra Bay during the day and in the evening entertainment for the whole family will be take place in San Lawrenz Square with a spectacle including animators, Ruth Sammut Casingena and her dancers and a great concert by the duo Chasing Pandora and their band.

For bookings for the environmental tours or for more information regarding the Conference and the Festival contact the San Lawrenz Local Council Office on 21563556, email:sanlawrenz.lc@gov.mt

Ruth Sammut Casingena participates in D-Link as well
19 October 2009

More singers of fame in our country are confirming their participation for the festival d-link which the Local Council, together with the Twinning committee, are preparing for Saturday 31 October on the occasion of the international conference for which our friends from Italy and France are invited.

Ruth Sammut Casingena, together with the dancers who will accompany her during her show in the main square, will be interpreting innovative music. Our traditional songs have been very skilfully recorded, given a modern and creative touch. Complimenting the beauty of this type of music, professional dancers will accompany Ms Sammut Casingena during her interpretation of these traditional songs.

As already announced, about 125 people from Colle Umberto, the Island of Elba and La Ballme de Sillengy will take part in this unique occasion which will bring together Europeans to discuss the importance of our continent continuing to be innovative in a globalised world. It was a really excellent idea of our Council to organize this conference and event in Gozo on the occasion of the "European Year for Creativity and Innovation”.

When we spoke to the Mayor about this he said that without any doubt this experience will definitely help the dialogue between European citizens and will also give added value to our island of Gozo because it is helping the economy through tourism at a time when everyone knows is a difficult period. “Besides”, the mayor continued, “this activity is not only welcoming the 125 delegates coming from abroad but is also attracting internal tourism”.

Chasing Pandora conferm their participation in d-link Festival
15 October 2009

The preparations for the event that the San Lawrenz Local Council is organizing on the occasion of the international conference being held in San Lawrenz are running well and yesterday evening the Twinning Committee, entrusted with the preparation of this event, held another meeting.

This event called d-link will consist of a conference for which delegations from Colle Umberto in Italy, La Balme de Sillangy in France and Marciana Marina from the island of Elba are invited.

Apart from this conference a festival is being prepared for Saturday 31 October, which festival will vividly present the concept for the organization of this conference, namely that of creativity and innovation.

The popular Maltese group, Chasing Pandora, who do not need any introduction in the musical scene of our country, will be taking part in the festival. The main elements of this group are Melissa and Keith, both Gozitan and who both dreamed that one day they could be singers. That dream became a reality and now the duo is not only popular for their music in the Maltese islands, but also internationally. In fact earlier this month the duo made their debut in London. For d-link concert Chasing Pandora are preparing themselves well and we have also been informed that the group will be accompanied by their band.

Our Council selected as one of ten finalists for the Green Challange Award
13 October 2009

Today the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were invited to attend a press conference which was addressed by Minister of Finance, the Hon Tonio Fenech and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Consultation, the Hon Chris Said. During this press conference the names of those Local Councils that have made it to the semi final of this prestigious award were announced. Our locality, San Lawrenz, was one of the Local Councils announced

In his address, the Hon Chris Said recalled the strategy adopted by the Government to assist Local Councils towards becoming more environmental and to help our country to continue to move forward. He also praised, not only those Local Councils that have been selected amongst the first ten but also all those Local Councils that have applied for this award.

On the other hand, Minister of Finance the Hon Tonio Fenech, explained the importance of local councils working closely with the business communities in our localities. He said that with the policy now being adapted with this cooperation more wealth could be created in the same communities.

The selection process now continues by selecting five localities and later on the locality that excels in this area amongst these five localities will be proclaimed a winner. We heartily hope that our locality will be the chosen one, as thus it would be fairly rewarded for the Local Council’s commitment to eliminate pollution and its work towards a cleaner environment.

Good results for our football team this season
09 October 2009

The team is off on a good start! The 2009-2010 season has opened several weeks ago and we have seen our team make changes in its structure and it is evident that these changes have helped to obtain two compelling victories in the first two games of the season.

After the two years of service from Coach Josef Vella, the Committee decided that the rudder of the team should pass to the player Coach Gotthard Conti from Mellieha, Malta, who is a qualified Coach having an UEFA C License. Besides changes in the management of the team, the club also wanted to acquire good elements in the field. These acquisitions together with players from our village are contributing to a complete team made of 22 players. This combination is giving results as in the first 2 matches in the league against Munxar Falcons and Gharb Rangers the team was able to achieve two very convincing victories, winning 5-0 and 6-1 respectively.

The dynamics of our club is not only showing in the senior team but is also continuing to invest in sports education in our locality with the Under 21 team which is also giving a chance to 4 overage players who are not playing with the senior team. This is beneficial for young players who will later on play with the senior team.

Another innovative decision this season is the agreement that our club has reached with the Gharb Rangers Club, addressing the problem both teams are experiencing, that of a limited number of players. The two clubs have formed two teams, Under 17 and Under 14. Our club is taking care of the Under 17 team while Gharb takes care of the Under 14 team.

The Club, without doubt is continuing to work amongst the young children and is organizing training every week for children Under 12, Under 10 and Under 8.

The Mayor expresses the Council’s and his own reaction for the latest developments on the housing project
05 October 2009

On the newspaper “Illum” (Today) that is published every Sunday, the mayor was interviewed on the new developments that have occurred recently on the housing project.

In this interview the Mayor showed his concern about the fact that the Housing Authority has set aside this project. The Mayor explained how such a decision is an unfair one, which not only lets down those who have applied, but also our locality. He said it is the responsibility of the Housing Authority to ensure that the locality’s identity has a future through similar projects and expressed his concern that if the population remains experiencing this ongoing exodus we will jeopardize the sustainable future for our locality.

When we asked the Mayor for his comments on this interview he said that as he has stressed in the interview with “Illum" the Council would not cease to continue working to have this project realised. He said that the Council has, since its establishment, brought this problem to the attention of the authorities. And even in this situation the Council in not only highlighting the importance of it and sustaining the argument with reports but is also offering issues and alternatives about how this project can be done. He said that the Council is proposing a Public Private Partnership and is also offering to operate this idea itself.

When asked about what would be the next step he stressed that at the moment it is very important to consider carefully every decision, and said that the Council is working tirelessly, as it did in precedent problems, and is confident that, with everyone’s help, it will continue to acquire the best possible solutions for the benefit of our locality.

San Lawrenz Local Council selected to prepare a long-term strategy for a sustainable locality.
19 August 2009

Our Local Council along with that of Had Dingli and Hamrun were selected from a series of applications to prepare a report on how to create a long-term strategy for a sustainable locality. The presentation of funds to carry out this task was held today at the Had Dingli Local Council. These three Local Councils should serve as a role model for other Local Councils in Gozo and Malta.

Our local council has received the sum of € 15,000 to prepare its report after consulting with the local organisations as well as with the residents.

This report is going to be based on the study of three main areas – infrastructure, identity and sustainability. This research will focus on a strategy on how we can improve our standards of living and also on how to attract quality tourism towards our locality. Another significant and important purpose of this study is to put our locality into the forefront of regional benefits. On the whole this study will create a strategy where decisions will be taken in a holistic and sustainable manner.

Hon. Dr Chris Said Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government together with the Director of Department for Local Government and the President of the Local Councils’ Association were present for this ceremony. In his short speech, Mayor Noel Formosa, was grateful to the Government for such initiative and he also explained the aims of our Local Council for this project.

The Vice Mayor and the Councilors along with the Executive Secretary of the Council were also present for this occasion.

The world is today celebrating the Feast of Saint Laurence
10 August 2009

Today our village together with the rest of the world is celebrating the Feast of Saint Laurence. Saint Laurence is one of the most important Saints of the Catholic Church and his cult stretches to all four corners of the world. He still attracts the admiration of many people because of his act of self-sacrifice in martyrdom.

Saint Laurence lived during the early days of the Church, at a time where the Church was heavily persecuted by the Roman Emperor Valerian. At an early age he travelled to Rome together with Pope Sixtus. His life had been devoted entirely to helping the marginalised people. One can say that he was the first promoter of rights for such people, who without any fear when ordered by the emperor to give up the treasures of the Church, he presented him the poor, the crippled and the blind, saying that these were the true treasures of the Church. This act of defiance led directly to his martyrdom.

Our devotion to Saint Laurence goes back in time, for instance history tells us that from an early time a chapel dedicated to this Saint already existed in these vicinities. Also according to the oldest Gozitan historian Aguis de Soldanis, born in 1712, in his book Gozo and its history, the elderly people of that time used to say that the oldest chapel in the castle was that dedicated to Saint Laurence. This shows that the devotion to this Saint is not only associated with our village but also with our country.

A great feast by a small village in honour of a Great Saint
10 August 2009

Yesterday, Sunday, the festivities our community organized in honour of our patron saint, San Lawrenz, came to an end. These festivities continued to give evidence of our community’s profound devoutness to St Lawrence.

In the morning Bishop Mario Grech celebrated the pontifical High Mass. In his homily he conveyed a message to the diocese regarding the values that St Lawrence still teaches today, especially in this year dedicated to the priesthood. The Orchestra and choir under the direction of Mro Carmel Grech animated the music during this Eucharist.

Later on, a band march, commonly known as tal-Hdax (the 11 ‘o clock march) started from Triq il-Wileg and ended in the square. Then in the evening vespers were said in church, led by Parish Priest Fr Injazju Brg accompanied by the parish clergy. At 8.00pm the solemn procession with the statue of St Lawrence, led by Fr Joseph Curmi, commenced. Many people were present in the square to celebrate together this feast dedicated to St Lawrence. At the end, the procession came to an end with the beautiful hymn, f’Jum il-Mewt Tieghek (On the day of your death) and with the sacramental blessing.

This morning the process of dismantling the beautiful decorations was underway, with the help of the Festa committee members and other volunteers and this evening the parish will be united with the whole Catholic Church in the solemn celebration of the Liturgical Feast of St Lawrence

Great Celebrations in honour of a Great Saint!
08 August 2009

Yesterday was the last day of the Triduum, in his last homily Dun Joseph Sultana, the priest appointed to animate these three days of preaching, talked about the values we have to follow in our patron Saint’s footsteps. The Eucharist was celebrated by Mgr. Giovanni B. Gauci, vicar general of the diocese and archdeacon of the Cathedral of Gozo. The Holy mass was dedicated to the emigrants and expatriates. The sixty years of the death of Nazzareno Formosa, a man from our village who died in an accident at the firework factory, was also commemorated.

After the Holy Mass an unusual and potentially innovative activity took place at the side of the Church. A photographic exhibition by a French photographer, who spent last winter taking pictures demonstrating the social life of the citizens of Saint Laurence, was inaugurated by the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo. The ceremony also included short speeches delivered by the Mayor, Kevin Sciberas the person responsible for Gozo Culture and the anthropologist Ray Debono Roberts. This photo exhibition was greatly appreciated by the public.

Yesterday saw the beginning of the external festivities better known as the ‘festi ta’ barra’, with a demonstration parading the Statue of St Laurence, accompanied by a band marc by Prekursur bank of Xewkija. This statue, a great piece of art made by the artist Wistin Camilleri Cauchi has been restored during the past year. For instance the halo, the palm and the gridiron have been replaced by new ones. This artistic statue of our patron saint was then raised on the pedestal in the centre of our village square. On this occasion, the new electronic mechanism, a gift from Mr Lino Zielo from Colle Umberto in Italy as a gesture of love for Saint Laurence and our Community, was used to elevate the statue of St Lawrence onto the pedestal.

The Second day of the Triduum and the end of the 26th edition of the Festival San Lawrenz.
07 August 2009

Yesterday was the second day of the Triduum. Father Joseph Sultana, the priest appointed to animate these three days of preaching on how Saint Laurence can be endorsed by the present-day society delivered his second homily.

After the Holy Mass, the last day of the Festival San Lawrenz, the fifth day, was held in our village square. Thus the 26th edition of the Festival came to an end which made space for the beginning of the traditional Feast of Saint Laurence which will come to an end next Sunday 9th August with a procession of the statue of our Patron Saint around the village.

Yesterday’s Festival, presented by John Demanuele included a great performance by local artists as well as an overseas guest. Chiara, Pamela, Augusto Cardinali, a group of dancers from Saint Laurence and another group of dancers under the choreography of Dorian Mallia coloured the night. The Festival ended with a performance by the Australian singer Jay P who managed to create a very nice atmosphere with his guitar.

During yesterday’s festival two important presentations took place one by the Mayor to those students who graduated this year and the other one by the Parish Priest to the youngster Michael Camilleri from Nadur who won the ‘Palma tad-Deheb’, an award given every year to a young boy or girl who throughout the year distinguished himself in the musical sector.

Tonight the last mass of the Triduum is going to be held and afterwards at 9.30 the traditional demonstration begins. But before, a photo gallery, by a French photographer who spent last winter taking pictures demonstrating the social life of the citizens of Saint Laurence, is going to be inaugurated.

The last day of the Noven...The community praise the Lord for Fr Joseph's priesthood...The community Festa dinner was organized
05 August 2009

Yesterday evening, the last Novena Mass dedicated to Priesthood was held. On this day the Catholic Church was also celebrating the feast of Saint John Marie Baptist Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, popularly known as the Curé of Ars, this year celebrating the 150th anniversary of his death. The Holy Mass was animated by Father Joseph together with our Parish Presbytery – our Parish Priest, Father Charles, Father Joseph and Father Manuel. It was surely a beautiful and fruitful celebration, these were the comments of all those who were present.

Throughout the Holy Mass prayers for priests and prayers in thanksgiving for our priests were also performed. In order to show the true mission of the priest, our priests performed the foot-washing ritual by washing the feet of five elderly people from our community. In his Homily Father Joseph explained the true meaning of the priesthood and he also shared his experience as a priest in our community. The Mass was animated by our Choir Levita Laurentius, and towards the end all those who were present kissed Father Joseph’s hands that were anointed with balsam oil.

After the Holy Mass, the traditional festa dinner was held in the village square as part of the ‘Festival San Lawrenz’. The festival presented by Joe and Veronica Farrugia better known as ‘Id-Dulli’, included a performance from the Group Spectrum and other singers from our locality who had the opportunity to express their talents.

The official opening of the Festival San Lawrenz…a great kickoff!
04 August 2009

Yesterday evening, the official opening of the 26th edition of the Festival San Lawrenz was held in our village square. Yesterday’s theme was folklore while the Novena Mass was dedicated to the Family, especially to those couples married during this year and also to those couples celebrating their wedding anniversary. Towards the end of the Mass the presentation of newborns and toddlers to Saint Laurence also took place. Crucifixes, made by Father Joseph Piscopo, commemorating the occasion were also distributed to every family. Afterwards, on the Church parvis, a cake for the occasion, was cut by those couples celebrating their wedding anniversary.

Exactly afterwards, the traditional folklore night was held in our village square as part of the Festival San Lawrenz. This was an evening of Folklore with the best ‘għannejja’ from Malta and Gozo and also with the participation of the Folk Group ta’ Cangura, a folk dance group from our locality, who gave yet another great performance.

Tonight, Father Joseph Curmi is going to celebrate his first Solemn Mass at our Parish Church and prayers in thanksgiving for his ordination to the priesthood are going to be performed. Afterwards the traditional Festa dinner is going to be held, featuring a performance from the Group Spectrum and other singers from our locality who will be showcasing their talents for the first time during this festival.

In the meantime, our Local Council would like to announce that the cameras installed in our village square and Parish Church are now online for the benefit of those who want to follow the Festa.

In the Festa week!
03 August 2009

Yesterday, Sunday morning Holy Mass was dedicated to the engaged couples, while in the evening a Mass for the sick and the elderly was celebrated in which special prayers for these people were performed.

The morning Mass was animated by Father Anton Thewma, a priest in charge of the Family in the Diocese of Gozo. In his homily Father Anton stressed the importance of marriage preparation for engaged couples. The engaged couples renewed their vows that they lead their life according to Christ’s wishes and towards the end of the Mass gifts commemorating the occasion and certificates for attending the preparatory sessions were distributed.

The evening Holy Mass was animated by Father Joe Borg, in which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered and afterwards a small party was held.

Today’s Novena Mass is dedicated to the family and later on at 9.00pm the official opening of the 'Festival San Lawrenz' will be held in our village square. Today’s theme is Folklore where in the midst of folkloristic songs and music, the Folk Group ta’ Cangura, a folk dance group from our locality will be performing.

The first edition of TomatoFest……. A Huge Success!
02 August 2009

Yesterday, Saturday, the children’s Novena took place in the morning with a mass animated by Fr Mark Demanuele. At the end of the ceremony the parish priest draw up gift prizes amongst the children who attended for all the Wednesdays dedicated to St Lawrence and afterwards the children went out on the church parvis to release balloons with a message to St Lawrence.

On the same day the square was a hub of an unusual activity, with preparations underway for the TomatoFest that was to be held for the first time in Gozo and which was organized by the Ministry of Rural affairs together with our Local Council.

In the evening the square was transformed into a spectacle with the main theme being the tomato. The organizations of our village prepared various foods based on tomatoes and tomato producers in Malta and Gozo had stands from where they could exhibit the various products deriving from this fruit such as tomato paste (kunserva). In church, during the Novena in preparation for the feast, the Parish Priest celebrated the Eucharist together with Dun Charles and Dun Guzepp and thanked God for the yields of our fields, amongst which the tomato.

Present for this activity was Minister for Rural Affairs, Hon George Pullicino who not only met those present but also participated in the activities.

We spoke to a few who attended this activity and they all expressed their satisfaction for this activity.

When we spoke to the Mayor he said that the success that we were able to achieve this year would encourage us to repeat the activity next year.

A new altar boy for our Parish
01 August 2009

Yesterday, the vestiture of an altar boy from our parish community took place as part of the Novena. The Mass and the vestiture were animated by the Rector of the Seminary in Gozo Father Daniel Xerri who served as a Parish Priest of our locality for three years.

The new altar boy is Justin Grima who for the past months was preparing himself to serve in the Holy Altar and to assist the priest in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other Holy Services.

In his homily Father Daniel insisted on the importance of priests in the present society and encouraged the altar boys to let Christ be the centre of their lives. The altar boys already serving in our community also renewed their commitment.

The Rector of the Seminary also announced that from next year the Dioceses of Gozo is going to introduce one year of preparation for men interested in the priesthood, a special year discovering priesthood before actually entering seminary.

The Rector also announced good news for our community, Michael Grima the altar boy in charge of the other altar boys is going to take this experience. He encouraged our Community to pray for him.

After the Mass the altar boys together with their parents were invited for a small party prepared by the same boys.

Festa activities begin
31 July 2009

Yesterday after mass, which was celebrated by Fr Manuel Cutajar together with the parish priest and the parish clergy, the artistic statue of our patron saint, St Lawrence, was brought out of its niche to be in a prominent place during these feasts.

The first day of the novena, was dedicated to youths and adolescents. In his homily Fr Manuel, who is amongst us for his holidays from his missionary work in Albania, stressed on the importance of the family and thanked God for all that is beautiful in our community.

After the homily the Parish Priest invited the adolescents to renew their baptism vows in the name of the community and then they offered a red flower as a symbol of the martyrdom that is necessary in their lives. This was a beautiful gesture.

The function ended when the Parish Priest asked Fr Charles to open the niche and the statue of St Lawrence was brought out of it, amongst the enthusiasm of those present. When the statue found its place in the church the parish priest prayed for the sick and also prayed to the Lord to give us a feast in which we will grow closer to Him and to be united as a parish.

After the function the Parish Priest invited the emigrants amongst and those who offer their help to the parish for the traditional repo in the parochial house.

In the meantime this evening the Festa activities will continue and this site will keep you updated with what is happening. Soon the web cameras in the square will be once again online for our emigrants to be able to follow the feast with us.

The international youth exchange was a huge success.
20 July 2009

The youth exchange, held in our locality, which brought together a group of youths from different European countries, came to an end last Friday.

The closing ceremony was held in front of the church parvis where our village square was transformed into a platform of different cultures and identities. This was an activity dominated by the aspect of European cultural diversity as well as the shared European values.

A CD with original songs composed by the same youths was produced and presented during the closing ceremony. This CD mirrors the originality, professionalism and innovative ideas of these youths. This shows the importance that our society should evolve and create space for young people to be able to innovate and create new products and ideas.

In his short speech, the Mayor Noel Formosa, stressed the importance of such youth exchanges and said that our locality should be proud that it is not only helping young people to develop their skills but also serving as a hub for international youth exchange activities. He was also grateful to those involved in the running of the exchange, particularly a group from Saint Laurence who under the leadership of Laurence Cauchi devoted much of their time for this purpose.

Following a fantastic week together came a somewhat emotional goodbye when the participants left on Saturday. When interviewed, Mayor Noel Formosa said this was yet another success in our attempt to help in creating a united Europe.

We Speak Music…..
14 July 2009

At the moment a group of forty youths are living in our locality together with our youths and together they are discussing how music could be a medium through which European youths get to know each other more.

We had the opportunity to follow a bit of the youth’s program and we were impressed how this subject has motivated our youths and how they are being innovative to find ways how music can combat racism and also to be more open to creativity.

At the moment these youths have been divided into workgroups and they are preparing pieces of original music, treating social inclusion, environment, innovation and amongst other subjects. These pieces of music will now be recorded in a studio and a CD will be made with this original music. This CD will be launched this Friday during an activity that will take place in the square at 8.30pm. Everyone is invited.

Meanwhile these youths are having the opportunity to see what our island has to offer through activities that are being organized for them. They have visited Dwejra, Hondoq ir-Rummien and Ramla and will tomorrow go to Comino. On Friday they will cross over for a visit to Malta where they will have the opportunity to experience the National Philharmonic Orchestra during their rehearsals.

The San Lawrenz community attends Fr Joseph Curmi’s First High Thanksgiving Mass
13 July 2009

Yesterday, Sunday, our community, lead by our Parish Priest, Injazju Borg, attended the new priest, Fr Joseph Curmi’s thanksgiving mass in the Basilica dedicated to Maria Bambina in Xaghra.

For the last four years Fr Joseph was responsible for our children and youths and for the last year, as announced on this site, Joseph was living amongst us in the Parochial House together with the parish priest and Fr Charles. This reality has contributed to the fact that Fr Joseph has been able to experience our way of life and for us to welcome him wholeheartedly. This was evident yesterday when the participation of our community in this mass was quite noticeable.

During his acknowledgements at the end of the mass, he made direct reference to our community and also to the time he spent amongst us, referring to it as a period in his life that helped him in his journey to his priesthood.

We spoke to some students and their parents who had the opportunity to experience Fr Joseph. Without hesitation they all said that Fr Joseph left a positive impression in their lives, and they expressed their regret that he will soon leave our parish to continue his studies abroad.

We have heard that our parish is preparing to dedicate a day during the festa novena to have a thanksgiving mass in honour of Fr Joseph, this time in our parish church.

For a whole week our village will be the European capital for Music
11 July 2009

Today our Local Council is welcoming a group of thirty youngsters from various European countries, as part of the Youth in Action Programme funded by the EUPA. The objective of this Youth exchange is to provide a platform for these youths to meet and, exchange their views, ideas and convictions on topical issues namely on how music can unite more the European Youths and how it can be used as a medium through which we can become more innovative, but most importantly how music can give us the opportunity to create a world where prejudices based on race, gender and colour have no place. The participating countries are Italy, France, Germany, UK, Spain and last but not least a group from Malta. A group of Maltese youths have been very busy these past couple of weeks preparing everything for this event and creating a warm and welcoming environment for these youths once they arrive in Malta.

This is not the first experience of youth exchange in our locality. In fact it is the third time that youths from different European Countries are living and working with youths from San Lawrenz.

When we asked some of the youths directly involved in the running of this exchange they expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for such initiative. They told us that they had the opportunity to participate in various youth exchanges abroad, but the reward is much bigger when you are offering hospitality because by doing so you are exhibiting what our country can offer to other Europeans.

The schedule includes a welcome party which is going to be held in our village square and a number of workshops where the youths will have to compose their own music. This event will be concluded by a farewell party where the participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their works of art. Also during this week these youths will be given a taste of what our country offers regarding the musical sector.

The Azure Window classified amongst the first eleven Wonders of Nature
10 July 2009

Yesterday our Local Council received the great news that it has achieved that for which it was working hard during the last months.

The Azure window has been classified as one of the eleven in its category. As explained many times on this electronic site, The Azure Window was competing against another 440 different sites around the world. These 440 were divided into categories. Up till the 7th of July one could vote for the 7 sites, which in his opinion, are most likely to be claimed as Wonders. Yesterday the votes were counted and as a result the Azure Window has been classified as one of the 77 of the 7 categories that were competing.

Now, on the 21st of July, a Panel of experts will announce the 28 that will once again be posted on the site www.new7wonders.com for the public vote.

In a statement the San Lawrenz Local Council expressed its satisfaction for this success and thanked all the Maltese and Gozitans for their genuine support for this initiative.

When contacted, Mayor Noel Formosa said that this triumph is for the whole population of Malta and Gozo and also for tourism in our islands. “We never thought that our input could leave this result, but as we believed that we could get there, today we could see the results we worked for”.

This site will continue to keep you informed with every development.

The feast is approaching
07 July 2009

We are in the beginning of July and obviously, the festa spirit is in the air. The festa committee members have already started with the external decorations of the church and also in the streets. Besides, the Festa decorations warehouse/workshop is open for longer hours than usual with youths and enthusiasts giving the final touches to this year’s new decorations.

Apart from this we had an unusual activity this week. Mr Lino Zielo from Colle Umberto has personally offered the Festa Committee a new electronic apparatus with which the statue of St Lawrence could be elevated onto the pedestal. This apparatus consists of a motor that is attached to the existing ladder and is programmed to bring up the statue to the top of the pedestal. The festa enthusiasts’ excitement was evident on Saturday when the first trial run was successful.

This project is the fruit of the twinning of our village with that of Colle Umberto and it is encouraging seeing the relations of these two localities reaching this level.

We spoke to the Festa Committee President, Mr Michael Grima, who expressed his satisfaction for this project and thanked Mr Lino Zielo for this donation towards our feast.

Celebrations of the 40 years of football in our village came to an end on Friday
06 July 2009

Forty years in which the St Lawrence FC served our community in the sportive scene. This was the main theme for the activities that were celebrated during the last weeks. These celebrations were truly merited as the village has gained the immense benefits amongst our children and youngsters during the last forty years.

Last Friday’s activities commenced on Friday with a mass celebrated by Parish Priest Injazju Borg in which he thanked the Lord for all this welfare. All the members of the Club during the last forty years, as well as all the players and coaches who have served our team and had the opportunity to benefit through this sport were invited for this mass.

Afterwards, in the school grounds, a BBQ and Bingo evening took place, in which mementos of this occasion were distributed and this season’s honors were declared. On this occasion, Mr Joe Mercieca, ex president of our Club was appointed Honorary President. Now the Club has 2 honorary Presidents who are Mr Mercieca and Mr Toni Formosa. The new Club President, Mr Mario Borg, assisted by the Secretary Patrick Cassar, presented these honors.

At the end of this activity Mayor Noel Formosa presented the club with a new set of gears and well as bags to be used by the Club during the coming season.

In a statement the San Lawrenz Local Council thanked all the Committee Members that served this Club, as through this club our youths were offered another shoulder in their upbringing.

A delegation is back from La Ballme de Sillengy
01 July 2009

Late yesterday evening a delegation lead by Mayor Noel Formosa and including Vice Mayor Anthony Formosa, Councilors Luigia Grima and Joe Sultana as well as Lawrence Cauchi who was representing the Twinning Committee and Concetta Mercieca, arrived back from La Ballme de Sillengy in France.

Last May, Vice Mayor Anthony Formosa had lead another delegation to Colle Umberto where they were present to celebrate together with the Italians and the French the 25th Anniversary of the twinning between Colle Umberto and La Ballme de Sillengy.

This time it was the turn of the French in La Ballme di Sillengy to celebrate their 25th anniversary of this twinning. In the three days the delegation from San Lawrenz spent in La Ballme, they had the opportunity to experience another European reality. La Ballme de Sillengy is a locality in France that forms part of what was once the northern part of the Savoy Kingdom. Mountains, lakes and beautiful cities such as Annecy surround this locality.

During this visit the delegation gave a presentation of Malta, whose particulars make our island a distinctive destination. In a short address during the official celebration our Mayor emphasized the importance of Europe bringing the citizens closer. He said that twinning programmes and exchanges are similar to the small mustard seed that although small could became a large tree.

The delegation took the opportunity to talk about the Azure Window and campaigned amongst them to vote in this final stage for it to become one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. The French welcomed this delegation and promised their support for this cause.

Contacts between San Lawernz and La Ballme have been going on for some time and these same French were invited to San Lawrenz together the Italians for every activity in connection with our twinning with Colle Umberto.

The students of our school successful in recent exams
23 June 2009

It is time to reap what has been sown!! A few weeks ago many students sat for exams that are quite important, amongst whom are students for our Primary School. After a year of studying, now the students are getting the results for which they worked hard.

As in previous years our School, Dun Salv Portelli Primary, had a high percentage of students that not only passed but also did so with flying colours, obtaining high marks. The private schools’ results were the first to be published and our students obtained good results. Then at the beginning of this week the Junior Lyceum results were published and 87% of our students passed with very good results.

In a press release the Local Council congratulated these students for their success and urged them to continue to work hard so that they will be able to progress in their studies. He also congratulated the Primary School in our village, particularly the teachers, for their dedication towards our children. The Council concluded its comment by saying that this result was a statement of the commitment of the whole school. “This result is the fruit of the diligent work of the teachers together with the parents”.

Meanwhile our primary school has published its annual leaflet named “Imsiebah Zghar” (Small Lanterns), which leaflet continues to showcase the serious commitment of our school and also the creativity our students.

Two children receive their First Holy Communion.….In the Feast of Corpus
15 June 2009

Last Sunday the Church in Malta, and also in many other countries, celebrated solemnly the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, or as it is more commonly known as the Feast of Corpus. In our village this feast had a greater significance as two children, Luke Cilia and Eric Portelli received their First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful ceremony with the whole community involved.

For the first time in the history of our parish this feast and the procession were held rather early in the morning. At 8.30am everybody was gathered in Church when the Parish Priest accompanied by the Vicar and the altar boys lead a procession to the altar. In his homily the Parish Priest emphasized the importance of the Eucharist and also the importance of giving God the best of our time and not what is left over.

At the moment of Communion Luke and Eric, wearing white gowns, received Jesus, ‘their best friend’ for the first time after an adequate preparation.

After Mass, on a beautiful sunny morning, the Parish Priest led the procession through the main streets of the village, holding Jesus Eucharist under a baldachin carried by members of the Confraternity of the Eucharist of our parish. The community then followed Jesus Eucharist while the children marched in front, throwing flowers on the ground so that Jesus will pass on a carpet of flowers, a sweet tradition relating to this Feast, which has roots coming from the genuine devotion of our people to the Eucharist.

Fr Joseph Curmi……ordained a priest
14 June 2009

Last Saturday in the Gozo Cathedral, Bishop Mario Grech administered the Sacrament of Holy Orders to three deacons. One of them is Joseph Curmi who has served our community during the last year.

The other newly ordained priests are Fr Anthony Bajada and Fr Richard N. Farrugia. These three priests all hail from the parish of Marija Bambina in Xaghra and all three have in common the fact that they have served our community at one time or another.

Our community showed its appreciation for this gift by attending the prayer vigil in the Seminary on Friday 12th and also on Saturday 13th June for the special Mass in the cathedral in which Bishop Mario Grech gave the conferment of Holy Orders. Those present followed the ceremony and prayed with these new priests.

As announced on this site, Joseph, (as we called him till now) was not only present amongst us during the weekends but recently was living in the Parish house with the Parish Priest and the Vicar. This fact helped Joseph to experience more closely the life of our community. He was responsible for both the student’s and the altar boys’ groups.

Today, Sunday, Joseph said his first mass in our community. It was obvious that this was a great pleasure for our community who followed Joseph in his journey to the priesthood. At the beginning of mass the Parish Priest, on behalf of the community welcomed and congratulated Joseph and the congregation responded with a genuine heartfelt applause.

From information that this site has gathered, it seems that Joseph will continue to offer his priestly services in our parish until he goes abroad. We once again give him a hearty WELCOME amongst us and augur him AD MULTOS ANNOS!

The last effort!
09 June 2009

This morning, on checking the site www.new7wonders.com we were surprised with the news that the Azure Window is in the 14th position in the worldwide competition to declare the seven wonders of nature. After a long period occupying the 24th and the 26th position, this week the ratings surged forward and now it is in the 14th position.

The Local Council’s commitment to advertise this initiative is having positive results and is encouraging the Council to continue in its sterling work to have this unique treasure in our islands occupying this prestigious title around the World. The Council also believes that this will also serve as publicity for our country.

This site takes the opportunity to continue to urge all those who have still not voted to do so by entering the site http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/europe/c/AzureWindow/ and cast their vote.

We encourage everyone to spread the word with his friends and relatives abroad to help the Azure Window to continue rising to the 11th rating position, which rating qualifies for the second round of voting.

The first voting phase comes to an end on 7th July. We urge you, dear readers to make the last effort so that this site will continue to be a sustainable publicity for Malta.

Five students received the Holy Spirit
08 June 2009

Yesterday Bishop Mario Grech welcomed into the Catholic Church five new members when he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Lara Calleja, Anna Grima, Dulcima Fava, Luke Tabone and Shaun Micallef yesterday received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the 10.30am mass.

Before the homily, the Bishop of our Diocese asked the parish priest if these children were well prepared and on a affirmative answer the Bishop accepted to Confirm these new members from our community.

In his homily Bishop Grech emphasized on the importance in our lives to remember, saying that this is an important element on being a catholic. Sometimes, he continued, we take for granted the sacraments that we receive.

Afterwards, the Bishop confirmed the youths one by one and together with the other priests who were concelebrating prayed to the Holy Spirit on these youngsters.

Next Sunday, feast of Corpus, two children from our parish will receive their First Holy Communion. The ceremony will start at 8.30am.

The Solar Water Heater project is now a reality
05 June 2009

For the Solar Water Heaters, an Eco-Friendly means of heating water, are now being distributed!

Last January, our Local Council has embarked on a wide scale project that is the Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme. The aim of which was to entice the residents to purchase with a very affordable price a Solar Water Heaters. The response was overwhelming, for the majority of the residents are now using the solar energy to generate hot water for their homes.

This is not the only Alternative Energy Initiative taken by the San Lawrenz Local Council in the locality. For instance last year the Local Council has distributed an energy saving bulb to every household.

Mayor Formosa has expressed his satisfaction that for the second time the Local Council was instrumental in stimulating the concept of Energy Savers not only in the locality of San Lawrenz but also throughout the whole country. He said that despite of our small size we can still contribute to our surrounding environment and also helping our country to cut C02 emissions by at least 20% by the year 2020. Such initiative is expected to reduce 125 tonnes of CO2 emission every year.

He expressed his gratitude to the local community for their participation, continuous support and help in transforming the locality into an Ecological Village. He also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Rural Affairs and also The Parliamentary Secretary for Public Consultation for their contribution to the development of this project. Last but not least Mayor Formosa thanked Fritz Energy Ltd. the suppliers of the Solar Water Heaters.

Mayor Formosa concluded by saying that this is the end yet the beginning of another fruitful project which the San Lawrenz Council is going to take and will soon be aired.

A mass and celebration in honour of parents in our school
05 June 2009

This morning our school took on a festive spirit. From early in the morning one could note parents making their way towards the main hall of the school.

The children produced a lovely activity full of music, dance and short plays to a hall packed with an audience of parents, children and their teachers. Before this activity Parish priest Injazju Borg celebrated Mass in which the school gave thanks to the Lord for the whole year that will some come to an end.

The activity for this occasion was produced by the students under the guidance of the teachers of our school.

In a short address the Head of the school Mr Mario Zammit thanked all those who lent a helping hand for this activity and said that similar occasions continue to help our children in their development.

At the end of this activity the children presented a small souvenir to their fathers on the occasion of Father’s Day that will be celebrated shortly

Celebrating Forty years of Sports in our locality
03 June 2009

During this month the St Lawrence Spurs Football Club is celebrating a very important event in which, together with the whole community, they will be commemorating the beginning of the first football team in our village.

Although we do not always appreciate enough, we can never calculate the enormous benefits of sports through football in our locality.

The activities commenced on Friday with a Pizza Night for all the children of our nursery. The parents were also invited for this activity. Towards the end of the evening the children were presented with a memento and also, for the first time, Awards were given to the most Diligent Players of the season. Here one should mention the coaches of these teams, Joe Mercieca, Laurence Cauchi and Samuel Micallef and many other helpers amongst whom are Daniel Micallef, Michael Grima, Patrick Cassar, Jevon Attard, Grace Micallef and many others.

Meanwhile on Monday 1st June the Annual General Meeting was held in which a detailed report of the club and the team. It was a very interesting meeting with a discussion about the situation of the team and also on how to improve in the future.

The activities will continue in the coming weeks and will be announced in the near future.

On this occasion the Local Council, in a press release, congratulated and thanked the club and urged it to continue in its sterling work amongst our children and youths.

Festa preparations Begin
28 May 2009

Yesterday in Tower Street, our community commenced the activities leading to this year’s feast, which is dedicated to St Lawrence. At 7pm a mass was celebrated, lead by Parish Priest Nazju Borg accompanied by Fr Joseph Piscopo and the Parish Vicar Fr Charles Sultana. This mass was held in Tower Street, as this is the area where the first chapel to St Lawrence is said to have been situated and where the first inhabitants of our village used to gather to worship.

For this occasion a new painting of St Lawrence was the center of the ceremony as the Parish Priest chose it to portray the motto of the feast this year - that of determination and relying on God’s providence. The image of St Lawrence looking upwards and also the firm grip of the saint’s hand on the girdle should serve as an inspiration for us Catholics. That is how the parish priest explained the aim of the feast for this year.

After mass a procession towards the church was held in which the prayer-hymn (kurunella) in honour of St Lawrence was recited. Then on reaching the square, the Baptism vows were renewed and the Parish Priest distributed a candle to every family, so that it could be lit every Wednesday up to the feast. Also in the square a fire was lit to symbolize the faith passed on to us by the first parishioners Lawerenzjani.

A photographic Exibition on San Lawrenz during Lejlet Lapsi – Notte Gozitano attracts hundreds
26 May 2009

During the weekend the Ministry for Gozo organized another edition of Lejliet Lapsi – Notte Gozitana. A photographic exhibition was held in Independence Square portraying our locality with photographs taken by Luc Arden, an accomplished photographer who was amongst us in April.

Hundreds of people who viewed this exhibition were full of praise not only for the photographer’s professionalism but also appreciated what our village has to offer. We spoke to residents of our locality who also visited the exhibition and their comment was one on which we should reflect. “We are appreciating the fact that we are living in a beautiful locality”. This, in fact, was the aim of the local council when organizing this activity.

The highest authorities of Malta, President Dr George Abela and Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi also visited the exhibition. Both praised the artist and also the way our locality is always innovative in its activities.

Ruben Cauchi: A great honor for our village
12 May 2009

Recently, the University of Oxford in England awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to Ruben Cauchi, a young man from San Lawrenz in a ceremony that was held in the Sheldonian Theatre on 7th of March 2009. Rueben’s parents, Annie and Martin attended this ceremony.

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and is regarded as one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Many of the world’s most distinctive thinkers, writers, scientists and politicians have been taught – and have taught – at Oxford.

Ruben’s great achievement not only reflects on him and his family but also on our locality. Through the years Ruben has studied diligently to obtain this high level, which, without doubt, has only been achieved by a few of his age.

Through his research in medical sciences at the University of Oxford, Dr. Cauchi made novel and important contributions to the cutting-edge field of genetic disorders. His work is featured in several journals including a high-profile report published last year in the prestigious journal, Public Library of Science (PLoS) Genetics. In Oxford, Dr. Cauchi was supervised by Dame Kay Davies, one of the most influential science entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. In the past months, Dr. Cauchi had the opportunity to continue his research as an academic staff member at the acclaimed University of Cambridge.

In a press release the San Lawrenz Local Council congratulated Ruben and urged other students and youths from San Lawrenz to continue their studies. This site joins the Council and the residents of San Lawrenz in congratulating Dr Ruben Cauchi.

Another commitment realized
11 May 2009

Our Local Council has always emphasized the importance of providing the drainage system to be connected to every household in our locality. In the last years this was being implemented. The only two parts of the locality that were still without this service were the end part of Dalelands Street and that of Corner Street.

For both these sites, it was not technically easy to solve the problems involved. But with the insistence of the Council and with the goodwill of the Water Services Corporation, these problems are solved. The one for Dalelands Street was concluded about two years ago and at the moment the one at Corner Street is also being tackled. The later was the most problematic because works did not consist only of the laying of pipes but a pump structure was necessary to pump into the central system. During these last 12 days Water Service Corporation employees were working on this important project and now the structure is almost ready and will soon be functional.

We can now say that our village is completely connected to the drainage system and will continue with its commitments of being an ecological village by providing all the necessary services for a sustainable village.

Il-Fiera tad-Dwejra, a great success!
04 May 2009

Yesterday Dwerja once again was the venue for the annual Dwejra fair, which fair was reconfirmed yesterday as not only the Gozitan traditional fair but also that it is in the hearts of the Gozitans.

A Maltese proverb says that “the day shows itself from the morning” and this is what happened yesterday in Dwejra. From the early morning with the weather collaborating with a beautiful day, Dwejra was full of Maltese who filled the Fair grounds and going round the stalls enjoying what was being offered. Later it was the turn of the Gozitans who paid a visit to Dwejra. Hundreds of people fill the bay and generated a lot of work for the helpers who lent a helping hand.

Besides the success of the large numbers who came to the fair, the teamwork was evident amongst the organizers of the Fiera. The harmony amongst the helpers made it easier for the visitors to enjoy their outing to Dwejra as everything was prepared to offer an enjoyable afternoon. On arriving at Dwejra one found parking attendants to help you find a parking slot and then one could enjoy all the games available for all the family.

During this fair, Radio Marija had a direct transmission with Dwejra to report to those at home what was happening.

All in all, when one looks back to the whole weeks of preparation prior to this day, one could conclude that our village was once again capable of organizing events. From this we congratulate the community for another success and augur every success in every activity it organizes.

The feast of St Joseph the Worker celebrated in our village
02 May 2009

Yesterday 1st May, the whole world celebrated May Day, or Workers Day. This year this day was clouded by the present economic situation, where many worldwide companies are laying off workers and this is leaving a negative impact on the global economy and thus reflecting badly on whole families because of lost jobs. Various unions and political parties around the world also commemorate this day.

In San Lawrenz we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph the Worker. In the evening mass was concelebrated by the Parish Priest Injazju Borg and a procession was later held with the statue of St Joseph.

In his homily the parish priest emphasized on the importance of work that brings justice to the world. He mentioned the global recession that is affecting the working world and urged us all to pray for those who were laid off work.

The procession with the statue of St Joseph, held by the workers, took place as usual. This artistic statue, representing St Joseph leading a young Jesus, was made in Lecce, Italy and was brought to our parish by the first Parish Priest, Dun Salv Portelli.

Until a few years ago in the ceremony various tools representing various trades and occupations were blessed, but with time this custom was adapted and more emphasis was given to the value of the worker as a human being.

Tiziana Vella competes in Malta
29 April 2009

A few months ago (precisely last November) this site had announced that a girl from San Lawrenz, Tiziana Vella, after having gone through the contest that was held in Gozo, would be participating in the actual Miss World Malta. She had competed with another eight participants.

As announced last November the moment has arrived for us to give our support to Tiziana towards her ideal for the honour of Miss World Malta. The televoting has been launched with which we can vote for Tiziana. This site encourages all the residents of San Lawrenz to give their support by sending a message with the name TIZIANA VELLA on the number 50615022.

It would be nice if as a community we give our support to one of our girls, thus encouraging her to continue looking forward and also to give the opportunity of having Tiziana as an ambassador for our locality of San Lawrenz.

At the moment Tiziana is currently attending Sixth Form after which she wishes to continue her studies in University taking a course in medicine. She is also very interested in modeling and this contest will help her in her goals.

We wish her the best of luck and promise her our total support.

A very busy week leading to the Fiera tad-Dwejra
27 April 2009

Yesterday in the site where the Dwejra Fair will be held next Sunday preparations were underway for this year’s edition. This year the Fiera tad-Dwejra will be held on Sunday 3rd May.

The Fiera tad-Dwejra has become an annual appointment not only for the residents of our village of San Lawrenz but also for all the Gozitans and all the Maltese who will be amongst us. Not surprisingly this fair is know as the traditional Fair of the Gozitans. During these last years this fair has become popular even with the Maltese and many decide to come to Gozo on this Sunday especially to be in Dwejra.

The Festa committee responsible for external activities and also for the event commences its preparations months before. The publicity campaign consists of not only putting up billboards all around Gozo but also distributing leaflets in every Gozitan household. The committee every year tries to come up with different sorts of games for all the family so that all those who go down to Dwejra could find something attractive for everyone. Above all an important factor, which is addressed each year, is to be sure that there are no parking problems for those who come to enjoy themselves.

The aim of this activity is to collect funds but what is most evident is the sense of a community working together for the same ideal. This site augurs that the spirit which this fair generates amongst our community will continue to grow and augurs a very good day to all those who will be in Dwejra on Sunday.

Maltese cyclists end their marathon in our square
23 April 2009

Last Sunday a small group of Maltese cyclists together with a few Gozitans participated in a cycling marathon that left Imgarr earlier in the day.

The Maltese Council for Sport coordinated this marathon. This is not the first time that similar marathons were organized and ended in our square. In November of last year another marathon was organized with many more participants. From information that we have acquired the Local Council is working closely with the sport secretariat to organize similar activities to promote as much as possible every type of sport in the locality.

We asked the Mayor to confirm this and he revealed that in the near future the Local Council will be organizing a series of different sports together with the St Lawrence Spurs to continue to promote every type of sport in the locality and for every age group. More information about this will be given later on.

At the end of this activity the Council distributed a bottle of water to every participant.

“Il-Fqajjar ta’ Assisi” (The Poor man from Assisi) a total success
19 April 2009

This morning the topic of conversation was the activity held yesterday in the Parish Centre, an activity that involved many youths and students as well as adults.

In front of a packed hall, the play about the life of St Francis of Assisi, on the script of the parish priest Injazju Borg, was held on the stage of the Parish centre, which in itself has a long history. Renzo Formosa in the leading role as St Francis and Claire Attard in the role of St Chiara together with all the other actors produced a beautiful production in which the talents and the love for the stage was evident that it still exists in our community. The backdrop was very beautiful as was the lights and music that all helped to provide a very enjoyable evening and also to give a message to all those who were present.

We spoke to the President of the Dramatic Group, Angelique Borg who with a lot of enthusiasm showed her satisfaction for what her committee had just produced. In a few words she said “We showed everyone what our community is able to do”. We also spoke to the Parish Priest who also showed his satisfaction that many persons were involved in this activity. He said that together with the clergy of the parish he was happy that once again the drama group will be offering alternative entertainment in our community.

The Mayor and the secretary attend for the launching of the reform for Local Councils by Prime Minister
16 April 2009

Yesterday at the Auberge de Castille the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Local Councils and Malta’s Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi announced the reform that will affect the Local Councils after a public consultation over a period of ten months.

Mayor Noel Formosa and the Executive Secretary Lucienne Haber attended for this press conference. The Local Council reform proposes measures with which the local council will be closer to the citizen, offering better quality service. Both the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary underlined the importance of sustainable localities and the government will help to achieve this aim by providing the necessary tools, such as initiatives towards the local identity, transparency in projects, environmental initiatives and above all to bring the council closer to the citizen.

In a press release the San Lawrenz Local Council said that it was pleased with these reforms and said that the reform confirms the direction the council always adopted in the past, even though they were not in the council’s responsibility. In the press release the council reminded that through its diligent work it always presented the Local Council as a hub of services for the citizens in our locality. From the early stages it understood its role and mission amongst the community, by establishing a Child Care Centre 5 years ago, by being instrumental for starting a Day Care Centre for the elderly on a regional basis and also commencing and later giving autonomy to non governmental organizations in the cultural and sportive scene. And because there are no services in the locality, the council started operating a sub post office from its offices and operated by its staff so that the citizen can use this service in their vicinity.

From its beginning, thanks to the policy of the Local Council, it always realized the importance of its environmental role by first distributing flowers in pots to every household in the village to decorate their house façade and other initiatives such as distributing an energy saving bulb to every household and soon the solar water heater project.

The Local Council concluded the press release by saying that this reform is another stimulus for the council to continue in its sterling work towards the citizens and our locality.

One should also point out that thanks to this reform, the present council will have an extension of another two years and the next elections will be in 2012.

The San Lawrenz Dramatic Group back on stage
15 April 2009

Recently the Committee of the San Lawrenz Dramatic Group once again was established with the aim of producing theatrical productions, besides the Christmas Pagaent, to encourage our youths to use their theatrical talents.

At the moment the stage is a hub of activity. Every evening the parish centre and the stage is being the centre of the community with a number of youths, and also adults rehearsing for the presentation of the play on the life of St Francis of Assisi which will be held on Saturday.

Yesterday evening we were present for one of these rehearsals. The enthusiasm was evident amongst the participants and those who will be working backstage. We spoke to the president of the Dramatic Group, Angelique Borg who said that she was very happy not only because once again a production will be held but also because it was encouraging to see many youths, and also adults gathered on the stage. “In today’s society it is very difficult to bring together an amount of youths but the stage is able to do just that” Angelique concluded.

This play will be held on Saturday 18th April at 20.30. We wish all the actors the best of luck and every success for this production and we encourage all the ‘Lawrenzjani’ to support the dramatic group and to come to see the play.

An Easter gift for our community
14 April 2009

Europe financially supports the restoration of our church façade project!

A few weeks ago this site announced that the parish, with total support of the Local Council, had applied for funds from the European Union for the restoration of the church façade and also some artistic works inside the church. Now, this site has information that this project has been approved and that a substantial part of these restoration projects will be financed by these European funds.

The parish has received confirmation that this project has been accepted and in the near future the process for the tenders will commence so that eventually the much needed structural work will begin. The need for this restoration has been felt for quite a long time in our parish, then a few months ago the idea of applying for EU funds came to mind. Although the EU (as always) will not finance the whole project, now it is possible for the parish to embark on these works. As our parish is a small one, it does not have the necessary resources to complete a project of this kind, but now the parish will contribute a small percentage of the whole expense.

This project covers the restoration of the façade, from the bell towers to the parvis, the restoration of the organ and the restoration of a painting by Guzeppi Cali in the church. A map of Gozo will also be printed and distributed to tourists to advertise this area of Gozo.

Alleluia!! Christ has risen
12 April 2009

After living through the mystery of Christ’s suffering together with the Universal Church on Good Friday and Saturday, last night our community celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ during the Easter Vigil.

The parish priest, together with the Parish Council and the liturgical group has prepared a solemn celebration for this most important vigil. The kindling of the light, the blessing of the water and the Eucharist were all moments that enriched this liturgy. Deacon Joseph Curmi announced the message of Easter from the pulpit while the whole congregation, made up of a large number of ‘Lawrenzjani’, fully participated in this vigil. In his homily the parish priest focused on the importance of allowing the Easter experience to help us to change our lives.

This year, in particular, besides the usual alter decorations of beautiful flower arrangements, our parish displayed for the first time a new Glorious Easter Cross. A Cross that is very significant in these feasts. The Cross is made of gold and decorated with precious stones while having a reliquary of the Holy Cross of Jesus in the centre. With the aid of this cross the parish priest said that the Parish wishes to convey the message that the Cross, a symbol of our salvation, should be a glorious one as with his death, Christ destroyed our death. This cross, which was donated by a family from San Lawrenz, will continue to dominate our church during the next fifty days. The fifty days in which the Catholic Church celebrates this great Feast.

Meanwhile, this site wishes a Happy Easter to all his readers.

Being Catholics that serve
10 April 2009

This is the message that Parish Priest Injazju Borg wanted to deliver in yesterday’s celebration of the Eucharist. “It is important for us to receive Holy Communion everyday, but as Catholics we must also become Eucharist to others”. This message is inspired by yesterday’s liturgy when Christ remained in the Eucharist for us and also by the most noble gesture of love, that of washing the feet of his disciples. “The disciples were astonished when Christ washed their feet”, the parish priest continued, but it was precisely for this that God sent his Son into the world, to show God’s great love for us expressed in giving Himself to us. We should do the same in our everyday life, we should give ourselves to each other and love one another.

This was the message to all those present on Holy Thursday. The celebration was characterized by a sense of humility and a sense of giving. After a very moving homily, the parish priest went down to the congregation and with great devotion washed the feet of 12 members of the community as a gesture of humility and a sense of service that we should have for one another. Afterwards another important gesture was that of the sign of peace. The parish priest invited the congregation to remember the person by whom he/she was most hurt during the year and to pray for him and also to give a most sincere sign of peace to the person next to him/her.

These gestures lead to the moment of Holy Communion and to the start of the adoration on the Altar of Repose. At 9.30pm the community prayed the seven visits to the Altar of repose and later the youths went to a place in the outskirts of the village to experience and pray with Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. The last activity was the narration of St Mark of the last moments in the life of Christ, lead by Fr Charles.

Today our community joins the Universal Church to commemorate the last moments of Christ
10 April 2009

At the moment the church has shed all its decorations. There is only the Altar of Repose that reminds us of the moments that Christ spent in the Garden of Gethsemane praying alone. The Church today invites us to commemorate Christ’s last moments of his life. Later in the day, at 3pm a celebration will be held in which we adore the Cross on which Jesus was crucified for our salvation.

This year the Altar of Repose is designed to convey the message of love ‘the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies but gives plentiful fruit’. This is the message that our community wishes to give, that we should die from our egoism to be able to give fruit in our lives. This message is portrayed with the wheat surrounding the tabernacle with the aid of the colours of the flower arrangements. In these last years the altar of repose is being decorated simply but with a message to deliver. And every year its purpose has been achieved.

The church closes at midday when the Altar of Repose is removed and preparations for the 3.00pm ceremony are carried out. Later in the evening the Way of the Cross will be meditated in the streets of our village. This year it will commence from Nicholas Monsarrat Street, passing through Dalelands Street and come to an end in the village square. Then during the vigil of Saturday evening we will celebrate the greastest event of our religion, the resurrection of Christ from death.

Towards the most important vigil of the year
09 April 2009

Yesterday after mass which was celebrated by the Parish Priest Nazju Borg, Fr Charles, Fr Joseph and Deacon Joseph, our community participated in the longest procession in our village, walking behind the statue of Jesus the Redeemer.

This procession, or pilgrimage originated 21 years ago when a penitential procession was held on the occasion of the Year of the Redemption. The focus of these first pilgrimages was the crucifix held shoulder high by the youths of our village. Later the parish acquired the statue of the Redeemer, which was also carried by our young men. Over the years the number of those who dragged chains behind the statue as penitence also increased. This day is another important day for our community in which we continue to prepare ourselves for the three Holy Days that begin this evening with the Solemn Eucharist celebration.

During the pilgrimage the Stations of the Cross were meditated by Fr Charles and Deacon Joseph. The Parish Priest who urged us not only to recite the Way of the Cross but also to experience it in our lives so that we can understand more how Christ wishes to lead us to his glory concluded the pilgrimage.

In the meantime the parish continues to prepare itself for these holy days. No functions were held in church this morning except for the co celebration lead by the Bishop in the Cathedral. Then this evening after mass, which will be held at 17.00 there will be the adoration of Jesus in the altar of Respose, which alter is being decorated this morning.

A sports activity in our school
07 April 2009

This morning an unusual but interesting activity was being held in our school grounds, an activity which continues to enhance our youngster’s education. We often think that for our children to learn they must be in class with books, but this morning’s activity helps the children to learn that in life it is important to learn how to live with one another and also that you cannot always win but sometimes it is necessary to loose, but then to continue with one’s life. This was precisely the aim of today’s activity.

Students from Ghajnsielem Primary School joined our students and together with their teachers took part in sport games, enabling the children to integrate together. There were various interactive games that created a lively atmosphere that not only pleased the children but also the parents who took part in the last race, dedicated for parents only. The sportive spirit was evident and everyone looked satisfied and happy.

When contacted Mr Zammit, Head of school said that similar activities invigorate the attitude in the school and continue to help the children to develop their abilities. It was also of great satisfaction to see the parents join their offspring, giving a very positive message to the children. Mr Zammit concluded by thanking all those who gave a helping hand, especially the sports teacher of our school, who always, not only on this occasion, gives a very sportive boost to our school.

An important for meeting for those who intend to install the solar water heater
07 April 2009

The solar water heater project launched by the local council is progressing. Yesterday a meeting was held for the prospective buyers in which technical matters were discussed and also those present had the opportunity to ask questions about the product.

Mayor Noel Formosa, who continued to stress on the importance of the project and where the Council wishes to arrive with these initiatives towards the environment addressed this meeting. He said that this is all possible mainly with the positive response by the residents who collaborate with the Local Council.

Afterwards, ingineer Mark Guillaumier explained in great detail how the solar water heater works and what measures one should take to get the best results from this product. He said that through this project the village of San Lawrenz will be helping to save a substantial amount of Co2 in the atmosphere. After this introduction everyone had the opportunity to ask questions about the product and also about the necessary preparations for the imminent installation work on the roofs of our residences.

We took the comments of those present and all showed their enthusiasm for this initiative. It is clear that the campaign launched by the Local Council towards an ecological locality is taking root. This was evident in a comment by the Mayor when he said “this enthusiasm encourages the Local Council to continue working in this direction”.

The community prepares Easter
06 April 2009

Yesterday, Palm Sunday our community joined the rest of the Universal Church to celebrate the occasion of Christ being welcomed with Palm and Olive branches, a show of acceptance of Christ in our life.

The celebration of this feast started from the outskirts of our village, precisely by the San Lawrenz monument. After the blessing of the palm and olive branches and the reading of the Gospel, which narrates the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem triumphantly, the congregation led by Fr Nazju Borg walked processionally to the church amongst the singing and the waving of palms. The children wore costumes typical of that era to give more significance to this activity.

On arriving in the square, a small girl, on behalf of the children gave a small message of welcome to Jesus and afterwards two couples who are preparing for marriage and who were carrying the cross, knocked three times on the Church’s principal door as requested by the liturgy. This as a symbolic gesture that Christ is the door to our salvation.

Mass started soon after, animated by youths of our village. Taking part in this Eucharistic celebration were Fr Joseph, Fr Charles and Deacon Joseph Curmi. In his homily after the reading of the Passion of Jesus Christ, the parish priest urged the community to let Jesus lead them, “which is why this morning we made this public manifestation in our principal road, to proclaim Christ as the centre of our village and parish” he said.

During this week several religious activities leading to Easter will be held. This site will be closely following the community in its journey towards the greatest feast of the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Third Order once again carries the Statue of Our Lady of Sorrows.
04 April 2009

Yesterday was the feast of the commemoration of Our Lady of Sorrows, a feast that in our Country is celebrated a week before Good Friday, although the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated in the month of September.

The Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Parish Priest Nazju Borg accompanied by Fr Charles Sultana, Fr Joseph Piscopo and Fr Joshua Muscat who delivered the homily for the occasion, and also Deacon Joseph Curmi. In his homily Fr Joshua spoke about the sorrow of Our Lady and also the sorrow which human beings experience today. But when the cross we have to carry is under the Light of Christ, the sorrow is easier to handle. After mass a procession with the artistic and devoted statue of Our Lady of Sorrows was held in total silence.

At the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration, in the procession leading to the altar together with the altar boys and the clergy there were also the members of the third order of the Serves of Maria, which were given a lot of importance in this year’s feast as they are directly tied to Our Lady of Sorrows. Yesterday another 9 members joined this third order, which is unique in our village. Three men and six women yesterday began to form part of this third order. In his introduction the Parish Priest said that our parish is lucky that it has this third order. During Mass there were various moments when these members promised their commitment to the word of God, the Church and the order of which they form part.

A very important fact, which we could also call historic, was that after an absence of a number of years these members once again carried the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows during the procession. It was quite exciting for the parishioners to know that the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, to which this third order is affiliated has once again returned in the hands of its members.

The community of San Lawrenz - Gozo congratulates the new President and thanks the outgoing President
04 April 2009

This morning the San Lawrenz Local Council published a press release in which he augured the new President Abela and thanked the outgoing President Fenech Adami. The press release, signed by Mayor Noel Formosa is being published here word for word.

The San Lawrenz Local Council, Gozo, on behalf of the community congratulates the new President of Malta, Dr George Abela, on the occasion of his historical appointment, which shows the maturity of the Maltese people. The council heartily augurs the President and Mrs Abela and hopes that this presidency will continue to unite the Maltese people.

The Council also takes this occasion to thank President Eddie Fenech Adami for his service to the country and the Maltese people during his public life and wishes him a restful life with his family.

Our thoughts with Fr Gabriel
03 April 2009

Recently in Australia, Fr Gabriel Micallef, known mostly in our village as ‘Stiefnu’, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination. Although he is abroad, our community still has an attachment and feels that it should be united with him on this important anniversary while thanking God for all He has done for him during these forty years and for spreading the message of the Church through his work.

At the moment Fr Gabriel is doing his mission work in Adelaide, Australia where he is serving as a Maltese Parish Priest. Whenever we have the occasion to talk to him when he is here in Malta on holidays he always shows his satisfaction in serving this mission, which mission helps the Maltese in Australia to maintain its roots, especially in practicing our religion. The Eucharistic celebration to commemorate this anniversary was led by the Bishop of Adelaide, Fr Philip Wilson. Besides those with whom Fr Gabriel works, present for this celebration were also his sister, Tonina and her husband Salvu from Brisbane who were there specifically to give thanks to the Lord with her brother. A great surprise for Fr Gabriel was the presence of his niece Theresa and her husband Salvu who are in Australia on holiday at the moment

An Italian magazine features the visit to Colle Umberto by a group from San Lawrenz
25 March 2009

Last January the Festa Committee Group had the opportunity to visit Colle Umberto. During this visit the group had the opportunity to visit the monastery of the Servi di Maria, which is situated in a nearby locality, precisely in Follina. A marvelous place in the heart of the mountains. It was here that we discovered that there is a connection with our locality of San Lawrenz, as the monks of this monastery belong to the order ‘Servi di Maria’ and in our village we have the laymen’s order (terz ordni) of the “Servi di Maria’.

During the group’s visit in this beautiful monastery that goes back to the 1200’s, it was noticed that the monks were wearing a black habit, similar to the one worn by some men in the religious processions in our village. One word led to another and we discovered that the order in our village is the laymen’s order of these same monks.

These monks were very pleased with this information and asked the group, which included the Mayor and the Assistant Parish Priest, many questions, showing they were very interested to know the origins of this laymen’s order (terz ordni). We thought that the story ended there…. but that was not the case.

In the magazine named Servi 2000, published by the Order Servi di Maria and which is circulated around the whole of Italy, on page 43 of the March 2009 edition and as an article of the news page, the visit of the group from San Lawrenz in Follina in Treviso, Italy was given prominence....”abbaiamo vissuto con profonda gioia una sorpresa epifanica…..”we experienced a great surprise on the day of Epiphany” is how the monks described this visit by the “lawrenzjani” in this monastery. While the article described the connection that exists between San Lawrenz and this order, at the end of this article, which is full of photos of our island, they published the comments the Mayor wrote on their Guest Book.

A weekend of voluntary work by our Parish
24 March 2009

As part of the Lent preparations leading to Holy Easter, this weekend our community was involved in voluntary work in Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi, Malta.

On Saturday a group of ‘Lawrenzjani’ took the early ferry for Malta, braving the bad weather. On arriving they were welcomed by Fr Martin Micallef, the director of this Home, which is rendering a priceless service amongst persons with disabilities. After being shown round the premises each and every one of them was assigned a task, with the women being sent to the laundry and the kitchen while the men were asked to paint walls and doors. We spoke to some of the participants about this experience and they all expressed in a few words their peace of heart at the end of the day.

Then the next day, Sunday, a group of youngsters organised a party for Gozitan persons with special needs. These persons, accompanied by our youngsters attended the 10.30am Mass, which was celebrated by our Parish Priest, and afterwards a small reception was held for them in the Parish centre.

Besides these activities, yesterday Spiritual Exercises for Youths commenced in the Parish Centre. Fr Joe Bajada who is the Deputy Rector of the Seminary will lead these talks.

The race of the Azure Window to become one of the Seven Wonders of the World is given prominence on the news of the national television station
18 March 2009

Last Sunday our locality was once again given prominence on the news. Through a lively and detailed service the PBS journalist, Keith Demicoli gave a synthesis of what has happened up to now and still has to be done so that the Azure Window could be declared as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Mayor Noel Formosa, who was also interviewed, explained the Local Council’s continuous work to advertise this site to get as many people as possible to vote. “It’s not easy, but if everyone does his part we could get results”, concluded the Mayor.

In this news bulletin some tourists who were coincidently admiring the Azure Window were also interviewed and they all commented about the beauty of this area, not only the Azure Window, but also the whole area of Dwejra.

In his service, which had a very large following, Keith Demicoli informed the public about the process that still has to be done to have the Azure Window eventually declared as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For Malta to continue in this competition with the Azure Window, it is necessary to be at least in the 11th position by next July. A difficult classification, but not impossible. In the end five experts will choose the best seven, which in our case will be from the category of rock formations, caves and valleys.

Although it is very difficult, we should keep in mind the Mayor’s comment that even if we are not among the winners it is always good publicity for our country as thousands of people every day visit the site www.new7wonders.com to cast their vote.

At the end of this service the bad state of the road leading to Dwejra was mentioned. The San Lawrenz Local Council has repeatedly brought this to the attention of the authorities and from our part we took the occasion to ask about the process of this road. From information we gathered it transpires that the tendering process by the Ministry for Gozo, which is responsible for this road, is in an advanced stage.

Our parish starts the Lent Spiritual Exercises
17 March 2009

At seven o’clock yesterday evening our parish commenced a week long series of meetings for everyone as part of the Lent activities. These spiritual exercises are in the hands of Fr Anton Thewma.

Fr Anton gave his first talk in preparation for the feast of Easter to a packed church. He spoke about the value of suffering and how we, as Catholics should look upon suffering as a value that helps us to live a more meaningful life. “Christ became man like us, and accepted death, or rather, death on the cross to give value to suffering, and to the daily cross in our lives”. This was the main message that the former Rector of the Seminary wanted to deliver yesterday.

In the meantime our parish is in the midst of this year’s Lent activities. Recently pilgrimages to Ta Pinu sanctuary took place and in the early morning the community is meeting in Church to pray with the first vespers of the day. The parish priest is inviting the community to invest in more time in prayer.

This Saturday members of our community will make their way to ‘Dar tal-Providenza’ in Malta, a home for persons with special needs to spend a day with them doing voluntary work.

The Lent spiritual exercises come to an end on Friday.

The Council receives €5000 as financial aid for cultural activities
10 March 2009

For the international activity that the Local Council intends to organize in October 2009 in San Lawrenz, entitled “Bringing People Together’ the Council received €5,000 from the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Consultation and Information to help the cultural activities in our country.

‘Bringing People Together’ will be an activity spread through the village of San Lawrenz with the participation of various European Countries. This activity is expected to be of a high level and full of tradition, culture and also innovation.

Mayor Noel Formosa received this grant from the Parliamentary Secretary Dr Chris Said during a press conference held on Sunday, 8th March in the Banca Giuratale in Victoria Gozo.

When we asked Mayor Noel Formosa for his comments as soon as he received this grant, he expressed his great satisfaction for these opportunities that are supporting the Local Councils in the management of their duties and fills them with renewed energy to continue to upgrade the level of their community. This also continues to insure sustainable development in every aspect of the locality, be it social, cultural, economic and also environmental.

More details about this activity will be released later on but we urge you to prepare yourselves for a unique activity similar to others organized by the San Lawrenz Local Council.

The Azure Window up to 20th place in the run up to the Seven Wonders of Nature
09 March 2009

According to the electronic site of the worldwide competition, new7wonders.com, the Azure Window is in the 20th place from the previous 27th placing. The fact that a site in Malta not only was nominated but is also getting attention from millions of people who logged onto this site is of great satisfaction for Malta.

New7wonders.com is a site that is famous worldwide and through which one can cast his vote to chose the new seven natural wonders of the world. A few months ago the San Lawrenz Local Council supported by the Maltese Government took the responsibility of this nomination and straight away started a publicity campaign not only in Malta but also around the world. This campaign is having its effect. Experts in these types of competitions say that it is not easy for a small county like Malta to find itself among the first twenty positions as Malta is competing with much larger countries.

But in this case everything shows that the Azure Window is doing well amongst other much larger countries. This is first of all for the fact that the Azure Window has a unique beauty but also for the good publicity campaign by the San Lawrenz Local Council, amongst which are interviews on Radio programmes in Australia and Italy. The local Council has also started a Facebook group to urge people to vote for the Azure Window. This group is being very successful as in less than a month more than five thousand persons joined.

The San Lawrenz Local Council is urging the Maltese and Gozitans not only to vote themselves but also to spread the word with their relatives and friends abroad and encourage them to vote also. The link to be able to vote is http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/europe/c/AzureWindow/

This is an alternative way to advertise our Country abroad. The messages that the San Lawrenz Local Council is receiving from foreigners is very satisfactory. This shows that we are making a difference and although small the San Lawrenz Local Council is once again contributing in the National camp.

The European Union appointed our Mayor to observe the progress of FYROM (Macedonia) in its road to membership in the European Union
06 March 2009

Ever since Malta joined the European Union, Mayor Noel Formosa has been representing the Maltese and Gozitan Local Councils in the Committee of the Regions. This Committee, which is very important, is made up of various Mayors and Presidents of regions scattered all over Europe, and on a voluntary basis they follow documents being passed by the Council and the European Parliament. The aim of this activity is that as Mayors are closer to the European citizens they are more able to propose changes in European politics in regards of the citizens.

In the last four (almost five) years in which our mayor has been part of this committee we saw him participate in various discussions and also present amendments to documents to reflect more Maltese policy especially where Islands are concerned. He has also occupied various posts in European associations, amongst them that of Vice President of the European Popular Group and that of chairman of the internal group of the Committee of the Regions, the Association of the Islands of the European Union.

Recently, as part of his responsibilities in the European field, the Mayor was chosen, together with another six persons from the same Committee of the Regions to follow the progress of a Local Council in the ex Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the preparations for membership in the European Union. At the moment the Mayor is in this country to closely scrutinize what is happening there.

We spoke to him about his experience via telephone. He said that this is a very exciting adventure. “It is very interesting to see a country move forward to united Europe, the same road we experienced five years ago”. He said that this country has a long road ahead of it in terms of democracy, social and economy, but he admires the enthusiasm they have to become members of the European Union in the least time possible.

From Macedonia the Mayor will go directly to Prague where he will take part in the summit of the Committee of the Regions and will be back in Malta on Saturday afternoon.

The Clergy and our parish welcome Deacon Joseph Curmi
05 March 2009

A few days ago our parish Presbytery had a new addition. Deacon Joseph Curmi, who for the last two years served our parish as a seminarian and also as a deacon, has now joined the parish priest and the Assistant Parish Priest and is living with them in the parochial house.

This was good news for our Parish, especially for the students for whom Joseph is responsible. This news was well received also for the fact that priests living together in a community is a new phenomenon. This fact is of the few, if not the only one in the diocese of Gozo.

Deacon Joseph Curmi is in the last months of his preparation and will be ordained a priest in the summer, God willing. The Seminary administration wants that as part of their training, these young men should do pastoral work in the parishes, as after all this will be their principal work after they receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Apart from his work amongst the students and the vocational group, during the last months we saw Joseph leading the Christmas Novena and now, as part of the Easter preparations, we are seeing him prepare the children and students in a special mass that the parish is organizing for them every Thursday.

This site augurs Joseph good work amongst us and takes this occasion to congratulate the Parish Priest and the parish for the initiatives that the parish is taking to keep alive our Catholic beliefs and for us to realize his place in the community.

The applications for the Government Subsidy were submitted
03 March 2009

After an educational and informative campaign in the community about the importance of solar energy, and after the Council searched for the best product on the market and the best price, last week the council office was full of ‘Lawenzjani’ to fill in their application. Besides the attractive price and also the subsidy that the Council has applied for, all those who will take part in this scheme had to fill in another application for the government subsidy. With this government subsidy the price of these solar water heaters are much more competitive. The council also offered the service of helping to fill in these applications, something that was greatly appreciated. We are informed that many families from San Lawrenz were interested in this scheme.

We talked to the Mayor about his impressions on how this scheme was received. He said that he is satisfied that the San Lawrenz Local Council was able, in a year, to create awareness amongst the residents for the use of alternative energy. He explained that besides information, the Council was able to create initiatives for the families. Apart from this, the council also succeeded to involve the private sector in these schemes. He reminded us of the project held by the Council last June where every family received a free light bulb and also now this current solar water heater project. He said that the Council intends to continue on this path so that the village of San Lawrenz will be an ecological village.

We took the opportunity to speak to the Council secretary, Lucienne Haber, who was responsible for the process of the applications. She said that it was very satisfactory to see the residents of San Lawrenz once again show interest in this scheme. ‘This is not an easy project as it entails a lot of work but with determination and with everyone’s support we will succeed’, she said.

It appears that in the near future, the Council intends to organize a meeting with an expert and with the engineer of the selected company to give more information about the system that will be installed on almost a hundred roofs in our locality.

Our village was the subject for a weekend of photography
02 March 2009

During the last week, a French photographer chose our locality to expose the beauty of our community in everyday life.

Later on during this year the Cultural Section in the Ministry for Gozo will put up a Photographic Exhibition named 24/7, this name being chosen after the Council expressed its wish to publish a book about the everyday and social life of our community, on how our community lives life in its simplicity. The Mayor told us that he believes that the way we live our lives in simplicity could be a tourist attraction showing the tranquility our locality has to offer. Besides this, he continued, through these photographs we could appreciate more our lifestyle that we take so ‘for granted’.

We also spoke to the photographer Luc Arden who expressed his satisfaction on being entrusted with this responsibility by the Department of Culture to capture the beauty and potential of our community. He told us that the village of San Lawrenz is full of natural beauty, but the community, the people of San Lawrenz with their simplicity, their smile and their welcome, enhances this beauty.

Mr Kevin Sciberras, who is head of the Department of Culture and worked tirelessly for this project to succeed, accompanied the photographer. He said that he is satisfied with the outcome during these days because “although San Lawrenz is small it has the potential to offer much to the cultural and social life in Gozo”. Anthropologist Dr Ray Debono Roberts also accompanied the photographer and took the occasion to interview the people who were photographed.

All in all this exhibition will try to exhibit people who without knowing shaped the social life of our locality and wrote history which would be a shame if this written history will no longer continue to be lived.

We will close this article with the Mayor’s remark that has a very important significance. “Happiness is mostly found in the simple life, we have tried to confirm this in the art of photography”.

Towards the Church’s greatest Feast
26 February 2009

After a boisterous Carnival, yesterday the Catholic Church started its preparation for its greatest Feast, which celebrates the Resurrection of Christ from death - Easter. As this is such a great feast, the Church prepares its members with forty days of penitence, prayers and charity with which the Catholics will be more prepared to celebrate Easter.

Together with the universal church, yesterday our village also celebrated Ash Wednesday. Because it was raining the pilgrimage that was scheduled to leave Fungus Rock Street to the church was cancelled. But the ceremony commenced in Church with the singing of the Saints Litany, sang by Deacon Joseph Curmi. This was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist in which the priest marks the forehead of the faithful with ashes to remind us that we came from ashes and will return to ashes. In his homily Parish Priest Nazju Borg reminded us how important it is for us to find time for God. He said that the world today is stealing the time that should be dedicated to God. This lent should help us to find time for God once again so that we could really celebrate Easter in the best possible way.

Our parish has published a detailed programme of activities that will be held during Lent of this year. Amongst the many activities there is a retreat, spiritual exercises, special moments of prayer, charity in the form of help at Dar Arka and the Dar tal-Providenza, two homes for people with special needs, and other activities for every category.

The parish has also distributed a calendar to every family to help the members of the family to make the best of lent, united with the rest of the community.

We will continue to keep you informed with the activities organised by the parish during this time, which is fulfilling not only for our community but also for the Catholic Church.

The Folk Group protagonists in the Splash and Fun Carnival
21 February 2009

The Cangura Folk Group has become one of the most requested folk groups of our country. This is of great satisfaction not only for the group but also for our village, as they are serving as worthy ambassadors of our village.

This group is frequently being invited in Malta, a fact that stimulates the dancers and committee alike, all of whom are very dedicated to dancing and the group they are part of. For this year’s Carnival the group were invited to the Splash and Fun complex in Malta and will be giving two performances, one today, Saturday and the other next Tuesday, the last day of Carnival. Information we gathered shows that with the passing of time the group has added to its repertoire and it intends to have its own musicians. Thus the folk group will be complete and will be able to give a more attractive show.

In the meantime yesterday our village also celebrated carnival. Although it was very cold, the event took place just the same. It was a simple event but it gave our kids the chance to express their creative talents. Something that stood out in yesterday’s carnival was actually the hilarious competition in which our children and youths invented a comic sketch with in its simplicity, they were able to make everyone laugh. Another part of this event included a dance group from Nadur. This group presented a dance which they prepared for this year’s Carnival competition on a regional basis.

Carnival is here!
20 February 2009

Carnival reign starts today, a reign eagerly awaited mostly by children. With the collaboration of the Local Council, our village will be celebrating this event this evening in the village square.

A few days ago the Council announced the various competitions and once again the number of applications was very good. Now this evening, weather permitting, after a dance by a Carnival Company from Nadur, the competitions will take place.

Meanwhile, this morning the schoolchildren are already in carnival mood. The school administration decided that today the pupils could attend school wearing a carnival costume and the school took on a brighter atmosphere with the colours of the children’s carnival costumes.

We should keep in mind that in the old times our village was one of the few that offered a folkloristic carnival with the ‘Kumettiva’. This ‘kumettiva was a kind of dance that took a long time to be danced and as the participants were only men, half of them had to wear a woman’s dancing costume. In San Lawrenz, till this day one could still find nicknames which are linked with this tradition such as ‘tal-Parent’ and ‘tal-Budi’, nicknames which are synonymous with this tradition. In last year’s carnival the Local Council invited a group from Xaghra to present this ‘Kumettiva’ in our village.

Nazzarenu Vassallo Award….. Our Council nominates
19 February 2009

For these last years, Caremalta, the company that operates homes for the elderly and also care services and facilities in Malta, has been organizing an annual award amongst those organizations and individuals who work in this sector.

This year H.E. President Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, presided over the presentation of this Award on Monday 9th February 2009 at the Elderly Home in Mellieha.

On this occasion our Local Council nominated the Day Care Centre that was founded in Gozo ten years ago. Our Council, in the name of other Gozitan Local Councils wished to show our appreciation for the team that, with a lot of dedication, are responsible for the running of this day care centre.

Although the day centre, which operates in Ghajnsielem did not win this award, the directors showed their appreciation to our Local Council for nominating them for this award.

It was exactly ten years ago when this day centre was founded and our elderly are amongst those who mostly benefited from the service offered by this team. One of the team is councilor Luigia Grima who, together with her colleagues gives an impeccable service.

This project was founded with the joint collaboration of the Government, the Church and the Local Councils. Mayor Noel Formosa was one of the founding members who prepared the way for the setting up of the first Day Centre for the elderly in Gozo.

The Azure Window goes up three points
16 February 2009

According to the worldwide site www.new7wonders.com the Azure Window, which was nominated by this same site, is now in the 24th place. The Azure Window is among many other natural sites that if voted for in a long process of voting, is in the chance of being declared as one of the 7 wonders of nature.

When the Local Council took the responsibility for this site a few weeks ago, the Azure Window was in the 27th place. Now, after a very good campaign by the Council we are seeing results. From the 27th placing we are now in the 24th place.

The Local Council made use of various types of propaganda amongst which the popular site Facebook. The group, which was founded under the name “Let us put the Azure Window one of the seven wonders of the world”, has managed to obtain about 4000 members and through them what our local council started has been spread around the world.

The Mayor said that he is very satisfied with the way this campaign is progressing but he said that it is important that we continue with this momentum. “The road is long” the Mayor continued, “if we do our utmost we could achieve this aim”. He continued explaining that from comments he gets through facebook it seems that this campaign is helping in advertising Malta. “Reaching this aim or not, we have already seen benefits” concluded the Mayor.

From information we gathered we know that recently the direction of the new7wonders site augured the Local Council for the way it is leading this campaign.

sanlawrenz.gov.mt continues to urge its readers to pass the word about the voting of the Azure Window to their relatives and friends abroad.

Restoration of the Church Facade Project
13 February 2009

Some time ago this site announced that the Church, with the support of the Local Council submitted an application for funds for the much needed restoration of the Church Facade. This site has information that recently the evaluation of this application seems to be turning out positively. Although nothing is official, in a meeting that the Parish Priest together with the Mayor and Architect Ivana Farrugia had with the office responsible for the selecting of these projects, it seems that there are positive meetings towards a more holistic project.

The aim of this project, besides focusing on the restoration, will create more tourism opportunities in these parts of Gozo. In fact it is the aim of the Council and the Church that this project will complement with the Square Embellishment Project, as well as with other similar projects that the Council intends to embark upon in the future.

Works on the restoration of the Church Facade will also include the embellishment of the church parvis. An old photo shows that in olden times the parvis had balustrades that gave more dignity to the design of our church. The restoration project intends to return the parvis to its former splendor with the reintroduction of the balustrades as it was originally. Architect Ivana Farrugia who has been working on the preparations of the plans for the last year, has been very careful to be loyal to what the inhabitants of San Lawrenz wanted when with great love they built this temple.

This site will keep you informed about the process of this application. Everything seems to be prepared and the Church has all the necessary permits in hand so that if these EU funds are granted, works will start immediately

Projects in our locality attract the international media
11 February 2009

On Friday 6 February 2009 Mayor Noel Formosa was interviewed for an Italian Radio Station with a large following. Rai Radio Due, one of RAI’s radio stations in Italy asked for an interview with our Mayor about activities undertaken by our Local council to promote alternative energy.

This interview was presented on the very popular programme “Catterpillar”. The two presenters of this programme asked the Mayor about the initiatives taken by our Local Council. They asked specifically about the activity that took place in June in which the Council put off the Street Lights for an hour and also about the current initiative regarding Solar Water Heaters. The Mayor said that it is everybody’s responsibility to do his utmost to try to save the world together. He said that although our island is small we should still feel the obligation to organize activities regarding the phenomenon of global warming.

After this interview we spoke to the Mayor about the importance of similar interviews. He said that the San Lawrenz Local Council always believed that it should look beyond its boundaries, thus gaining experience and at the same time not being confined to our locality. He continued by saying that thanks to these contacts our village continues to find its place on the map of our country and that of Europe. He urged our youngsters in particular that while they should always keep in mind their starting point, they should look beyond our shores for further opportunities.

When we spoke to the Local Council secretariat they said that they received various messages from the locality of Colle Umberto showing their satisfaction of following our Mayor on the Italian radio.

Our Local Council is recognised as the organisation to support the nomination of the Azure Window
28 January 2009

This morning the agency that is responsible for this mondial competition informed our Local Council that the site of the Azure Window is now officially part of the competition that can lead the Azure Window to be declared as one of the 7 wonders of the World.

This would mean more touristic advertisement for our islands. In a comment to the national media, Mayor Noel Formosa said that this event is not only of great importance to our locality but also for our country. He urged everyone to unit as a country and to do their best to urge others to vote for this site.

To vote for the Azure Window as one of the 7 Wonders of the World one should visit the link http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/europe/c/AzureWindow/ . The San Lawrenz Local Council is urging all those who have an email address to cast their vote and to pass the word to their relatives and friends so this nomination will have the chance to place as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Thus we will be helping towards promoting the Azure Window, and many people could appreciate this ‘wonder’ in our country.

The Local Council is being supported for this nomination by the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Gozo Ministry, the Malta Tourism Authority and by various other organisations.

The Local Council is preoccupied with the terrible state of St Lawrence Street
26 January 2009

The San Lawrenz Local Council has been complaining about the disastrous state of St Lawrence Street for the past months and has been begging the authoritities to continue with the works on this road as soon as possible. But now, after having heavy rain almost every day during the last weeks, this situation has deteriorated. In a statement the Local Council showed its preocupation for the state of the road and reminded that although it does not fall under its boundaries and also that this road does not form part of its responsibilites, the Council still feels responsible and is doing its utmost so that this road will undego the works which its justly deserves.

The Local Council reminded that it has always given priority to the state of the roads, so much so that the first project undertaken by the Council was precisely the maintenance of roads and today all the roads in our locality which are under the Council’s responsibility are in a very good condition.

The Council also reminded that St Lawrence Street is on the government’s agenda and urged the government to undergo the urgent works on this road as soon as possible.

Azure Window may be classified as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
13 January 2009

Dwejra is a marvellous phenomenon and no wonder why this site has attracted so many millions of tourists throughout the years. The Azure Window natural rock formation is a spectacular natural landmark in the Maltese Islands especially during winter when waves crack high inside the arch.

Recently we have been notified that the Azure Window is being nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of World on the Seven Wonders official website. It is a great honor for us with such news that a landmark forming part of our locality is being nominated under such a prestigious title.

Our Local Council is currently undergoing discussions with the Corporation in charge of this process so that it will be the one supporting this nomination which will enable the Azure Window to proceed to the next stage by being voted to classify as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Being one of the 7 Wonders is of a great significance mainly because this landmark will be highly promoted worldwide as a site that merits a visit. In other words it will be another great opportunity for tourism towards our country.

sanlawrenz.gov.mt is to keep you updated with the accomplishments so that everyone will do its utmost to outspread the news about this nomination.

Bad weather restrained the procession from coming out around our streets
12 January 2009

Yesterday in the afternoon, the eucharist was celebrated thus marking he end of the three days of adoration known as the Forty hours devotion (Kwaranturi). For the San Lawrenz community this feast is considered as the Winter Feast. Due to continuous raining, the processions which normally passes through our main roads, was cancelled and a short procession was held in the church while the choir “Levita Laurentius” sang hymns together with the crowd present for the ceremony. This function and the kwaranturi came to an end by means of the Holy Blessing.

In his homily, Mons Pawlu Cardona, continued to emphasize on the importance of the Eurcharist in our life. He entered in the details of the three moments our community was levity through this occasion; those of the adoration, the mass and the procession. He referred to them collectively as important moments which encourage us to follow Christ and his footsteps.

At the end of the mass, the priest Ignatius Borg thanked Mons Cardona and all those who somewhat or other participated in these celebrations. He reminded everyone that the Christmas feasts in our parish mark their end by the Festa tas-Santa Nfazja, the feast during which our children offers some small donations to the missions.

He also thanked Mr Charlie Farrugia who voluntarily worked and financed the new aureole which was placed on the altar. He also thanked the benefactor who financed the gilding of the same aureole.

The Forty Hours Devotion (Kwaranturi) reaches their peak today
11 January 2009

After the beginning of the Solemn Feast of the Holy Forty Hours Devotion in our Community on Friday, today the Parish has reached the end of these solemn feasts.

During the night of adoration yesterday many were those ‘Lawrenzjani’ who decided to spend some time with Jesus in the Eucharist.

This morning the Children’s Hour (is-Siegha thal-Paggi) took place at 9.00am. This hour has been participated by the children for the last 101 years. We also attended for this occasion in which we noted the beautiful way and experienced the profound and beautiful words that our ancestors wrote one hundred years ago so that our children can express their love towards Jesus in the Eucharist.

In fact, in a few words the Parish Priest appreciated this, and also all the gestures in our parish in connection with the Eucharist. He urged the families ‘Lawrenzjani’ to be families united with the Eucharist and that the Eucharist should surround our community life.

This evening, weather permitting the Procession with the Eucharist will take place lead by Mgr. Paul Cardona who was with us for these days of Kwaranturi.

For the Feast of ‘Kwaranturi’ this year, the main altar has a more beautiful appearance
10 January 2009

All those who visited the church in the last two days for the solemn adoration of the Forty Hour Devotion (Kwaranturi) noted that on the main altar behind the ‘girandola’ (the large tabernacle in which Jesus Eucharist is exposed) there is a large aureole made of wood. This is an exact copy of the same aureole that was used in older times in our church, exactly during these feasts. When we talked to experts in church decorations, all said that this aureole is a particular one and only a few similar to it could be found in Gozitan churches, this because its style is a baroque one that represents three types of aureoles.

With this aureole an old figure of an angel once again found its place. This angel is the work of the artist Wistin Camilleri Cauchi and has been restored by his son Mario Camilleri Cauchi. With these two pieces of art the altar decorated for the Kwaranturi has been restored (although not entirely) to the artistic spendour as days gone by.

In the meantime yesterday evening Mgr Cardona made the sermon during the first Eucharist. He gave a short description on how this devotion in the Eucharist began and urged us to let Jesus Eucharist change our lives. He urged us to be more Catholics of the Eucharist.

This evening, after mass the night long adoration will begin.

The Holy ‘Forty Hours Devotion’ (Kwaranturi), a week later than usual
09 January 2009

Today, Friday, the Holy ‘Forty Hours Devotion’ started after the 7am mass. This Feast, which for our parish is the winter feast, this year, will be celebrated a week later. This because on the first Sunday of the year, the Feast of the Epiphany, the Gozo Diocese opened the Great Diocese Mission that is being held in our diocese. For this purpose the bishop expressed his wish that on that Sunday all the Gozitans gather at the Cathedral for the opening Mass of this Mission.

For these three days the Eucharist Chapel will be closed so that everyone would be able to solemnly gather in church to adore Jesus in the Eucharist.

Later this evening Mgr. Paul Cardona, Archpriest of the Parish of St George will lead the evening Eucharist and will continue to do so for these three days. Between Saturday and Sunday the Eucharist will continue to be exposed for adoration for the whole night. On Sunday morning the Children’s Hour of Adoration (is-Siegha tal-Paggi) will take place and in the afternoon the procession with Jesus in the Eucharist. It is a beautiful tradition that in the streets in which the procession passes, many decorate their houses with plants and carpets as a public expression of their devotion “to this wonderful sacrament”.

In return from Colle Umberto …our group shivering from cold!
08 January 2009

Tonight our Feast Committee group returned from their holiday in Colle Umberto shivering from cold. Despite of all this, their satisfaction was evidently appearing on their faces. They all boasted of the marvellous experience they had just gained even in such cold degrees which they have never experienced before in their entire life. As the group confirmed, the warm hospitality shown by our friends in Colle Umberto, overcame all those cold temperatures.

During their visit, the group had the opportunity to meet people from Colle Umberto and also had the chance to visit spectacular cities surrounding Colle Umberto like Cortina, Misurina, Auronzo, Venezia, Vittorio Veneto, Verona, Lago di Garda, Padova and other remarkable places which are surely to remain permanently stamped in their memories.

On the 6th January, the Epiphany, a very important feast for the Italians, our group fully participated in a mass led by Don Angelo, the parish priest of Colle Umberto, with the participation of Fr Charles, our parish Vicar. At the end of the Mass, Fr Charles presented the figure of Baby Jesus a gift by our community to that of Colle Umberto. In the meantime, Mayor Noel Formosa, presented the donation of €500 which was collected from the community of San Lawrenz to go to the missions in India, a mission which the community of Colle Umberto is supporting. These gestures were greatly appreciated by the Mayor of Colle Umberto, Eduardo Scarpis, the Priest Don Angelo and Angelo Altoe, the president of Colle Umberto Twinning Association.

In a short speech done by Mayor Noel Formosa, he urged on the important aspect for Europe that of solidarity. He stated that this Twinning is a living witness of the solidarity between the two communities, despite of their sizes, must show to the rest of Europe.

The members of the Festa Committee Group leave for Colle Umberto
04 January 2009

Our twinning is one that is alive because the participation of every ‘Lawrenzjan’ is one full of life. We could continue to witness this fact yesterday when a group of 17 men, lead by Mayor Noel Formosa left our locality to spend some days with our friends in Colle Umberto. Accompanying the group was the Vice Parish Priest, Fr Charles Sultana.

This trip will be an entirely different experience than usual for them because of the fact that the green grass panoramas that we usually enjoy will give way to panoramas of white snow which this year was more abundant than usual.

The Festa Committee organized this trip for the members that in summer are busily involved in the preparations for the annual festa. The president of the committee, Mr Michael Grima expressed his satisfaction that for the first time the majority of those who give a hand during the festa preparations will have the opportunity to spend some days together and to continue to strengthen not only their own friendship but also the friendship with the Italians.

This group is expected to participate in the traditional feast that is organized every year in Colle Umberto that of Pane Vin, which feast takes place on the Vigil of the Epiphany.

A new year full of new challenges for our village
01 January 2009

Today is the beginning of a new year! This site wishes its readers a new year full of every blessing. We asked Mayor Noel Formosa to deliver his message for this occasion through this site and also to share with us the Local Council’s expectations for our community. “It is a year in which our locality will continue to flourish”, Noel said and continued by stressing the fact that with everyone’s participation, as always, our village will continue to overcome the challenges that come our way. The first commitment of the Council is that of continuing to strengthen the ties with our twin locality in Italy, and this will actually happen in a few days time when a group of men will visit Colle Umberto. This visit is intended to pave the way for other exchanges during the year between the two localities, this time with the direct involvement of the two parishes.

Another ambitious project that the Council is aiming at and that will soon be realized is that of offering a solar water heater to all the households in San Lawrenz with a reduced price. He said that our residents positively received this project and this is encouraging the Council to invest more in the environment and renewable energy.

The Mayor also said that the Local Council will continue to embark on projects financed by the European Union such as opportunities for youths, infrastructural projects such as squares and alleys and will continue to support the Church on its embarkation of the EU project of the church façade.

Above all, ended the Mayor, the Council will continue to be close to the residents from the social aspect and the services offered to its citizens.

Another Christmas has passed and for the 14th consecutive year the Local Council keeps in mind those who live alone
26 December 2008

After celebrating Christmas together as a community during the holy night, first with the pageant (that was described by many as a very successful one) and later with the singing of the psalms, the Midnight Mass and the Agape in the community centre after mass, it was now the turn of the Local Council to visit those elderly who live alone.

Christmas is a feast where everyone wishes peace and happiness in his heart and also for his loved ones. But in the society we live in there are people who although wish to share this peace and happiness with others, circumstances are such that the person feels lonely.

With keeping in mind to give each person in the community priority and also thanks to the Local Council’s policy, that of keeping the dignity of the human person, 14 years ago the council embarked on an initiative to offer a hot meal to those who live alone on the two most sensitive days of the year, Christmas Day and the titular feast of St Lawrence. In this activity the Mayor together with the councilors personally visit those who live alone and offer a hot meal, so that everyone will know that on Christmas Day and the St Lawrence Festa, someone is thinking of them.

This year this activity took place once again. 36 persons from our village received a visit by the Mayor and the Councilors, and after exchanging Christmas Greetings were offered a hot meal. The satisfaction was evident on those who received this gesture, and they appreciated the fact that someone thought of them, much more than for the food itself.

Tonight is the 39th edition of the Christmas Pageant
24 December 2008

This evening our locality will be transformed into an open Bible that could be read and understood by everyone. For the last 39 years our community has presented the Christmas Pageant, which pageant narrates the story of salvation. A story which, starting with Adam and Eve (the creation of the world) goes on to the birth of the Promised One, the Birth of the Messiah. With a very colourful presentation, the greatest event in humanity touches the heart of all those who choose to spend this wintry evening in our village.

This pageant involves almost half the population of San Lawrenz, and from weeks before many are involved in the preparations to deliver on Christmas Eve the message that was brought to mankind by the angels two thousand years ago in Bethlehem. The stage, the script and also the biblical costumes help those present to get into the spirit of Christmas and its story.

The pageant starts at 8.30pm and ends with the traditional sermon by an altar boy. The Christmas sermon.

After this presentation the community will gather in our church where at 11.30pm vespers will be said and afterwards Midnight Mass will commence in which our community will unite with the Universal Church to relive the greatest event of Mankind. - The birth of Baby Jesus by a Virgin Mother chosen by God the Father.

The Crib and the Christmas Tree dominate the square
21 December 2008

This morning after the10.30am mass, which was part of the Novena, Bishop Mario Grech blessed the new Crib and the Christmas Tree and prayed for God’s blessing and for Baby Jesus to be the centre of our community. It was an occasion of great satisfaction for our youths, especially those who worked wholeheartedly to see this piece of work finished.

With this Christmas Tree and the Crib, now our village is dressed up for the Christmas Festivities.

The Crib, designed by the Gozitan artist Joseph Cauchi, represents an iconic scene of the Christmas event, an event that unites the divine with the human. This is actually the message of this crib. The life size statues and the grotto also deliver this message. A message of hope, that Baby Jesus brings to us with his Birth.

The initiative of the Christmas decorations this year was a joint initiative taken by the parish together with the Local Council who both gave their input to give our village a unique and beautiful image this Christmas. The large Christmas tree was donated to the village of San Lawrenz by our twin village, Colle Umberto. Yesterday the two communities tried to contact each other and to exchange greetings by means of a video conference.

Now our community is focused on the 39th representation of the Christmas Pageant, which pageant narrates the story of salvation in a very attractive manner.

The Christmas Tree is put up in our square
20 December 2008

Yesterday the Christmas Tree, a gift from Colle Umberto, finally arrived and was ‘planted’ in its place with the help of a crane. The expectation of the residents for this tree was high, and remained so till about 5pm when the tree was brought out of the container and found its place in the square. The work to secure the tree and decorate it continued to late in the evening. But the satisfaction was great and all those who passed through the square could admire the natural beauty of this tree, which will not only be for the benefit of the residents of San Lawrenz but also for the Gozitans, Maltese and tourists who pass through our square.

Later the iconographic crib made by our youths was also set up. The crib together with the Christmas Tree will further decorate our village.

This evening the inauguration of this crib and the tree will take place. This inauguration will be a significant one also as this evening an online direct conferencing will be held with Colle Umberto in Italy as well as with La Ballme de Sillangy. Through this video conferencing greetings will be exchanged and thus giving both communities the opportunity to feel closer with the help of technology.

This activity will commence at 8.00pm and is intended to end at 9.00pm.

The Christmas Novena has commenced
17 December 2008

Last Monday, together with the rest of the Universal Church, our community started the last preparations for Christmas, one of the greatest feasts in the Catholic Church, which commemorates the Birth of Jesus Christ. The Novena started on Monday, nine days of spiritual preparation leading to the Feast of Christmas.

These nine days are being animated by the Deacon Joseph Curmi who is involving the children as much as possible and at the same time addressing the adults.

Before mass vespers are being said, lead by the Parish Priest, and then the Sacramental Blessing is given. An innovation this year is the reintroduction of the hymn Alma Redemptoris Mater, a hymn dedicated to our Lady whose melody used to fill the church and the hearts of all those present in days gone by, and one of the most beautiful Christmas melodies.

In the meantime the enthusiasm for these festivities is heightening. We asked the Local Council about the progress of the Christmas Tree, and from the Council secretariat we were informed that if everything goes according to plan it will arrive today. The same is intended for the large crib that is being made by our youths. We went to the Festa workshop, and also here, if everything goes smoothly this crib will be in its place under the tree by Thursday. That is what the youths, full of enthusiasm told us.

The enormous tree that, together with the crib, will be dominating the square during the festive season is on its way
11 December 2008

Yesterday, 10 December, a tree from a forest near Colle Umberto started its journey to San Lawrenz. This tree is a gift from our twin community in Italy which will decorate our square during this year’s Christmas season.

The excitement for this tree is increasing in our locality and also in Gozo there is an expectation as this is the first natural tree of its height that will be set up for the Christmas festivities.

This tree is being transported by sea in a forty-foot container that is expected to arrive in our village square on Monday.

We spoke to Mayor Noel Formosa about this event and he showed his satisfaction that once again our locality is being innovative in decorating the village and in creating a beautiful atmosphere for these festivities. But the greatest significance, continued the Mayor, is the gesture related to this tree, which is offering an opportunity for the two localities to continue to be united. He thanked the administration of Colle Umberto, in particular Mr Romano Volapato who worked tirelessly for this dream to become a reality.

Displayed with the tree will be a crib that has been made by our youths during the last few weeks. This crib represents original scenes of a crib, an icon. This crib is in its last phase and will be displayed under the natural Christmas Tree.

Our village prepares for Christmas
02 December 2008

Yesterday was the beginning of the month of December, the month in which the atmosphere changes into one of an expected celebration. This spirit of expectation is also being felt in our locality. Every year the village tries to do its best to come up with ideas on how to make this festive spirit felt among us and to create an festive atmosphere for the inhabitants and all those who come to visit us.

The village of San Lawrenz is known for the Traditional Christmas Pageant, which has been held on Christmas Eve for the last thirty-seven years. This pageant involves half the population of the village and with the passing of time has continued to grow and to evolve into what we can enjoy today.

But besides the Pagaent, this year the Local Council and the Parish have joined forces so together they could decorate the village during this festive period in an original and unique manner. The original Christmas Tree with poinsettias which has been assembled in the square for the last years will give way to a natural Christmas Tree, 33 feet high, which has been sent to us as a gift from our twin village, Colle Umberto, and under this Christmas Tree a new and original Christmas Crib will be displayed. This crib was designed by Joseph Cauchi and represents the Christmas icon. During the last weeks many were the youths who gathered in the Festa armaments warehouse to prepare this crib, which, together with the Christmas Tree will be one of the original Christmas attractions in Gozo

But besides the Pagaent, this year the Local Council and the Parish have joined forces so together they could decorate the village during this festive period in an original and unique manner. The original Christmas Tree with poinsettias which has been assembled in the square for the last years will give way to a natural Christmas Tree, 33 feet high, which has been sent to us as a gift from our twin village, Colle Umberto, and under this Christmas Tree a new and original Christmas Crib will be displayed. This crib was designed by Joseph Cauchi and represents the Christmas icon. During the last weeks many were the youths who gathered in the Festa armaments warehouse to prepare this crib, which, together with the Christmas Tree will be one of the original Christmas attractions in Gozo

The first marriage presided by a Mayor
30 November 2008

Civil marriages have been part of the Maltese Legislature since 1975, but up to two years ago these weddings could be officiated only by a Marriage Registrar. After a public debate this law was emended and thus the Mayor was given the faculty to preside over a marriage if the couple chose to wed in a Local Council.

For the first time in the history of our country, today 30th November, Mayor Noel Formosa presided over the civil marriage of Marlene Formosa and Yamen Bakri in the San Lawrenz Local Council.

In the presence of guests of the couple, Marlene and Yamen exchanged vows to love each other forever. It was a short and charming ceremony, but one that was worthy of the formulary of this occasion.

Marlene and Yamen have known each other for the last two years and have been preparing themselves for this day and are also looking forward to have a Christian wedding in the near future.

As this was the first wedding officiated by a Mayor in a Local Council, the local press was here this morning to follow the ceremony.

The Mayor is in Brussels, but…
27 November 2008

Last Monday, our Mayor Noel Formosa left for Brussels as part of his work as a representative of the Maltese Local Councils in the Committee of the Regions, but this time he was not alone. On an initiative of the European Popular Group of which Noel is the Vice President, Francine Caruana, a European Studies student from San Lawrenz was invited, together with other European students, to follow closely the work done by various Mayors and Regional Presidents in the Committee of the Regions.

Francine formed part of a group of 30 other students and was the only Maltese participant. They had a very intensive but interesting programme, which gave them the opportunity to not only view the interesting work of the Committtee of the Regions but also to meet with European politicians. Amongst these politicians they met the President of the European Popular Group, Mr Isadoro Gotardo, who welcomed the group and urged them to continue to show interest in the work of the Committee of the Regions and Europe.

But undoubtedly, the highlight for Francine was the European Popular Group session in which Francine was chosen to address the members of this group on behalf of her fellow students. In her address Francine expressed their satisfaction of being part of these interesting discussions and also showed their interest that they will also be part of this institution in the future.

Amongst those who welcomed these young people was our Mayor who congratulated them and urged them to continue showing interest in Europe as they will be the leaders of Europe in the future. Noel welcomed also the Presidency of the EPP and also the secretariat for this initiative.

The Local Council signs the Aalborg Paper
24 November 2008

Yesterday morning the San Lawrenz Local Council together with the Gozitan Local Councils signed a historic agreement with which they committed themselves to work towards a sustainable development. The Local Councils ratified the Aalborg Agreement.

All the Gozitan Local Councils signed the Aalborg Agreement, which urges the concept of sustainable development in the localities. The ratification of this Treaty was held on Sunday morning in the Citadel in Victoria. With this agreement, Gozo as a region is being committed as never before to continue its development with full safeguarding for the environment, which is the main characteristic of this island.

Present for the signing of this agreement was Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said. This charter has been signed by a large number of localities during the last years, with a wide range of countries like Egypt, Greece, Germany, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom. In all the number of signatories exceed two thousand localities and different regions, spread in 34 countries and which now has the region of Gozo included.

The agreement is named Aalborg as it was in this Danish city that the idea of Sustainable Localities was born after the first European Conference discussed this subject. The agreement has been going since 1994.

Mayor Noel Formosa and the Executive Secretary Lucienne Haber signed the Paper for the San Lawrenz Locality and thus are complementing the San Lawrenz Local Council’s initiatives regarding the environment.

The Local Council announces another environmental and economic incentive for its residents
22 November 2008

Yesterday our Local Council announced a very original initiative from which both the residents and the environment will benefit.

When last June the Council distributed a free energy saving bulb to every household, Mayor Noel Formosa had announced that the Council intended to create environmental opportunities to help families and residents and at the same time safeguard the environment.

Only a few months later the Council is embarking on a much greater project. A project through which the residents of San Lawrenz could obtain a high standard Solar Water Heater with a five-year guarantee, with a very reasonable price which everyone can afford.

During the last months the Local Council was involved in acquiring the best prices and opportunities so that every roof will have a water solar heater installed to replace the geyser in our houses and thus reducing the water and electricity bills especially now with the new tariffs.

When asked about this initiative Mayor Noel Formosa said that he is satisfied that once again the San Lawrenz Local Council is being a pioneer and unique in such an initiative for the benefit of the village and the environment. He said that through this initiative, besides the substantial offers for the citizens, the environment will be safeguarded and our locality will be turned into a sustainable locality.

He urged all the San Lawrenz residents to participate in this scheme, as only with their participation will this initiative be a success.

Tiziana Vella from San Lawrenz a finalist for Miss World Malta
20 November 2008

Last Sunday the Gozo Beauties Evening, organized by Modelle International was held in an entertainment establishment in Gozo.

Eight contestants took part in this contest amongst whom a girl from our village, Tiziana Vella who qualified amongst the first four, thus having a chance of representing Malta in the next Miss World Competition.

The activity, presented by Charles Saliba, consisted of a spectacle including a fashion show of various brand names and establishments from Malta and also from Gozo.

Tiziana Vella, who is 16 years old is currently in 6th Form, studying a course that will later lead her to the University of Malta from where she wishes to take a medicine related course. She is very interested in modeling which is why she decided to take part in this competition.

Next June Tiziana will be competing together with another four Gozitans girls and other girls from Malta. From our part we wish Tiziana every success and promise her all our support next June.

An information meeting about the Eco Gozo project held in hall of our local school
18 November 2008

Everyone has heard about the government’s intention of making Gozo an Ecological Island in every related aspect in the future. Such a project, without doubt needs education amongst every sector of life in Gozo.

But if we really want this education to reach every corner of society we have to start with our children and students. Teachers have a very important role to reach this aim and it was precisely for this reason that a representative from the Ministry for Gozo brought together all the primary teachers of Gozo to deliver the Government’s message about its intentions for Gozo.

It was indeed a gratifying occasion to see our school serving as a platform to launch this project, which, at the moment is focusing on students. Mr Anthony Zammit, a spokesman on Eco Gozo within the Ministry for Gozo extensively explained the aim of this project. A project that regards Gozo in a holistic manner which then leads our island to be a model island showing that with a little more attention the population of the island can live in a sustainable manner while living in and preserving a healthy environment for future generations.

In the meantime we have been informed from reliable sources that the Local Council is currently involved in discussions to announce in the near future a project relating to this subject and from which not only the residents but also the environment will gain.

Investing on your health
10 November 2008

Last Friday once more we saw the launching of the flu vaccination campaign in our locality. This service which is being annually free of charge to everyone over 55 years of age, has been split on two days due to a great response. On Friday we had the first group vaccinated and the remaining groups is to be vaccinated tomorrow in the afternoon.

Our elderly really welcomed this service. An individual medical examination was made to each person prior to the vaccination.

When we contacted some elderly on their way back home following the vaccination, they all remarked on how impressed they were on such a professional service they were given, they stated that they have no words to thank the council for paying such keen attention on their health and way of living.

The Annual General Meeting of the Cangura Folkloristic Group
07 November 2008

As is usually done in November the energetic committee of the Cangura Folkloristic Group – San Lawrenz, yesterday 7th November organised the Annual General Meeting. In this meeting the annual general report was presented and afterwards the progress of the group was discussed.

The meeting was open for everybody and all those who are interested were welcome to attend. It was encouraging to see the attendance of all the dancers and also the parents of the young dancers.

“From the annual report one could note the large amount of work done by this committee and also its social aspect in our locality”. This was the comment of Mayor Noel Formosa who presided the Annual General Meeting, according to the statute of this committee, which says that a representative of the Local Council should lead the meeting. Secretary Brian Sultana read the annual report while the treasurer Carmen Cilia read the group’s financial report. The group’s teacher Dr Simone Grech also gave a short address in which she thanked the dancers for their contribution. President Annie Formosa, who was indisposed, sent a message in which she thanked everyone for their participation.

During this meeting it was decided that on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the founding of the Cangura Folk Group, initiatives should be taken so that this group will remain a dynamic one and one of the best folk groups in Gozo.

The small hall of our Community Centre hosts the heads of all the Gozitan schools
06 November 2008

The hall that usually hosts the young children of the Childcare Centre saw an unusual activity. Usually it is the children that get their education from those premises, but today the hall hosted those who prepare to give education to all the children of Gozo.

With an agenda prepared by the zealous principal of the Gozo College, Chev. Frank Gatt, the heads of all the Gozitan schools, both state and church schools, got together to discuss the progress of education in Gozo. This was also the first time that private school heads took part in this kind of meeting.

Amongst other items the head teachers shared their experiences and best practices so that they could learn through each other. The person in charge of music lessons in the Gozo College addressed this council as also the president of the Cultural Committee in the Gozo Ministry.

When we asked the Principal Chev. Gatt for his comments he said that this day was a historical one as there was the participation of private schools. “This is something that not only took place for the first time in Gozo but also for the first time in the policy of the colleges of Malta and Gozo.” He continued by saying that important decisions were reached during this meeting like new methods of assessing and also new ways of rewarding holistically and inclusively the students of the college from primary to secondary level.

The Outing to Malta, a cultural experience for our community
05 November 2008

Yesterday 4th November about 70 persons attended for the annual outing to Malta, which, this year, had a large cultural and educational dose.

The day started off with Mass in the Chapel of Verdala Palace and afterwards the group had the opportunity to visit the Verdala Palace with the help of a very well prepared guide. During this visit the ‘tourists’ from San Lawrenz learned about Grandmaster Verdala who built this palace and also about the architecture of that era. This information sparked an interest amongst those present who wondered what were the origins of an area in our village named ‘tal-Verdala’. Who knows, maybe this area belonged to this Grandmaster?!

After this very interesting visit, the group then made their way to a restaurant in the heart of the only forest we have in our country, il-Buskett. Besides the beautiful environment, the meal was very good.

The last activity consisted of a train ride around the outskirts of the villages of Rabat, Imtarfa and Imdina. It was a pleasant ride not only for the historical commentary about the whereabouts but also for the fact that the train ride was very interesting, not only for the young ones but also for the adults.

The Universal Church remembering those who departed for the eternal life
03 November 2008

For the Catholic Church , yesterday was an important day in its calendar. It was a day when the church remembers all those who departed for the eternal life. Our parish also remembered our departed ones by a special service accompanied by a pilgrimage towards the cemetery.

During this day, the ringing of the bells differs from the usual tone and when we contacted the person in charge of the bells’ ringing, he confirmed that we are going to hear more of these tones in the coming days which we normally hear when someone from our community leave us for his eternal life.

Following the vespors which were held at 4:00pm in the parish church, those present proceeded towards the cemetery in an organised pilgrimage which ended up by a service leaded by the Priest Ignatius Borg with the participation of the parish clergy Fr Charles and Fr Joseph. The relatives of those who left us in the past year participated actively in this service by reading the liturgy and presenting the offers.

During his homily, the Priest stressed on the fact that the cemetery must be a school for us and for all the world. The message led to us by the remains found in he cemetery is that we have to give God time and priority. The blessing of the graves was held and those present placed candle on the graves as a sign of life, thus confirming that “life is eternal”.

The San Lawrenz Local Council – The best ambassador for Town for Citizens project
30 October 2008

Yesterday, Mayor Noel Formosa was invited by MEUSAC to deliver the experience gained through Town for Citizens EU funded projects in a seminar bearing the theme “Active European Citizenship”. The scope behind this project is to unite the citizens together. The San Lawrenz Local Council benefited three times from such project.

This conference was open to all Local Council all NGO’s from Malta and Gozo. The conference was addressed by Dr Gabriella Pace, Head of the MEUSAC Information Unit and also by Dr Vanni Xuereb Head of MEUSAC by our Mayor Noel Formosa and also by Natasha Jovicic from the European Commission who forms part of this projects administration set-up in Brussels. In fact after Mayor Formosa delivered his presentation she described San Lawrenz Local Council as an ambassador of this project.

The projects that our locality benefited from under this Action “Town for Citizens” were The Twinning Agreement being held in July 2005 in San Lawrenz, the reciprocal twinning agreements signed in Colle Umberto in September 2005 and a conference held in September 2007 which formed part of Dwejra Festival with the name 3D. This Conference ended with a speech made by the Parliamentary Secretary Dr Chris Said who explained the Government plan to help the Local Councils in acquiring more European Funds.

The Annual Outing to Malta
28 October 2008

The next annual outing to Malta will be organized on Monday 3rd November 2008. The main attraction for this attraction will be a visit to Verdala Palace. A mass will be held in the chapel of the same Palace.

Afterwards all those present will have some free time in the Buskett Gardens and later for a buffet meal in a restaurant in the area. After lunch those present will have an unusual experience, a sightseeing train tour attraction in Rabat and Mtarfa and the outskirts of Imdina. This outing will come to an end with a brief visit in the old city of Imdina.

All those interested to join us in this educational outing should book at the local council not later than next Thurdsay.

Dwejra finds itself in the Viking era
23 October 2008

When going down to Dwejra Bay, besides the impeccable view of this jewel that forms part of our village one could also observe an unusual scene. At the moment Dwejra is serving as a backdrop for a German film, which is being produced in our locality.

This is not the first time that Dwejra Bay attracted film directors for the filming of famous films around the world. Once again, a German film director, very well known in his country, chose our locality. The actors that are involved are young German actors who are also very popular in the German film industry. The film is directed for a young family-orientated audience, and is due to be released in German, Austrian and Swiss cinemas early in 2009.

Besides Dwejra Bay, this company has also been filming in Munich and also at the Mediterranean Film Studios in Kalkara.

From information we acquired about the number of persons employed for this film it transpires that 35% of the crew are made of Maltese and Gozitans. This continues to confirm that this sector is contributing to the economy of our country. We also asked about the name of the film but it appears that the name is still undisclosed although the provisional title is ‘The Arrow’.

An interesting view of why Dwejra Bay was chosen was because of its unique beauty and setting and we will have to wait and see the part it will have to play in the film!

Our parish hosts St Paul
21 October 2008

Yesterday, Monday, our community welcomed the reliquary of the arm of St Paul. At 6.00pm the community gathered in the square where it welcomed this important reliquary for our islands and hence a marathon of activities connected with these events began.

Parish Priest Fr Nazju Borg led a short procession to the church and then after prayers gave the Sacramental Blessing. At 7.00pm all the clergy of the parish celebrated Eucharist and coincidentally the Archpriest of Birgu was amongst us and joined us for this occasion. In his homily the parish priest explained how this occasion is a unique experience, as well as another opportunity for conversion through the word of God. He urged us to imitate St Paul in the way he stopped from life’s routine and to know and accept Christ in our life. In this way we also could spread the word of Christ as Paul had done. He reminded us that the diocese of Gozo is giving us this opportunity through the Diocesan Mission.

After mass the kissing of the reliquary took place. The last appointment yesterday was with the Lectio Divina group with whom Fr Charles led a prayer meeting and at the end blessed those present with the arm of St Paul, the same arm that blessed the Maltese in the year 60 AD when the same Apostle was here amongst here preaching our faith.

Later today the Parish Priest and the Clergy will escort this reliquary to the Parish of Kercem.

The Locality of San Lawrenz launches the first project of Pet Neutering in Malta and Gozo
20 October 2008

On Saturday 1 October, after eight months of informing our residents about the benefits of neutering, the Local Council organized an activity in which vouchers were distributed so that the residents could have their cats and dogs undergo the neutering operation.

This project has been made possible thanks to the San Lawrenz Local Council together with the Gozo SPCA with the collaboration of Blue Cross from the UK and ITV Grenzelos of Germany. The educational preparation in the locality was quite intensive with activities taking place, informing the San Lawrenz community about the importance of this project with the aim of reducing suffering among animals. This campaign included distribution of educational material to the residents, surveys combined with a lottery, home visits and also a reaching out stand during the days of the festa.

Last Saturday’s activity included a welcoming speech by Mayor Noel Formosa who explained the aim of this campaign and emphasized the Council’s intention to continue with this initiative towards awareness of animals which, he said, are God’s creations and friends of mankind. He thanked Ms Betty Berry and the Gozo SPCA for their commitment and their work towards this project. In a short address Ms Berry thanked the Council and also the Blue Cross and ITV Grenzelos who are financially supporting this project. She then explained the importance of Animal Neutering. Mr Joe Camilleri, the president of the Gozo SPCA thanked all those who contributed to the success of this project and emphasized on the role the SPCA has in Gozo. Before the presentation of the vouchers, Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono explained the importance of education in every sector in Gozo and also the commitment of her Ministry towards animal welfare.

At the end of the activity the residents who had applied to take part in this project received their voucher from the Minister, entitling their pet to a Neutering Operation.

Another activity for the Parents and Sport enthusiasts of our village
18 October 2008

Yesterday Friday 17th October our Football Club organized a short activity in which all the players, from the youngest in the nursery teams to the footballers of the main team all met for the first time this season.

For this activity the parents of these young footballers were also invited, as it is with their support that the committee is able to continue with its work in sports education in our village.

This activity consisted primarily of a mass celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Ignatius Borg, and also of the presentation of the new gear for both the main team and the nursery.

In his homily the Parish Priest thanked God for this reality that exists in our village and also that the team forms part of the structure in our parish. He then prayed for all the players and their administrators.

At the end of Mass, Mr Patrick Cassar, the club’s energetic secretary thanked the parish priest for this occasion and also for the support our football team have always found in him. He then asked the Parish Priest to bless these new gears.

Another Elderly Outing
17 October 2008

Yesterday the San Lawrenz Local Council once again organized an outing for the elderly. This time we took them to Zebbug where they heard mass in the convent of the Missionary Society of St Paul. After mass our elderly were offered coffee and some biscuits. It was a lovely experience as they had the opportunity to meet and talk to the fathers and also to have a look around the convent.

Afterwards the group made their way down to Marsalforn where they played bingo in one of the restaurants while waiting for their lunch to be prepared. As usual they had a very good meal before returning home to San Lawrenz.

“We really had a good time” was their comment on their way home. “Please organize another one soon.” These outings have become a routine in the Council’s calendar because they are much awaited. The outing in November will be the annual outing to Malta. This outing is programmed for the 3rd of November. More details will be given later on.

‘Dawn’ in Gozo inspired art.
06 October 2008

Emma Borg, a mother from San Lawrenz, rediscovered her artistic flair through the peace and tranquility of Gozo, where she has been living for the past seven years.

Her first personal exhibition entitled ‘Dawn’ was inaugurated at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria by Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo. The Minister augured that this exhibition would indeed be the ‘dawn’ of Ms Borg’s artistic career with the future holding projects of more art from her brush and imagination.

Emma Borg, the artist from San Lawrenz is preparing to hold her second exhibition in the beginning of 2009. We congratulate her and wish her every success in her career.

Three youths graduate and another two start university
29 September 2008

A week ago school started for primary and secondary students; and our youngsters were amongst them.

During last summer, precisely during an evening of the Festa Festival, a ceremony was held in which the Local Council and the village acknowledged those students who during the year completed their studies. These students were, Sarah Attard who graduated in European studies, Michelle Grima in Accounts and Brian Sultana in Education.

In the meantime, another two students will begin university on Wednesday while others will embark on an educational experience in MCAST and other colleges of art.

The school in our locality has also commenced its scholastic year, a year which will prepare our students not only for exams but also for life. During the summer months the Local Council, together with the school undertook various structural works in the classrooms so that the children returned back to school to find their classroom very inviting and decorated in a modern way. These works were all done by the Council’s workers under the supervision of the head of the school.

The permit for the restoration of the façade of our church has been granted
27 September 2008

The Parish Priest Injazju Borg announced this news yesterday during the co celebration to commemorate the one hundred and eleventh anniversary of the consecration of our church. The urgent need for the restoration of the façade of the church has been felt for some time but now the permit is in the hands of the parish and works will commence as soon as everything is systemized.

“From the magnets to the parvis”, that is how the Parish Priest described the project yesterday. This project will incorporate the restoration of the bell towers, the magnets that attract thunderbolts and the whole façade. Works will be carried out in a very professional way under the supervision of the very capable architect, Ivana Farrugia who wholeheartedly undertook this great and important project for the benefit of our village. This project is also intended to incorporate conservation works and to restore the parvis to its original state with balusters, in the same manner in which the parvis was once embellished. An illumination system will also be introduced to enlighten the works of the architect, Fr Guzepp Diacono who designed our Church.

We have heard from reliable sources that the Parish, with the collaboration of the Local Council applied to acquire funds for this restoration project. We hope and pray that this application will be granted.

Today our church is most solemnly commemorating its dedication
26 September 2008

One hundred and eleven years ago today, the ancestors of the village of San Lawrenz welcomed amongst them Mgr Bishop Govanni Maria Camilleri, who in the presence of the first Parish Priest Dun Salv Portelli, the first clergy of the parish and the inhabitants of this village, consecrated the temple to God and dedicated it to St Lawrence.

During this day special prayers are being said in Church and also a day of solemn adoration is being held. Later in the evening solemn vespers will be sung and later a solemn concelebration will be held in which the faithful will give thanks to God for all the graces He showered on our community through His temple. This mass will be streamed live on this site.

Today the church is decorated with special decorations, which further dignifies this special day. In front of the marble crosses on every pillar (the same crosses that Bishop Camilleri anointed 111 years ago) there is a lighted candle amid a floral arrangement.

When asked for a comment about the importance of this day, Parish Priest Injazju Borg said that this is a moment where the parish gives thanks to God because through the temple Jesus is closer to our homes. He urged everybody to gather in church this evening so as a community we will renew our gratitude to God.

P.S. We are reproducing the oldest photo we have of our church.

The young participants of the YOUTH exchange in Sardinia are back
25 September 2008

Last Monday the six youths together with the Mayor returned home from Sardinia after experiencing together another YOUTH exchange.

These youths had the opportunity to share their experiences with other European youths, more precisely with youths coming from the same realities as they all live on islands.

The subject discussed during this exchange was actually the problems faced by youths and students residing on islands. Our participants appreciated the fact that many problems are similar to their own and in certain cases, the situation of the Gozitans is better than those of the other participants coming from Corsica, Sardinia, Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Asked to comment on this experience the Mayor said that once again this was an experience where our youths continued to show maturity and a great sense of openness. He recalled previous exchanges when our youths always emerged with flying colours and the same could be said in this experience.

Jonathan Micallef, one of the participants told us that this was one of the best experiences of his life, an experience which helped him to became an European.

Mayor Formosa participating in EPP discussion
19 September 2008

Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz and Vice-President of the EPP Group in the CoR, participated in discussions on how to make Europe safer and how to enhance its prosperity during a meeting of the European People's Party working Group on European Policy on 17 September. "It is very important that we, members of the Committee of the Regions, can be part of these working groups because it gives us a wider understanding of the party's values and furthermore, we can give a good perspective on what is happening in the regions and municipalities" explained Mr Formosa.

The two political documents making Europe a safer place and creating prosperity for everyone formed the basis of the debate and all participants agreed that they are themes of great importance to today's political situation and for all citizens. In a Europe, which has witnessed numerous acts of terrorism in recent years, safety is of paramount importance and concern. This document argues that the EU is based on solidarity and the EPP insists on the need to bring people together through common understanding. Mr Formosa strongly believes that local and regional authorities have an important role to play in this regard: "Europe is safer thanks to the involvement of local and regional authorities, which create safer environments where people can live together" he explained. "In addition, local councillors should not be ashamed of promoting our principles and values".

The second paper, creating prosperity for everyone, focuses on the economy and as President of the EPP, Wilfried Martens recalled, the European elections in 2009 will be greatly impacted by Europe's prosperity. Given the economic troubles that Europe is currently facing, the EPP believes it is essential that more attention is given to education and to the creation of jobs. Also within this field, Mr Formosa is convinced that local and regional authorities can have an impact. "Through investment in the education sector, local and regional authorities can help to create quality jobs for their citizens" he said. "We need to provide good education opportunities for all and the CoR can give a great contribution to this aspect."

Another great experience in Colle Umberto
16 September 2008

During the last few days a delegation from San Lawrenz made, amongst others by the whole administration of our Local Council was in Colle Umberto, where besides being able to experience and learn more about this ‘twin’ village, was present for the inauguration of the naming of the Civic Centre which now carries the name ‘San Lawrenz’.

This gesture was very much appreciated by the members of the community of San Lawrenz and also by the same residents of Colle Umberto. Many were present for this short but significant ceremony. This Civic Centre named San Lawrenz includes the Council Hall, the library and a type of social housing. In his speech the Mayor of Colle Umberto, Mr Eduardo Scarpis explained what the Civic Centre includes, the finished works related to it and also other interesting projects finalized by the Council of Colle Umberto in recent months, amongst which the solar system to light up the school of Colle Umberto. Our mayor, Noel Formosa, in a short speech in Italian expressed the gratitude of the village of San Lawrenz for this gesture and said that this act in itself goes beyond just a name but the real significant fact is that the name of San Lawrenz is carved in the hearts of the residents of Colle Umberto and vice versa. He said that the reason for this ceremony strengthens the value of the European Union of bringing people of different nations together. He augured that the two communities should continue to work together and thus strengthen the value of solidarity between us and also other people from the European Union. He stressed the fact that the European Union should never reject its roots, that of acknowledging the catholic faith of our forefathers which kept Europe standing.

During this visit the delegation was the guest of the President of the Province of Treviso, Leonardo Muraro and for half an hour both could exchange positive experiences of the two localities together.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit other places of interest and towns such as Verona, Treviso, Cortina and the Vajont.

Our Local Council acquires more European Union funds for our Youths
15 September 2008

As part of its policy of investing in the future and the education of youths, the Local Council has once again managed to acquire funds for our youths to participate in another YOUTH project.

This is the third project from which the youths ‘Lawrenzjani’ benefited, after another two groups participated in two similar projects in July this year, one in Madrid, Spain and another in the Lake District, in the UK.

This time the Youth project will take place in Cagliari on the island of Sardinia, which forms part of Italy. On this occasion the San Lawrenz Local Council offered the opportunity not only to the youths of our village but also to other Gozitan Youths, because of the nature of the subject to be discussed. The theme of this project is the double insularity and the problems faced by youths who live on islands. The countries that will be participating in this project, besides the islands of Gozo and Sardinia, are the Balearic islands of Spain, Corsica of France and youths coming from the Greek islands.

The Gozitan group will be leaving Malta on Thursday 18th September and returns on Monday 22nd September and the leader will be Mayor Noel Formosa.

Summer Courses come to an end
13 September 2008

Yesterday, Friday, an activity that took place in the grounds of the primary school brought the summer courses organized this year to an end.

In this activity the Reading Session course took predominance as the teacher of the reading sessions, Ms Claire Attard gave a very interesting presentation on how parents should help their children and also about the importance of reading to help create a bond between parents and children.

Noel Formosa opened this activity by urging those present to cooperate with the Local Council in its work in favour of the children of our village. He mentioned various courses that the Council organized from time to time.

At the end of Ms Attard’s presentation a discussion was held with those present commenting on the subject. Comments from the parents showed satisfaction for the sterling work of the teacher during the summer and also appreciation for the Local Council’s input towards the education of their offspring.

This short but significant activity came to an end with the presentation by the children themselves of their own literacy projects and also of an exhibition of all the crafts done during the summer.

The Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is back home
09 September 2008

It was the wish of the Parish Priest and the Parochial Council that the special Festivities of the 1750th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St Lawrence should end exactly in the Holy Land, the place where Christ, for whom St Lawrence gave his life, lived.

The group which was lead by Fr Ignatius Borg returned home yesterday, 8th September. All the participants were satisfied and the aim for this pilgrimage was achieved.

When asked about this pilgrimage the Parish Priest said that it was a strong experience with which our parish should mature and grow spiritually. The fact that the hotel was very close to Christ’s Tomb made it more accessible for the group to have longer periods of prayer in this Holy place. The parish priest said that all those present offered special prayers for the needs of our parish.

The pilgrims, who were led by the Franciscan Friars, had the opportunity to visit various places in connection with the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, amongst which The Gethsemane, Bethlehem, and Emmaus.

A successful end for Skolasajf 2008
03 September 2008

Skolasajf (Summer School) 2008 has come to an end and for the students of Skolasajf San Lawrenz it was more of a success because of the Talent Show organized by the students themselves! Our students prepared this Talent Show with so much dedication and attention to detail that the Drama teacher chose this Talent Show to be interpreted in the Talent Show of other Schools and also in an activity not related with schools. Our students gave a very good interpretation and gave it their all.

Skolasajf, organized by the Education Department offers an alternative way with which our students could enjoy the summer season. Summer was full of various activities for the students who participated. A great Thank You goes to the dedicated teachers and Coordinators who assisted the students, namely two teachers from our village, Sarah Piscopo and Francine Caruana and also to the Drama and Physical Education teachers.

The YOUTH projects leave an impact on our youths
02 September 2008

Last week the group who participated in the Madrid exchange had a reunion to renew this wonderful experience. The group met in Dwejra for a BBQ, where in a very relaxed and familiar atmosphere they once again relived the particular moments they had experienced last July.

We contacted the leader of this exchange, Lawrence Cauchi, who expressed his satisfaction for the opportunities available for our youths, thanks for the initiative of the Local Council and also for EU funds. He said that this experience continues to instill in our youths a sense of being European citizens. We also asked the youths who participated in this exchange for their comments and they all said that it was a life long experience. Through these experiences they continue to learn and open new horizons, not only for their youth but also for the future when they will have their own families.

Mayor Noel Formosa, who also attended this BBQ expressed his great satisfaction seeing the youths gathered together, “not only for the fact that they are gathered together but mostly because they were narrating a wonderful experience from which not only they have benefited, but also the village and our country”. He said he was content that our locality is serving as a spur not only for making the best use of Euro Funds but also for experiencing being European citizens.

He thanked the leader Lawrence Cauchi and also all the Leaders who take the responsibility for similar exchanges and all the youths who participated. He called them ambassadors ‘Lawrenzjani’. He augured that the group that will leave shortly for another exchange in Sardinia will bring back similar experiences as this group.

A meeting between two Mayors
29 August 2008

This morning, in our Local Council’s administrative office, a meeting was held between our Mayor and the new Mayor of Valletta, Mr Alexei Dingli.

During this meeting the two mayors discussed the possibility of closer relations between our locality, San Lawrenz and that of the Capital City of our country, Valletta. Although there is a difference between the two localities, in their structure and also in their administration, the two mayors showed their optimism for further close cooperation together.

Although very little information was released of this first meeting, it is certain that foundations were laid for future positive shared experiences between the two localities.

Mayor Noel Formosa, commenting on this meeting said that he feels satisfied with the outcome and said that there are various factors that both localities can work on.

Mr Alexei Dingli, who is 29 years old, has been Mayor of Valletta since last July.

The Parish together with the Local Council in another initiative to commemorate these special feasts
19 August 2008

To commemorate the 1750th Anniversary from the martyrdom of St Lawrence our patron saint, Maltpost p.l.c. issued a special official stamp.

Mr Anthony Grech, a member of the Gozo Philatelic Society, designed this official stamp. An official from Maltapost was in the sacristy of our church on Sunday 10th August for all those who wished to acquire this special official stamp.

For this reason, our Parish together with the Local Council and the Gozo Philatelic Society issued a commemorate post card. The post card was stamped and numbered in a limited edition of 600 copies, which were mostly sold on the same day it was stamped. There are still some unique postcards left and all those who have still not acquired one and wish to can contact the Parish or the Local Council.

The picture of this postcard represents St Lawrence in his glory with the victorious palm and the gridiron in his hands. Chev Paul Camilleri Cauchi did the painting purposely for this occasion.

Our parish publishes an interesting book about St Lawrence
14 August 2008

During the Festa week and the celebrations of the special festivities on the occasion of the 1750th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Lawrence, our parish took another initiative which should be of interest to all those who have at heart literature, culture, liturgy and the cult of the saints in our country.

This book “Lawrenz: Xhud ta’ Kristu u Qaddej tal-Knisja” (Lawrence: Witness of Christ and Servant of the Church) has an introduction by President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and with various authors who are experts in matters related to the life of St Lawrence, amongst whom were Bishop Emeritus Nikol Cauchi, Fr Daniel Xerri, Fr Gino Gauci, Fr Joseph Sultana, Fr Injazju Borg, Lorenzo Zahra, Fr Geoffrey Attard and many others. This book, which we could call a small encyclopedia about the life of St Lawrence contains articles about the Martyrs in the Church and its teachings, the Relation of St Lawrence with the successors of Peter, St Lawrence in the writings of the Holy Fathers, St Lawrence in the cult of the Martyrs and the Liturgy, St Lawrence in Literature, Philately and Iconography and also the devotion of St Lawrence in Malta and Gozo. These writing were published in periodicals and were distributed in our houses during the months of January and August and have now been bound into a book.

The book also includes pieces of art which come from different parts of the world and that all represent the figure of St Lawrence, which figure will always be connected not only with the history of the church but also with the love this saint had towards the most needy and above all the terrible martyr he suffered on the grid.

Whoever wishes to obtain this book, which is published in colour and costs €15, should contact the San Lawrenz Parish Office on telephone number 21556073 or the Parochial Collegiate of St Lawrence in Birgu on 21827057

Our “Twins” leave today
12 August 2008

With the hundreds of Gozitans who were with us celebrating the Feast of St Lawrence there was a group of Italians coming from our “Twin” Town, Colle Umberto led by the Mayor, Eduardo Scarpis and the President of the Twinning committee, Angelo Altoe.

During the days that they passed here with us these friends had the opportunity not only to experience our culture and identity, (something that they appreciate) but also to rejoice with us and personally celebrate these Special Feasts. Even in church at every function, there, on the altar was the Parish Priest of Colle Umberto, Don Angelo, who when asked to give his comment on this experience said that he was happy and satisfied that he participated in the Church activities which, in his opinion are very solemn occasions.

Words of praise came also from Mayor Scarpis who said that this was another occasion for the unity of the two communities. He thanked all those that are keeping this twinning alive.

We could also appreciate the smiles and satisfaction on the faces of the members of this delegation who all showed gratitude for their welcome here amongst us.

We are also informed that in September a delegation from our village is invited to participate in an activity that will be organized in Colle Umberto where a hall will be given the name of SAN LAWRENZ.

A Great Feast for the Saint of the Third Millennium
11 August 2008

Yesterday in the most solemn way the celebrations organized by our parish in honour of our Patron Saint came to an end. The celebrations have been going on for the last eight months with various activities, which we have all reported, to commemorate the 1750th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Lawrence.

The Universal Church also commemorated this anniversary. At the prayer meeting, which took place on the vigil of the feast, the parish priest called St Lawrence a Saint of the third millennium, pointing out qualities in St Lawrence which make him a saint in these current times. Even the Church in Gozo dedicated the side of the Sunday Bulletin, which is the same for all the parishes, to our Saint and in Malta, Archbishop Paul Cremona, during the Pontifical High Mass in Birgu explicitly said that this is a Feast for the Universal Church.

Yesterday was a day full of activity, similar to the last forth night of great festivities. At 9.00am Bishop Mario Grech celebrated the Pontifical High Mass and in his homily he also described St Lawrence as a saint whose message is still viable for these present times. He praised the parish for the way the celebrations were organized and said that our community should be an example on the way feasts should be celebrated. After the Pontifical, the Mayor together with the Councilors distributed the Meals on Wheels to those who live alone and at the same time the 11am band march was underway. Thn in the evening Bishop Mario Grech, accompanied by the Chapter of the Basilica of Gharb, led the Vespers and the Solemn Procession with the statue of St Lawrence.

The feast came to an end with the Sacramental Blessing and with the Parish Priest thanking the Festa Committee and all those who lent a helping hand so that the Feast would be one that gave Glory to God and honour to our patron Saint Lawrence.

United as a community during the Vigil of St Lawrence
10 August 2008

This morning the main topic of conversation was the beautiful experience the previous evening, when together in the school grounds, the community spent the vigil of St Lawrence in devotion and prayer. Present for this occasion were a large number of ‘Lawrenzjani’ and devouts of St Lawrence and also the Prime Minister of Malta who praised the organization of this feast.

Fr Joseph Piscopo led the Procession while Parish Priest Fr Injazju Borg led the prayers and the Eucharist. In his homily Fr Borg portrayed St Lawrence as a Saint of the third millennium, the saint that is always contemporary because he was not afraid to show his faith and thus he was victorious with Christ. “When faced with a choice St Lawrence chose Christ,” the parish priest concluded his homily.

After the Eucharist, with torches in their hands the faithful walked in a procession towards the square where after the band played the hymn dedicated to St Lawrence, ‘Bhala Warda’ the parish priest prayed for God’s blessing on everybody with the intercession of St Lawrence.

The feast then continued with the normal activities where the main attraction was the ground fireworks, which, as usual, were spectacular.

When contacted about this vigil, the Parish Priest said that he was very satisfied and thanked God for this great grace of God. He also said that our parish lived through the true spirit of the feast and he showed his satisfaction that the faithful accepted this challenge to exchange part of the outside festivities with a feast full of prayer.

Today is the 10th of August, St Lawrence Day and the whole world is celebrating the 1750th anniversary of his martyrdom.

Ir-rahal li tajtu ismek, isellimlek - The village with your namesake salutes you
09 August 2008

This was the principal subject of the monument that the Prime Minister of Malta, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, inaugurated this evening.

This monument that was commissioned by the Local Council is commemorating the 1750 anniversary from the Martyrdom of St Lawrence, with a particular indication to the unity of the history of the village of San Lawrenz to Saint Lawrence.

In his welcoming speech Mayor Noel Formosa said that this monument should seal what our ancestors contributed to the village, giving it the particular identity it has today. At the same time this monument should reflect the vision the village of San Lawrenz has today.

The monument, a creation of the skilful Gozitan artist John Grima, represents a narrative that symbolizes the history of the village of San Lawrenz and the ties that this village has with Saint Lawrence

After the Prime Minister inaugurated the monument amid the applause of those present, the art critic, Joe Camilleri, gave a detailed description of this monument. The Prim Minister then gave a short speech were he emphasized how important it is for our country to safeguard its values, the values that shapes the Maltese society. He praised the San Lawrenz Local Council for its initiatives in contributing to our country the best possible, even though it is one of the smallest villages.

St Lawrence dominates the Square
09 August 2008

Those who yesterday were watching ‘live’ what was happening in the square through the cameras installed in the square and the church know that the feast is at its peak.

Bishop Emeritus Nikol G Cauchi yesterday, in church, led the Eucharist in which our community offered foodstuffs for the missions. In his homily the Bishop compared the fire that was burning the body of St Lawrence to his heart that was blazing with love for God so much so that he offered his life to him.

At the end of mass the Parish Priest thanked the Bishop and also greeted the Parish Priest of Colle Umberto who was also concelebrating during this Eucharist. At the moment a group from Colle Umberto are amongst us to celebrate the feast with us.

After Mass the outside activities began with a demonstration of the statue of St Lawrence around the main streets of the village, accompanied by the Prekusur Band from Xewkija. At midnight the statute was elevated on a High Pedestal in the square amidst the applause of the ‘lawrenzjani’.

This morning the village is buzzing with activities in preparation for the three important occasions that will take place this evening. At the outskirts of the village preparations are underway for the inauguration of the monument which the Local Council has financed on the occasion of this special Feast. The monument will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi at 18.15. Afterwards, in the school grounds, a Solemn Function with the Relic of St Lawrence, (It-Translazzjoni) will take place, and also a special Prayer Vigil which will help us live with St Lawrence the last moments of his life here on earth. After the Prayer Vigil, the outside activities will be underway with the ground fireworks in St Lawrence Street. Volunteers have been working on these ground fireworks all the previous night.

A great ending to the 25th edition of Festival San Lawrenz
08 August 2008

In our tightly crowded square, the 25th edition of Festival San Lawrenz yesterday came to its end. This festival started in 1983 when the feast committee decided to organize a cultural festival to commemorate the 90th anniversary from the parish’s establishment. From that date onwards, the committee worked hard and enhanced this festival thus resulting that it became other maltese feasts envy and mostly copied this interesting initiative and applied it to their feast.

Yesterday’s programme included amongst other the famous maltese singers Pamela, Aldo Busuttil, Morena, @ease dancers and Sur Gawdenz. All of them provided an amazing evening to the present crowd.

During this Festival, Mayor Noel Formosa also distributed a certificate and a significant gift to all those San Lawrenz students who graduated in the University of Malta during that particular year. In his short speech Mayor Formosa referred to the fact that our locality was always way ahead to promote Education and Culture. During this same evening the Parish Ignatius Borg, presented the Palma tad-Deheb to the young gozitan Stephanie Pavia who is currently very promising in the musical sector. This trophy is being awarded annually to promote this important cultural element in our island. In his address to the crowd, the Priest expressed his satisfaction on the organization of the feast as this is his first feast amongst the San Lawrenz parish. He admitted that he is very happy to be one of them.

Prior to the festival, during the mass being concelebrated by Emeritus Kuwait Bishop ET Adeodato Micallef, three babies received the Holy Baptism. It was indeed a glorious moment viewing the community surrounding these young families.

Tonight we are having amongst us Emeritus Nikol Cauchi and a procession with the statue of Saint Laurence will follow. Today’s feast will ending by the placing of the statue of Saint Laurence on its pedestal in the middle of the square.

The first day of the three before Festa (Tridu) and the Festa BBQ
07 August 2008

Yesterday Wednesday, there were two more beautiful occasions in preparation for the feast of our patron saint.

The main concelebrant was Arcbishop Emeritus Guzeppi Mercieca who in his pleasant style stole the attention of all present and also the adults. In his homily Archbishop Mercieca mentioned the greatness of St Lawrence as he imitated Christ until his death. Yesterday was dedicated to the various societies in our village and many members participated in this mass.

After Mass the Festival continued with the Festa BBQ. More than 300 people booked for this meal, while the atmosphere was very pleasant and familiar. The food, which was very good, was prepared and served by volunteers and at the same time a show was being held on the stage with the participation of Mary Rose Mallia and the group Spectrum among others. A highlight during yesterday’s show was the talent of residents of San Lawrenz who were given the opportunity show their talent.

Today is dedicated to the family and the parish is preparing a very good programme which will include the baptism of three babies from the village. The final night of the Festival, presented by Mary Grech, will then take place.

In the meantime we have been receiving positive feedback on the cameras that have been installed in the square and church. It gives great satisfaction to hear emigrants showing their appreciation that at least they can follow events in this way.

The last day of the Novena and the 2nd day of the Festival
06 August 2008

Yesterday, Tuesday, the last day of the Novena dedicated to children was celebrated. This particular day is surely to be etched in the minds of these children for the rest of their lives.

Afterwards in the square another edition of the Festival San Lawrenz took place. This evening was characterized with Maltese Folklore, with the participation of various Maltese folk singers, “ghannejja” and guitarists from Malta and Gozo and also with the participation of the Folkloristic Group from our village, Ta’ Cangura Folk Group who gave a colourful presentation to the activity.

In the meantime yesterday this site continued to widen its services. Apart from the photos of the Festa, yesterday two other cameras were added so that visitors could follow the feast more closely. From the first moments of this service it seems that this site is being greatly appreciated. We happily welcome any suggestions especially coming from you, the emigrants. We would like to remind you that the Guest Book is open for your good wishes to each other.

The camera in the square once again online!
05 August 2008

As effect of today, the camera in the square is once again online! From the comfort of your home and also from thousands of kilometers away one can follow what is happening in the square of San Lawrenz. The camera was online for the first time last year and this was greatly appreciated especially by our fellow emigrants.

It was so successful that this year the Council introduced another two cameras, one in church and another facing the stage in the square. Now everyone can follow the outside activities and also the functions in church. This was all possible with the voluntary help of our friend Laurence Cauchi and here we wish to publicly thank him for his contribution. We would also like to thank al those who lent a helping hand for in the work involved.

We are sure that with service our fellow emigrants will feel great nostalgia and we will give them the opportunity to closely experience with us these glorious moments!

Festival San Lawrenz 2008 kicks off
05 August 2008

Yesterday with the square packed with people the 25th edition of Festival San Lawrenz kicked off. This edition started with the Dramatic Group “Dwal Godda” from Gharghur Malta presenting the drama Anno Domini XXLVIII. This is a theatrical production highlighting the last years of our patron saint, St Lawrence. Martin Gauci, the author of this production directed this play in a professional way.

During this activity the San Lawrenz Festival Committee decided to make a collection in aid of the Mission of Fr Emanuel Cutajar in Albania. Before this production another function took place in church in preparation for the feast. Yesterday was dedicated to young people and adolescents. Mass was celebrated by Fr Mark Demanuele with the participation of various youngsters. At the end of mass the parish priest expressed his satisfaction for the number of young people present.

Deacon Joseph Curmi delivered the homily and urged the young generation to fill their hearts with Christ following the example of St Lawrence. In this same mass the Parish Priest announced that the Deacon Joseph Curmi will continue to serve in our parish as a deacon…..naturally this news was greeted gladly.

Today is the day dedicated to children and afterwards the Festival will continue in the square with traditional folk songs and the participation of the Cangura Folk Group.

Yesterday was the day dedicated to engaged couples
04 August 2008

Yesterday the 10.30am Mass was full of various couples that will be forming a family in the coming years in our island. This ceremony was celebrated by Fr Charles the priest that during the past year, together with the family of Patrick and Carmen Cassar, took care to form a group of these couples to prepare them for married life .

In his homily Fr Charles explained in great detail how these couples should prepare themselves for this new way of life that they will start together in the near future. He emphasized on the true love that they should have between themselves and compared the love that St Lawrence had towards the church to the love that the couples should have towards Christ.

After the homily the couples renewed their commitment to each other and how they could live this commitment within the Catholic Spirit.

At the end of mass the couples were presented with a souvenir of the occasion, a replica of the logo that is being used this year.

Later in the evening a delegation from the village went to Birgu in Malta where the grand Oratorio took place in St Lawrence Church.

We are now in the height of the feast week. This evening Youth Day will be celebrated in Church and later, at 21.30 a play about St Lawrence titled Anno Domini XXLVIII will be held on the church parvis.

Two new Altar boys in our Parish
03 August 2008

Yesterday was another day in preparation for the Feast of our Patron Saint St Lawrence. After having been the venue of the Oratorio “Laurentius” two days before, yesterday the Church continued with the liturgical activities which help us to get into the spirit of the feast.

James Grima and Matthew Cilia yesterday were the new members in the group of Altar boys that serve in our Parish. Now the group contains ten boys. The Rector of the Seminary, Fr Daniel Xerri, who until last year was the Parish priest of our village, made the ‘vestiture’, the clothing of the boys in. religious garments. In his homily Fr Daniel urged the Altar boys to be always friends with Jesus and continued by urging all those present to be friends with Jesus also. Present for this Eucharist was a large number of parents of the altar boys.

At the end of mass Parish Priest Injazju Borg thanked Fr Daniel not only for accepting the invitation to participate in this ceremony but also for his service during the three years he was Parish Priest here. As a souvenir of this occasion the Parish Priest presented Fr Daniel with a replica of the logo of the Special Feast as well as a new book that the parish has just published with the title ‘Lawrenz: Xhud ta’ Kristu u Qaddej tal-Knisja’ (Lawrence: Witness of Christ and Servant of the Church).

Today Sunday the 10.30am Mass will be especially dedicated to engaged couples.

A superb performance of the Oratorio ‘Laurentius’
02 August 2008

Yesterday evening our church witnessed one of the most beautiful works written on our Patron saint, St Lawrence. At the beginning of this year our parish took the initiative and commissioned Bishop Emeritus Nikol Cauchi and Mro John Galea to compose this Oratorio on the occasion of these special festivities. Preparations have been underway for these last months. Maestro John Galea took this piece of work very seriously and his hard work could be appreciated during this performance.

Everyone agreed that this Oratorio was a great success and all present showed great satisfaction. The performance of this first representation under the musical direction of the capable Mro Galea was impeccable.

The Church was transformed into a stage suitable for this Oratorio. The main portrait of St Lawrence, a priceless piece by Guzeppi Cali’ was illuminated with appropriate lights while the altar held the National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chorus Urbanus who performed this Oratorio.

Tomorrow Sunday this Oratorio will be performed at the parish of Birgu, which together with our parish took care to realize this dream.

Today the grand Oratorio “Laurentius” will be performed
01 August 2008

This evening at 8.30pm in our Parish Church Maestro John Galea will wave his baton to perform for the first time his own composition to the words of the libretto written by Mgr Nikol Cauchi, Bishop Emeritus, that narrates the last days of St Lawrence. When contacted about this initiative, Parish Priest Injazju Borg said that this is inspired from the teachings of the Church that says that Culture can help to present the Christian message to the faithful. He also emphasized that with this musical piece of work we should not only dwell on what is beautiful for the ear but most importantly to understand that the purpose of St Lawrence’s life was to imitate Christ.

In the meanwhile in our church yesterday Mgr Girgor Vella, who 55 years ago began his service as parish priest in this parish, celebrated another Novena Mass dedicated to the Elderly and the Sick of our parish. Accompanying Mgr Vella were Parish Priest Injazju Borg and Can. John Dimech as this activity was also coordinated with the Cavaliers of the Order of St John. During this mass the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered. Finally the Parish Priest thanked Mgr Vella and presented him with a statue of St Lawrence.

We would like to keep you informed about the monument dedicated to St Lawrence, that will be erected at the outskirts of the village. During this week all the permits were approved and work would commence today on the site of the monument.

The statue of our patron saint takes its place in church
31 July 2008

Yesterday evening the church was packed with people. The Parishioners ‘Lawrenzjani’, emigrants and ‘Lawrenzjani’ that now live in another village packed the temple that was always the centre of our locality and together we assisted for the Eucharist which was lead by Fr Emanuel Cutajar, a priest from our village who has been serving as a missionary in Albania for the last 8 years. Fr Emanuel was assisted by the Parish Priest and the Vice Parish Priest. Fr Joseph Piscopo was absent as he is currently in Lourdes.

A moment that stood out this year was the prayers of the faithful in which not only the emigrants participated but also parishioners coming from different countries who are at the moment residing in our village, amongst them Indian and Croats.

After mass, Mro John Galea presented the libretto of the grand Oratorio that was commissioned by our parish to commemorate the Jubilee of St Lawrence. This Oratorio will be performed for the first time in our church on Friday and then on Sunday it will be presented in the parish of St Lawrence in Birgu, Malta.

At the end of the mass, the statue that represents our much loved patron, St Lawrence was taken out of its niche amid the applause and prayers of those present. The statue was then placed in its usual prominent position in church and will remain there until the 10th of August, the Feast Day of St. Lawrence

The statue of our patron saint takes its place in church
30 July 2008

This year, as already announced, the Novena prior to the feast commenced earlier than usual, so that our preparations will be more intensive. In fact yesterday the first solemn mass in preparation for the feast took place in church.

Invited for this occasion was the parish priest Emeritus, Fr Michael Borg who is now also the person in charge of Caritas in the Gozo Curia. Fr Michael Borg served as parish priest of our village from 1975 to 2004.

In his homily Fr Michael mentioned various moments in the life of St Lawrence in which the great saint excelled.

At the end of the mass, Parish Priest Nazju Borg thanked Fr Michael not only for accepting the invitation to open this Novena but also for his sterling work amongst us during the years he was Parish Priest. Finally Fr Michael was presented with a souvenir of the occasion and also with a framed picture of St Lawrence.

Today the Second Day of the Novena, the artistic statue of St Lawrence will be brought out of its niche. The function starts at 6.45 with the rosary and will continue with Mass celebrated by Fr Emanuel Cutajar at 7.30pm. Afterwards the ceremony of the bringing out of the statue from the niche will take place.

The Local Council to erect a monument in honour of St Lawrence
29 July 2008

It’s now official! The Local Council has invited the Prime Minister to inaugurate the monument in honour of St Lawrence on the 9th of August. This information was released from the Festa programme that has been distributed in the last days. From information we obtained from the council it transpires that for the past months the Council has been preparing to erect this monument to commemorate the 1750th anniversary of the Martyrdom of St Lawrence and also to acknowledge the historical bond that this village has with the great Saint Lawrence.

When we contacted Mayor Noel Formosa he explained how the idea of the monument came about. He said that the Council had been thinking about the idea of some type of monument for some time. The reason behind it was not only for the locality to seal its history but also to bring out into the open the love and devotion that these parts of the island always had towards St Lawrence.

The Council commissioned one of the most contemporary and skilful artists of our country, John Grima, to develop the Council’s idea in this monument. Mayor Formosa continued explaining that the Council’s intention was to integrate it with our history and at the same time to reflect the period in which this monument was done, a modern monument that blends well with the area where it is to stand.

At the moment the last touches are being made and also in the coming days work will start on the spot where this monument will be placed.

Birgu reciprocate...
28 July 2008

Yesterday, the 27th of July, Birgu’s residents followed in our footsteps by organizing their own pilgrimage in our locality which pilgrimage was influenced by the one organized by our community last week. Hence, as from the early hours of the afternoon, Vittoriosa’s pilgrims were sited entering our village.

At 6.30pm, we, Gozitans , welcomed Birgu’s piligrims of Saint Lawrence at the borders of our village where the actual pilgrimage, headed by the antique Image of Saint Lawrence which used to be found in the original chapel, kicked off. Parish Priest Nazju Borg, who led the praying party, took this opportunity to invite the followers to pursue The Lord Jesus; the greatest of treasures known to men and the same treasure Saint Lawrence laid his life for.

Mass was later celebrated by Mons Giovanni Bosco Gauci, the Arch Deacon of the Cathedral in Gozo, at the end of which mass, the Arch Deacon alongside Birgu’s mayor lit a candle for Saint Lawrence which candle shall be kept alight throughout the celebration of upcoming events leading to our feast.

This event was concluded a reception offerd by our community.

This was indeed a grand opening to the season of joy and reflection that will lead us to the feast of Saint Lawrence on the 10th of August. Meanwhile, forthcoming important dates include next Wednesday when the statue of our patron saint will be placed in a special place in the church and Friday, the 1st of August, when the first performance the Musical Oratorio "Laurentius" will take place.

Saint Anna’s Feast in Dwejra to be Celebrated Today.
26 July 2008

Today’s liturgical calendar date marks the feast of Saint Anna which feast is celebrated in the small Chapel at Dwejra to which Saint such chapel is dedicated. Ever since the erection of the Chapel in Dwejra, our parish has made sure to mark this day as another important one in our village’s calendar because devotion towards the patron Saint of this small church in Dwejra has always been strong even though it became much stronger in the 80s and 90s with the appointment of Mons Mikiel Borg as Parish Priest of our community. This growth in the number of followers of Saint Anna is, however, mostly due to the fact that this Saint is mostly known as the patron Saint of pregnant women.

Nowadays, the small chapel in Dwejra attracts several devotees not merely during the day when the feast of Saint Anna is celebrated but throughout the entire year.

In today’s programme, besides mass that will be celebrated in honour of Saint Anna, there will also be the presentation of children to this Saint.

Publication of the Feast’s Programme.
25 July 2008

Yesterday marked the day when our feast’s programme was distributed to the families of our Community. This programme is jam packed with information relative to all the events that will be taking place in our village in the upcoming days. Immediately noticeable is the fact that this year’s events kick start earlier then we are usually accustomed to. In fact, the first events shall be taking place on Sunday, the 27th of August, with a pilgrimage of followers of Saint Lawrence arriving from Birgu, Malta.

Saint Lawrence’s statue take its place in the church on Wednesday, the 30th of July whereas Friday will see the debut of the great musical oratory ‘Laurentius’ which, according to trustworthy sources of information, will be something to remember.

Further information that may be gathered from a study of this programme is the fact that this year, we are not only celebrating the 1750 year from the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence but also the 25th anniversary of the ‘Festival San Lawrenz’ which is organized in our village every year before the feast. This leads us to news regarding the fact that this year will see the re-staging of the highly successful play about Saint Lawrence’s life which purports the name ‘Anno Domini CCVLIII’. A crucial day in the programme is Saturday, the eve of the feast of Saint Lawrence on which day there will be the inauguration of the monument dedicated to Saint Lawrence alongside a gathering of prayers by faithful followers of our Saint.

Additional information regarding the feast’s programme may be obtained from the Parish Office by calling on telephone number 21556073.

Finally, it seems opportune to mention that the cover of this programme features a photograph of the highly successful event held on the 1st of January on which day there was the inauguration of all the special events that will eventually lead to Sunday, the 10th of August; the day which shall see the highly awaited for celebrations of the feast of our patron Saint, Saint Lawrence.

Feast Fever is reaching exorbitant levels!
24 July 2008

Followers of Saint Lawrence from both Malta and Gozo have today united in Malta to give praise to Saint Lawrence.

The 10th of August, the day of the feast of Saint Lawrence, is slowly but surely approaching. Hence, our Parish Priest’s idea to bring together the followers of Saint Lawrence from both Malta and Gozo was extremely well received by our community as well as the Maltese community who also holds Saint Lawrence as it’s patron Saint namely; Birgu.

Thus, a number of our village’s residents today travelled all the way to Birgu (Malta) where alongside Birgu’s residents, they celebrated mass in preparation for the upcoming feast of Saint Lawrence. This pilgrimage was headed by our Parish Priest Nazju Borg assisted by our Fr Charles, Fr Guzepp and Fr Manwel.

At the end of mass, the our parish priest explained the reason behind the celebration of our feast and the reason why Saint Lawrence should be praised. He thereby said that Saint Lawrence imitated Christ in such a manner and to such an extent that he also laid his life for him like Christ did for us. This is why Saint Lawrence is an excellent candidate as an interceptor between God and the faithful.

Later on, our parish priest alongside the mayor placed flowers and a candle in front of the image of Saint Lawrence. The celebrations where concluded with a reception organized by Birgu’s residents for which our co-villagers were cordially invited.

Next Sunday, it will be our turn to host Birgu’s followers of Saint Lawrence in our village.

School Grounds once again host the pasta night in aid of Dun Manwel's mission in Albania
22 July 2008

Father Manwel Cutajar is once again in Malta to take the well deserved vacations following a year of hard work in Mamurras, Albania. Hence, our community has once again organized the yearly pasta night in his honour through which event, revenue is collected to finance Father Manwel’s mission. The fund raising committee has thereby been working hard to collect money to be able to give Father Manwel substantial financial help but it has also been engaged in collecting products in order to avoid having expenses relative to the organizing of this yearly event.

An approximate of 200 people attended the activity which took place yesterday in our school’s playground which, as usual, has hosted the pasta night. All the cooking was made by out locality’s youths.

Manwel thanked all those who attended the event, those companies who sponsored the same, but also those who contributed to its organization by lending a helping hand.

The Two groups on the Youth Projects arrive back……their faces showing satisfaction
20 July 2008

Today Sunday 20th July, in the early hours of the morning and later in the evening, a group of 24 young persons from our village arrived back home from an experience, which changed them more into Europeans and with a wider vision. The group coming from England spent eight whole days in one of the most beautiful places of this country, the Lake District and together with other groups of young people coming from England, Germany, Spain and India took part in an exchange full of adventure which continued to bring these different nationalities together. This project was lead by the Vice Mayor Tony Formosa and councilor Joe Sultana.

Later in the evening the group coming from Spain also arrived. The leader of this group was Lawrence Cauchi and this exchange was a continuation of the exchange which took place last year in Germany with the theme being cinema. The activity in Madrid this year was to create a film with their imagination, from the beginning to the end.

We contacted a few of these youngsters who all said that they were very happy and satisfied with their experience and described it as ‘tal-gen’ meaning WOW. They all said that they would certainly participate again if a similar exchange is available.

The Spirt of Festa has began!!
17 July 2008

The first activities that pave the way to the Festa of St Lawrence, our patron saint, are the Wednesdays that help us to prepare ourselves spiritually. Every Wednesday for the past weeks the Parish Priest, together with the Parish Council organized activities that give an opportunity to the community to get into the true spirit of the Feast.

Yesterday was a particular Wednesday. A group of students presented a short but lovely play about the life of St Lawrence. This play, written by Fr Emanuel Cutajar, a priest from San Lawrenz who is currently doing missionary work in Albania, recounts the last days of Lawrence before he took the Martydom. In their pleasant way these children presented us with scenes from the life of St Lawrence, particular scenes that help to deliver the story in the most attractive way.

At the end of this play the Parish Priest thanked these students and also those who took it upon themselves to direct them.

Parliament Secretary Chris Said meets the San Lawrenz Local Council
16 July 2008

Last Thursday 10 July, the San Lawrenz Local Council had its first official meeting with Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, who is responsible for Local Councils.

The meeting formed part of a series of consultations that the Government has launched in view of the Reform for Local Councils. The Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said thanked the Council for accepting his invitation and explained the reason for these consultations, which should help to strengthen the operation of the Local Councils after the experience of fifteen years of their existence. Other similar meetings are to be held with the public and other sectors in the coming weeks.

Mayor Noel Formosa thanked Dr Said for honoring the Council with his visit. In the name of the Local Council he presented a scheme of proposals and explained that the aim of the Council is to implement the best possible improvement for the common good of the citizens with these proposals. He also explained that with the new tools and authority that the Local Councils may obtain with this reform, the future generations would benefit. He referred to the fact that the public was invited to submit its ideas and suggestions to be included in the proposals prepared by the Local Council so that with a wider range of consultations we will ensure of being able to give the very best service.

During the meeting the council’s proposals were discussed and Hon. Said praised the Local Council for the contents of the presentation of the proposals. He assured the Council that every proposal would be considered for the best interest of the all the people.

The meeting, which was a very positive one, came to an end on a pleasant note as Dr Said was presented with a cake, as it happened to be his birthday.

An accident that shocked the whole village but luckily ended on a positive note
15 July 2008

Yesterday at about 7.30pm there was an unusual activity in the square that saddened all the ‘Lawrenzjani’ especially those who give their free time to work for the festa. We must begin to say that luckily this accident could have been much more serious, and could have left a black mark on our village. In fact everyone is saying that the outcome of this accident was a miracle of St Lawrence.

Joe Thewma, one of a group of energetic people who every year helps in the decorations for the festa, was on the lower part of the church dome when he accidentally fell from a height of about 18 feet and ended up on the roof of the church. You could say it was miracle that he at once stood up on his own and tried to calm the situation. At the time, the rest of the group, who were all in shock, tried to help as best they could. A few minutes later the ambulance was on the spot and also members of the civil protection that had to be called in to bring him down from the roof with special equipment.

Thank God, when Joe arrived at the hospital, the doctors certified him to be in a good medical condition and surely, with the intercession of St Lawrence, suffered only a broken right hand.

Joe is currently in hospital for more treatment. The parish priest asked us to pray for him and also for all the volunteers who with sacrifice offer their time for the feast and the parish.

The Lectio Divina group on a Pauline pilgrimage and a visit to the cloistered nuns
13 July 2008

For the two groups of the Lection Divina yesterday, Saturday, was a particular day. Although the meetings, which take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, were stopped for the summer, it was decided that during these more relaxing months a few activities should still be held from time to time.

Last Saturday the first of a series of activities was held for both groups together. This activity was a trip to Malta where the whole group, totaling about forty persons had the opportunity to personally meet the cloistered nuns at the Monastery of St Julians where there is also a nun from San Lawrenz, Sister Marie Celine Cassar. The group was welcomed by the Superior General, who is also a Gozitan, and who explained the way of life that these sisters live. It was certainly a great occasion in which the members of the group could experience so closely the peace and tranquility that only monasteries such as this could offer.

Afterwards the group went to Rabat where, in St Paul’s Grotto the leader of the group, the parish priest, celebrated mass and together with those present prayed for Malta and Gozo.

A young lady from San Lawrenz participates in Miss World Malta
30 June 2008

On Saturday 5th July a young lady from San Lawrenz, Deborah Grima, will be competing in the Miss World Malta Contest with a chance of representing Malta in the next Miss World Contest.

Deborah is a young lady who has always done well in this scene and there is no doubt that her performance will be a credit to herself and our locality.

In a statement, the council congratulated Deborah and augured her success in this scene and also urged the residents of San Lawrenz to support her especially on Saturday during the actual contest. The council said that this is another means by which our adolescents and young people can show their capabilities and be ambassadors of our locality.

In the meantime this site gathered more information on how we could help Deborah. This competition will be aired live on Net TV on Saturday, 5th July. We urge the residents to vote for Deborah by sending an sms on 50615022 and writing Deborah Grima.

Good Luck Deborah! This site augurs her success in this competition and also for her life!!

ANOTHER TWO YOUTH EXCHANGES
24 June 2008

In only three weeks time another two groups of youngsters from our locality will be going abroad to participate in Youth Exchanges and share new experiences with other European youngsters.

On exactly the 12th of July we will be having two groups at Malta International Airport, both leaving Malta for the same reason but on different Youth Projects; one in Madrid in Spain and the other in the Lake District in the UK.

The preparations for these exchanges are in full swing and our youngsters are looking forward excitedly for their departure day. In the coming days informative meetings will be held for all the participants. The projects, as always, are being organized by the Local Council with funds obtained from the European Union.

The Local Council embarks on another pilot project
16 June 2008

The Local Council together with SPCA Gozo are in advanced discussions to commence a pilot project, the first project of its kind amongst the Local Councils, that of Free Pet Neutering. Normally this pet neutering costs about €25 and €35. At the moment the Council is gathering information about the number of dogs and cats the residents have and also the level of interest amongst the residents.

One should keep in mind that the problem of cats and dogs roaming the streets and of others which are being killed is alarming and so with the help of this project we will be limiting the number of these animals roaming our streets.

For this reason the residents are kindly being asked to help the Local Council by filling in the questionnaire that is being distributed in every household and to return it to the Local Council Offices by not later than Thursday 19 June at noon. All those who answer the questionnaire will be entitled to participate in a lottery with a prize of €30 worth of mobile top up cards that will be drawn in the next Local Council meeting.

A Day for the World – a unique experience comes to an end
14 June 2008

Yesterday evening at 8:30p.m., while our locality of San Lawrenz lay in darkness with it’s street lighting turned off, the Locality Council organized the concluding activity of a day’s long programme to celebrate “A Day for the World”

The ceremony which was short but very suggestive, took the form of a prayer for peace, exhorted by three of the world’s main religions. In his welcoming message, the Mayor Noel Formosa expressed his satisfaction that the San Lawrenz Local Council, although representing a locality with limited boundaries, managed to go beyond them and make a significant contribution to a better world. The Mayor explained how the programme for the day’s activity focused on two principal elements – the environment and intercultural dialogue on the occasion of the Year dedicated specifically to this theme.

The evening’s celebration consisted of a variety of dance, and music, culminating with the representatives of the Islamic, Anglican & Catholic religions being invited on stage to pray separately for peace in the world. Three moving prayers expressed from the heart, delivered in an environment of silence & gathering shared with the numerous audience present. Towards the end, the three representatives united to light one symbolic flame of peace. A jest which was accompanied by a big applause which rendered this evening an experience many of us will remember and cherish for a long time.

The activity of the distribution of the energy saving bulb held in the square
13 June 2008

This day is a very busy one, but everything seems to be going as per programme. Although a bit windy, our families are not disheartened and are attending the organized activities. Between 11.30 and noon a short but significant ceremony took place in which the school children exhibited their creations which they made from recyclable material.

At 11.30, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Chris Said arrived and at once the children invited him to see their ‘projects’, created with their ample imagination. In a short address Hon. Said explained to the children the importance of their participation and urged the Local Council to further organize similar activities. Then Hon. Said presented the children with books as a souvenir of this event.

A little later Hon. Ministers Govanna Debono and George Pullicino also arrived and once again the children proudly invited them to see their works.

Mayor Noel Formosa said in a short speech that the presence of the authorities of our country for this occasion encourages the council to continue to invest in similar educational events.

Minister of Rural Affairs, George Pullicino praised the San Lawrenz residents not only for this initiative but also because our village is in 2nd place in the percentage of the amounts of separated waste collected. This news was received with great applause.

Minister for Gozo, Govanna Debono said that the village of San Lawrenz is an example for other localities in the activities it organizes and said that this activity goes well with the concept that the government is working on at the moment, that of making Gozo an ecological island.

Planting of trees and plants
13 June 2008

At 10.00 this morning the school children together with their teachers went to Ta’ Bieb il-Ghar Street and there, in the roundabout around the monument of Dun Guzepp Cauchi, the planting of geraniums took place. And later, the children planted olive trees in the area surrounding the monument of Nicholas Monsarrat in the school grounds.

The children were the protagonists, but not only in these two activities, because the children have an important and interesting role during this day. At the moment in the square there is an exhibition prepared by these same children. In this exhibition the children used their imagination and made craft objects using only recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, paper rolls and similar used materials.

Later on the parliamentary secretary for Local Government, Hon. Chris Said will present books to the children to reward them for the effort they made with which they gave us, the grownups, a message, that to use recyclable materials whenever possible.

A Good Start
13 June 2008

Today is the ‘Day for the World’, as we have been following during these last weeks. Today our Local council is organizing a special day in which, more than usual, we will be giving importance to ways with which we could use less energy.

The community of San Lawrenz was well prepared for this day and it seems that everybody is conscious to do that something to minimize the negative impact on the world.

This morning cars are being used as little as possible. For example we noted that the head of the school and the teachers coming from other villages decided to pool and came with one car. This is a very positive attitude and they are giving a strong and positive message to the students.

In the meantime in Trejqet l-10 t’Awissu the last preparations are being done so that soon a Coffee Morning will begin and later the planting of trees and plants will take place in various places in our village.

During this day we will try to be very attentive and to report every detail, giving you all the exclusive news as the day goes on.

The first layer of tarmac at Triq il-Wileg
12 June 2008

Today Triq il-Wileg saw the first layer of tarmac in its history. Now we could say that all the roads of San Lawrenz that are in the competence of the Local Council are now all ready.

Works on this road are progressing rapidly. In the meantime maintenance on rubble walls are being done together with the cleaning and rebuilding of the existing water culvert. This was covered with iron gratings to eliminate the dangerous state it was in before.

As soon as all these works are completed, the final layer of tarmac will be laid to complement the rest of the roads. Although this road is not in the centre of the village, it is quite a busy road as it joins the village of San Lawrenz to that of Gharb.

Preparations for the “Day for the World” reach its peak
11 June 2008

We have heard a lot about the activity ‘A Day for the World’ that the Local Council is organizing on Friday. During these last weeks we have received at our homes a lot of information on how we could prepare ourselves for this day. In another two days this activity would reach its climax, with part of the square being close for traffic in the morning for a Coffee Morning to be held in it.

During the morning the school children will plant trees and plants in the school premises and also in the roundabout of the Monument Dun Guzepp Cauchi. In the square an exhibition with things made from recycled material prepared by the children themselves will be held. Afterwards, the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Chris Said will distribute the prizes for the best projects.

Also on this day a local company will give information on how we can save energy by using energy saving lamps. At about midday Minister George Pullicino and Minister Giovanna Debono together with the Mayor will distribute an energy saving bulb to every family from San Lawrenz.

Then between 1730 and 1830 the square will be closed for traffic and football matches will be held in it.

The last activity for this particular day will be held at 2030 in Triq ta’ Bieb il-Ghar with a Prayer Meeting for Peace in the World. The programme will include a dance, music and prayers by the heads of the different religions we have in Malta. The evening will come to an end with the local leaders of the different religions lighting a flame.

It is customary for the Local Council to organize a reception every time it organizes an activity to encourage familiarity.

The President of the COR congratulates our Community on the Day for the World
10 June 2008

During this week the Local Council received a letter from the President of the Committee of the Regions, Mr Luc Van den Brande. In this letter the president of this important committee within the European Union praised our village for this important activity that will take place on Friday 13 June 2008.

In his letter the President Van den Brande explained how this activity is a good example that should be imitated not only by the rest of the villages of Malta and Gozo but also by the rest of Europe. He said that in this busy world the Local Council would stop to reflect on two very important aspects for humanity. These two aspects are the Environment and Peace, two very important pillars of great importance for humanity.

Asked to comment on this letter Mayor Noel Formosa showed his satisfaction that this activity is being appreciated not only by the locals but also by the European authorities. He said that the Local Council is reaching the aim of this occasion, that of delivering the message that although we are a small community we can do something to make the world a better place.

In the meantime from information that this site has gathered, Minister George Pulicino, Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, confirmed his participation in this event, together with Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono and Parliamentary Secretary Onor Chris Said.

A Press Conference held to announce the Day for the World
06 June 2008

During a press conference that was held yesterday in a Hotel in St Paul’s Bay, the Mayor Noel Formosa announced the concept and the programme planned by the Local Council for an ecological activity that will take place in the same village with the theme A Day for the World.

This day is aimed to create more sensibility about the use of alternate energy and also about intercultural dialogue. For this purpose everyone is involved, children, young people and families, with various activities for every specific group throughout the day. Amongst these the Local Council will be give a free energy saving bulb to every family in San Lawrenz, sponsored by General Electric and the company G. Vella & Sons. Later in the evening an interesting meeting will be held between the three religious denominations that we have in our country, Muslims, Catholic and Anglicans.

For this activity the San Lawrenz Local Council is being supported by the Committee of the Regions within the European Union, so much so that the President of this Committee Luc den Branden sent a letter to congratulate the residents of this locality and said that this initiative should serve as an example not only for the Maltese and Gozitans but also for Europe.

Our school publishes the second issue of its magazine
03 June 2008

It is amazing how even in a small school one finds material, and enthusiasm, to publish a magazine every year that highlights the work done at the school.

Last week our school succeeded in publishing its periodical for the second consecutive year. At first glance one could see the vast works done by the school in favour of our children and those who attend this school. One could note the high quality education this school offers. The compositions and poems in both languages published in this issue reflect this. The photos of the various activities organized in the school are living proof of the commitment of the head, the teachers, the staff and the School Council towards our children’s education.

All in all this periodical is proof that our school is doing a lot of work. We are investing so that tomorrow’s generation would be better than that of today. In a comment after the issue of this publication the Local Council said that he feels confident with the work performed by the school. He said that in education you could never do enough but augured that the school would continue on the same rhythm because, after all, our children will benefit. On behalf of the all the community the Local Council thanked the Head, the teachers, the staff and the school council for the great work they are doing. He also urged the parents to work hand in hand with the school for their children’s best education.

Yesterday was Confirmation Day
02 June 2008

For Matthew Cauchi, William Portelli, Roberta Sultana and Jason Theuma, yesterday was a special day.

Accompanied by their parents and their sponsors these students received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Mario Grech. After receiving this sacrament the bells of the Church rang solemnly so that the whole community could rejoice with them. The way in which this occasion was organized was truly a feast for the whole community. The spirit of the community was very evident and urged for everyone to be united.

At the beginning of the mass, the Parish Priest presented the adolescents, and the Bishop asked if they were prepared for this Sacrament. The Parish Priest replied that they were indeed well prepared. In his homily the Bishop put various challenges before these adolescents with which the mature catholic person should be guided in his life.

After the homily these candidates renewed the Baptism Vows, which vows were taken by their parents on their baptism. Now it was their turn to personally renew their commitment in their Roman Catholic life.

The moment of the Confirmation arrived also. In a very personal way the Bishop administered this Sacrament to these four new mature members of our community.

This site together with the whole community congratulates these younsters.

The Local Council continues to support our school
31 May 2008

Currently our Primary school is undergoing maintenance works in all the classrooms. It is the wish of the Head of the school and the teachers that all the classrooms should be kept in a very good condition to creative a healthy and lively environment so that it would be a pleasure for the students who attend in this school.

This is the same policy of the Local Council who believes that first and foremost we must create for our children a welcoming environment. For these reasons the Local Council offered its workers for free to the school so that from time to time maintenance works could be done on these classrooms to give them a new, fresh and inviting look.

Besides, the students themselves were involved in this project, and with their ample imagination, made designs that decorated the newly painted walls, thus rendering the atmosphere more welcoming.

In a statement released by the Primary School it seems that the work is progressing quite well and is appreciated not only by the students but also by their parents. The School thanked the Local Council for its cooperation in this project and augured that similar initiatives should continue in the future for the welfare of our children.

An international site gives prominence to the Day for the World
30 May 2008

Yesterday, the international site of the European Popular Group (within the committee of the regions) http://www.epp.cor.europa.eu/, gave prominence to our Local Council regarding the great activity that is being organized on the 13th June in our village with the title “A Day for the World”.

It seems that this activity is gathering interest because its subject is currently of great importance.

This day will emphasize the need for towns and villages to begin to seriously consider the impact of the global warming and its effects and also the challenges of the climate changes. This site also emphasized the fact that although San Lawrenz is a very small locality it is giving its contribution in the worldwide fight against this phenomenon.

This site is also giving information about the programme of this day and amongst other things it gives prominence to the Prayer for Peace activity that will take place to promote peace in the World.

The Council showed its satisfaction for this news and it is satisfied that even the international media is recognizing the effort our village is doing even in global dimensions.

The Wednesdays dedicated to San Lawrenz start off grandly.
29 May 2008

Yesterday, Wednesday, our community commenced its journey leading to the annual village feast. The feast this year is special, as it will commemorate the 1750th anniversary from the martyr of St Lawrence. So it was obvious that the first of the ten Wednesdays prior to the feast should also be special.

The parish priest invited the whole community to start these Wednesdays at the spot where the first inhabitants of our village used to gather to worship God and also honour St Lawrence.

Because of the bad weather, it was not possible to celebrate the Eucharist at the planned site, so the ceremony was held in the school grounds that are situated very close to the place where the first chapel is believed to have been.

Before mass the Mayor gave an indication of the history of our village and explained why this place was chosen. An interesting fact emerging from this history is that clearly our village and the first chapel were mentioned in 1545.

Mass was then celebrated by Parish Priest Nazju Borg together with the Vice Fr Charles and Fr Gabriel. In his homily the parish priest insisted on how the Christians should be like St Lawrence who gave all to God, even his life. He emphasized also the aspect that the Feast should be an occasion to further sanctify ourselves.

After mass a pilgrimage was held to the church with the old canvas picture of St Lawrence that unfortunately we have no history off but we know for sure that it pertained to the old Chapel.

Works in Triq il-Wileg in progress
28 May 2008

Passing through Triq il-Wileg this week one could notice works in progress in the last part of the road. As announced many times the Local Council is undergoing another infrastructural project on our roads and thus, with the works on this road concluded, the Council will be in a position to have fulfilled its obligations in regards of roads in its competence.

The works on this road include the management of rainwater and also maintenance of retaining walls and afterwards the laying of tarmac. Also, before these works commenced the drainage service was extended to this part of the road and so now all the residents in San Lawrenz have the facility of the drainage service.

Asked by this site to comment, Mayor Noel Formosa expressed his satisfaction that his Council was able to conclude this work. At the same time he urged for prudence in the roads especially from the trucks that many times damage these roads and also from irresponsible driving that is very dangerous for our residents.

Enthusiasm amongst the students of our school
27 May 2008

Part of the activities organized by the Council on the occasion of a Day for the World is a competition amongst the classes of our school. This competition encourages our students to create ideas on how to use things made from recyclable material

Yesterday this site visited some of the classes while working on these projects. It seems that the students are full of ideas and enthusiasm. With the help of the teachers they are coming up with ideas and at the same time they are being very creative. “The reaction of the children is a very positive one,” said one of the teachers when asked for her comments. This is very positive because not only are the children becoming involved but they are also showing that they have understood the significance of this particular day.

Meanwhile we took the opportunity and popped into the Local Council office where we could follow the preparations for this day. At the moment the programme of the day is being finalized, particularly the activity that will end this Day for the World, namely the prayer meeting for peace between the religious denominations that we have in our country.

Yesterday was the Feast of Corpus Christi
26 May 2008

Yesterday afternoon at 6.00pm our parochial community gathered in church to together with the clergy to celebrate the Eucharist on the occasion of the Feast of Corpus Christi. This feast commemorates the Body and Blood of Christ.

This Feast was traditionally celebrated on a Thursday but since the reform in the Liturgy this feast is celebrated on the Sunday following the Holy Trinity. The children who have just received their First Holy Communion last Sunday were especially invited to take part.

After Mass, in which the Parish Priest urged on the importance for the Parish to keep the Eucharist as its centre, a procession was held with Jesus Eucharist. The members of the fraternities of the parish leaded the procession followed by the children who threw flowers before the Eucharist for Him to pass on.

As per tradition this procession passed from Trejqet l-10 t’Awissu, Triq il-Wileg, Triq Cangura and Triq id-Duluri. The procession ended with the Sacramental Blessing in Church.

This feast of Corpus Christi opened the Eucharistic Week in which the parish will emphasis more on the importance for us to be an Eucharistic Parish.

GE sponsors an energy saving bulb for every family in San Lawrenz
22 May 2008

The San Lawrenz Local Council has just reached an agreement with an international company GE (General Electric) so that on the occasion of the ‘Day for the World’ they will offer an energy saving bulb to every family in San Lawrenz.

This activity is being fully accepted not only by San Lawrenz residents but also by the public in general. This is a means that despite of our size we can contribute to our surrounding environment and also to prevent any disaster that the entire society can suffer from.

This site interviewed Mayor Formosa regarding this acquisition. He expressed his satisfaction that such a grand and well-known company accepted to be part of this event that is attracting the media’s attention. The Mayor urged all San Lawrenz residents to participate in this activity, which is being held on the 13th June.

In the meantime, the school children are undergoing various activities in preparation of this great day. They are using their imagination how to make the best use of recyclable material.

Yesterday our children received their First Holy Communion
19 May 2008

Yesterday Sunday, feast of the Holy Trinity, our parish rejoiced with seven children from the community who received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.

The function started at 10.30am when the children, together with the concelebrants made their way to the altar in a procession. The parish priest commenced mass by urging the community to pray for these children while during his homily he urged the parents to give Christ to their child, as well as the attention and time that the children need. After the homily, the parents passed on to their sons and daughters a candle lighted from the blandun (the large candle which is lit on Easter Saturday to represent the light of Christ). The candle is the same one that the parents lit in the name of their children in their Christening ceremony.

At last the moment that the children and their parents had been waiting for arrived. The parish priest called them one by one and invited them to receive for the first time the Body and Blood of Christ.

We could see on the faces of these children their serenity and happiness, a lesson for all of us that Christ alone can give us true peace.

The children who received this sacrament are Elena Attard, Martina Cassar, Lara Farrugia, Justin Grima, Marthese Grima, Gabriella Micallef and Gian Luca Terribile.

Our twinning with Colle Umberto (TV) keep giving benefits
18 May 2008

There are several twinning agreements between localities that reach their climax upon the signing agreement and unfortunately they will come to an abrupt halt. This surely does not apply to the case of the twinning agreement between the locality of San Lawrenz and that of Colle Umberto, in the province of Treviso in Italy.

Both administrations have agreed upon the fact that this twinning will not only be linked to administration but to focus mainly on he citizens of the two localities. The citizens were well prepared for this for the last entire five years. In fact after the official signing agreement, the bond between the two communities continued to get stronger. This twinning in not only being a success of a cultural and economical basis but is greatly contributing to Malta’s publicity.

Between the 8th and 13h May, the St Laurence Spurs paid a visit to Colle Umberto in connection with an exchange between them and the Colle Umberto Football Club. Mayor Noel Formosa who accompanied the San Lawrenz group, officially inaugurated a new hall in a famous hotel in Colle Umberto which they named “San Lawrenz”. The name was selected accordingly on the personal initiative of the hotel owners where hey remained so remarkably impressed with their visit to San Lawrenz they wanted to make it a point to name it for San Lawrenz so that all those who enquire about the name’s significance they will promoted San Lawrenz, and obviously the Maltese Islands.

Apart from the Maltese delegation, there were high authorities from Colle Umberto and Treviso present to this ceremony. Present was also an owner of an international construction company who thanks to this twinning agreement has now commenced a fruitful economic activity with a Gozitan company.

The Council is to organize an activity for the World…..
16 May 2008

At one time or another everybody has heard how important it is for us to use materials that are environmental friendly. We hear about various initiatives that are organized around the world with this aim.

If something were not done urgently we would be putting the world in danger of a disaster that would leave great damage for humanity.

Our small village could also do something……. and we are going to do something!!!

On Friday 13 June our Local Council will organize a Day for the World. Everyone will be involved, children, teenagers families and elderly and an energy saving electricity bulb will be given to every family. Later a detailed programme will be published with the activities that will be organized during that day.

In the meantime the Council wishes that everyone should take a personal initiative during this day. To give some suggestions we could make less use of our cars and use less water and electricity and other similar small ideas that would help the environment and to be more conscious on this topic. The Council is also inviting everybody to think about this topic and whoever has any ideas can submit them to the Council via email on sanlawrenz.lc@gov.mt.

A pilgrimage to Ta’ Pinu
15 May 2008

Yesterday, the second Wednesday of the fifteen Wednesdays preceding the feast of 15th August, our community was invited to organize a pilgrimage to this sanctuary that every year attracts to it thousands, especially on Wednesdays.

This pilgrimage formed part of the activities that this sanctuary is organizing on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Calling of Our Lady to Karmni Grima and Frangisku Portelli.

The pilgrimage started from near the tree at the beginning of the road leading to Ta Pinu with the parish priest leading the prayers. At the head of the pilgrimage was a ornamental flag with the image of Our Lady of Ta Pinu with the crowd ‘Lawrenzjana’ following it.

Upon arriving at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary a mass was said, lead by Dun Guzepp together with the parish priest and the Vice priest, Fr Charles. The gospel was read by Fr Charles while Fr Nazju Borg, the parish priest delivered the sermon in which he talked about the role of Our Lady in the life of Christ and also in our lives.

At the end of the mass Fr Gerald Buhagiar, the rector of the sanctuary presented Dun Guzepp with a gift on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination. Dun Guzepp has been for these last years offering his services to the sanctuary, particularly in confessions.

Another success for our Twinning
14 May 2008

The group of 16 participants who on the 8th of May left Malta to take part in the exchange with our ‘twins’ in Colle Umberto arrived home yesterday evening, catching the 9.15pm ferry.

As we were present on their return we could see the satisfaction on the faces of the participants, which confirmed that they had a good time.

The programme was quite varied and one that was of great interest for our youth. The visit to Venezia was the first item on the programme and offered a detailed history of the Region of Veneto. Another visit of interest was to a museum dedicated to Cannova and also a visit to Vajont in the Belluno Province where the group was shown around a dam that in the sixties caused a disaster, which shocked Italy and the world. The tragedy left 2000 persons dead after half a mountain collapsed because of the intervention of this dam. The mountains covered with snow were also a spectacle and the group had a feast of snowball throwing.

The participants also met the Mayor of Colle Umberto and visited realities that make the locality of Colle Umberto a very interesting one. But the best moment was when in pouring rain our football team was able to keep a draw against one of the teams from Colle Umberto. It was with penalties that the Italians won the game.

We took comments from these youths as soon as they arrived and they all said that it was an extraordinary experience, but what most impressed them was the hearty welcoming that the group received in Colle Umberto by the Association of Twinning and the people of Colle Umberto.

The Football team today leaves for Colle Umberto
08 May 2008

During the year a number of “Lawrenzjani” decide on their own personal initiative to visit their friends in Colle Umberto and vice versa. This is encouraging and shows that our twinning with Colle Umberto is giving it fruits. The Local Council always believed that for the twinning to be effective the greatest friendship should be of the citizens of the two localities. Thank God, this is what is happening!!

But from time to time the Local Council together with the local organizations organize exchanges of interest for that particular organization, not only to strengthen the ties between the administrations of our various societies but also to cultivate more friendships to further strengthen our twinning with Colle Umberto.

Later this evening a group of 16 persons who form part of St Lawrence Spurs, our local football club, will leave the island to spend five days with our “twins’ of Colle Umberto. This exchange will be a very interesting one because the players and the committee of our football club will have the opportunity to meet the Italian players and committee. This is sure to be a good experience because both sides will gather more knowledge of the game and also continue to widen the existing friendships.

Mayor Noel Formosa will also accompany this delegation.

Sunday is Mother’s Day but…..
07 May 2008

On Sunday all the world will be celebrating Mother’s Day, a day in which we honor our Mothers, those who are still with us and also those who are have departed and are enjoying the fruits of their mission on earth.

But the students of our school anticipated this day and celebrated Mother’s Day a week earlier, exactly on Friday 2nd May. Many were the mothers and grandmothers who attended for this celebration.

The children presented a lovely programe dedicated to their mothers. The activity commenced with the celebration of the Eucharist lead by Fr Gabriel Micallef who is currently amongst us for his vacation from his mission in Australia.

After mass the children gave their presentation and although it was short it was very impressive and this reflected on the faces of the mothers who were present in the hall.

Meanwhile this site augurs best wishes to all mothers

The separation scheme from our homes starts today
06 May 2008

Passing through the streets of our village this morning one could notice something unusual on our doorsteps. Today saw the start of waste separation from our homes.

As announced on the Council’s last information leaflet, our country has begun the experience of continuing to further help to dispose of our waste. Up to now we were making use of the bring-in sites. Now we could also separate waste and dispose of them straight from our homes.

Last week we received a coupon to be able to collect the grey refuse bags, which should be used only for separated waste.

For this reason the Local Council will make an extra refuse collection on Tuesdays between 7.30am and 8.30am. This has started from today, Tuesday 6th May 2008. This collection is for the grey bags ONLY.

It is very important that the suggestions on how to separate are observed for this system to be a success.

The grey bags that will be collected by the Council should contain METAL (cans and tins), PAPER (newspapers, magazines and other paper) and PLASTIC (bottles of water, shampoo and detergents).

The Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi visits Dwejra Fair
05 May 2008

Yesterday hundreds of Maltese and Gozitans once again flocked to Dwejra Bay for another edition of the Dwejra Fair. As in previous years this year’s fair was a successful one from the organizational aspect as well as for the large attendance.

On Saturday the energetic members of the Festa Committee spent all day in Dwejra, preparing the field allocated for the fair with the necessary arrangements so that yesterday, Sunday 4th May all was set from very early in the morning for a day full of entertainment.

The weather was perfect, a lovely day that went well with the festive atmosphere and the beautiful environment of Dwejra Bay.

At about 11.00am, the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi surprised everyone with an unexpected visit to the fair. Mayor Noel Formosa and the President of the Festa Committee, Mr Michael Grima, greeted the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister congratulated our community for the organization and also for the voluntary involvement with which the San Lawrenz community works. He visited all the stands and met those present. Before leaving Dwejra, Mrs Gonzi was presented with a plant as a memento of her visit at Dwejra and also on the occasion of Mother’s Day which will be celebrated next Sunday.

Fiera tad-Dwejra this Sunday
02 May 2008

Next Sunday, 4th May, our locality as in previous years is to be fully involved in the 'Fiera tad-Dwejra'.

This fair has become an annual appointment not only among the Gozitans but also among the Maltese people. This year's fair is to form part of the Gozo 1234 event which is being held in Gozo during this long weekend. Thus it is expected that lots of those present in Gozo will visit this Gozitan traditional fair.

To accomodate the demands of the Maltese present at this fair, the organizers have thought that amongst other prizes in the lotteries, various weekend breaks and lunches in hotels and restaruants distributed all through the island, are to be raffled.

When we contacted the organizers they confirmed that everything is prepared. They are keeping their fingers crossed for fair weather so that this day will give its best to those families who will choose to spend this day in the spendid bay of Dwejra.

We took a glance at the weater forecast and all the indications are that on Sundany we are to have a nice day. From the bottom of our hearts we wish that this fair's edition will provide an entertaiment..... as it always did in previous years!

Our elderly out on another Outing
24 April 2008

After a short pause, the Local Council once again organized another Outing for the elderly. Yesterday morning a group of about 40 persons spent the morning relaxing in Nadur.

The day started with mass in the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is situated in the Nadur locality. Fr Gabriel Micallef who is at the moment amongst us for a few weeks concelebrated the mass. Afterwards the group visited the Maritime Museum, which is close by, and later they had the opportunity to experience the commercial activity that is found in Nadur Square, especially as yesterday was the day for the open market.

The group then made their way to a restaurant nearby and as usual played bingo and had a good lunch. Returning to San Lawrenz at about one o’clock in the afternoon, all of them expressed their satisfaction for the outing and asked us to organize another outing soon. From our part we promise that “it won’t be long!”.

Now up for the Quarter Finals of “Hadd Ghalik”
17 April 2008

You surely clearly remember our team’s participation in the popular TV quiz “Hadd Ghalik” being aired live on TVM every Sunday. By means of the high points we acquired through our participation, we managed to qualify with the best eight localities, thus qualifying for the quarterfinals. In fact San Lawrenz is the only Gozitan Locality within this list.

We now have to face a harder challenge next Sunday, 20th April when we have to compete against one of the largest localities in Malta, that of Hamrun.

Apart from the locals who are to accompany the participants as audience, there is going to be Ta’ Cangura Folkgroup who is also going to perform a show at the same programme.

This website wishes the best of luck to our team and promise them all our support. Come on San Lawrenz!

Our parish today celebrates the 50th Anniversary from the Ordination of Fr Joseph Piscopo
13 April 2008

Today our village woke up to a festive air and in the morning the bells announced a special celebration. The La Stella Band from Victoria accompanied the korteo which started from the square to Cangura Street from where, together with the Parish Priest, Fr Charles and Fr Gabriel Micallef, who is here from Australia, and other priests escorted Fr Joseph Piscopo to the church, the same Church in which Fr Joseph Piscopo celebrated his first mass 50 years ago.

The church was packed with his family, relatives, friends and parishioners of San Lawrenz who joined Dun Guzepp on this special occasion not only for him but also for our whole community. The Rector of the Seminary and ex-parish priest, Fr Daniel Xerri, delivered a beautiful sermon about the priesthood and how the priest is a man of God and for the serving of his fellow man.

At the end of the mass, parish priest Nazju Borg thanked Fr Piscopo for his dedicated work in the priesthood and said that as this celebration coincided with the Day of Vocations, we should pray for more priests, especially in our parish. Afterwards two poems were read, one by Rita Cauchi and the other by Fr Emanuel Cutajar, who is currently doing missionary work in Albania and could not be with us yesterday because of urgent work in his mission.

Yesterday evening a vigil of prayers for vocations was also held, led by the Rector of the Seminary together with the seminarians.

All works connected with the Drainage System concluded.
04 April 2008

Recently the council announced that it had required the confirmation from the Water Services Corporation to extend the last two drainage services in the village so now every habitation in San Lawrenz has the drainage system.

Our village could have always boasted that this need was minimal but, just the same, the Council did not want to be content until every habitation had the service. With works done recently in alleys in Triq it-Torri and Triq il-Wileg, this dream has now become a reality. These works have been concluded recently.

We took the comments of the Local Council, which, while expressing satisfaction for this achievement, announced that it will as soon as possible start the last works on Triq il-Wileg and will finish the road with tarmac.

The Mayor, Noel Formosa said that in the coming days a tender will be issued for this work. When asked how long works will take, he said that the Council intends to be very firm so that the laying of tarmac works will be finished on a stipulated date.

The ‘Fiera tad-Dwejra’ – Sunday 4th May
01 April 2008

The San Lawrenz External Feast Committee announced that the Dwejra Fair (Fiera tad-Dwejra) this year will take place on Sunday 4th May so that this Gozitan traditional event will form part of Notte Gozitana that this year will be held on 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th May, under the title Gozo1234.

The ‘Fiera tad-Dwejra’ has been taking place for the last 45 years and today forms part of the Gozitan cultural heritage. It is specifically for that reason that it is called the Gozitan Traditional Fair. The fair has become synonymous because it offers entertainment for all the family and still in a traditional way as even the prizes are as they were before: goats, lambs, rabbits and gifts for the home. Every category has a special game dedicated to them. For the children pony rides, and train rides were introduced and other original games that attract the young ones and also the grown ups. Above all, this Fair takes place in one of the most beautiful spots we have in Gozo, Dwejra Bay. The fair starts at 10.00 and keeps on going until 20.00.

At the moment the Committee is very busy in the preparations needed, especially in publicity. A large number of volunteers wholeheartedly help in the Fair preparations for days before this event.

The European Union once again sends its representative to analyze the situation in the Dwejra Project
27 March 2008

Yesterday, in Dwejra Bay together with members of Nature Trust there was present also the Auditor engaged by the European Union to analyze works done in Dwejra with European Union funds.

Dr Angiolini, the Auditor had a very intensive visit during which he asked many questions to be sure that the Dwejra Management Project has progressed as planned. After his visit at the Bay he met Mayor Noel Formosa at the Local Council and together they discussed the problems and the progress of this very important project. The Mayor presented all the problems related to this project and declared that a project such as that of Dwejra is not easy as Dwejra has various stakeholders who are not always compatible together. Noel Formosa explained to Dr Angiolini how the management committee worked very hard to reach a balance with all these sectors, and also said that with all its faults, he feels satisfied that the committee was able to create this balance. This was also confirmed by Dr Angiolini who said that he really wishes that every project related to a zone as particular as Dwejra imitates this project because it seems that work completed and still being processed are being done very diligently.

The Mayor also thanked Nature Trust and said that it was instrumental for the progress of this project.

The Parish Priest commences home visits
25 March 2008

The Blessings of houses in the locality began yesterday. After the Easter festivities, according to a very old custom the Parish Priest of every parish visits every family and gives his blessing.

This year, in contrast with other years, the blessings of the houses will take longer than usual. As this is the first year for our Parish Priest Fr Nazju Borg amongst us, he decided to spend more time with the family to get to know them better. He wished that this will be an occasion in which, as a spiritual pastor of this village he will learn more about the ‘flock entrusted in his hands’.

We took comments from some members of this parish about this new system and many said that they were very satisfied that the blessings took on a more familiar and intimate dimension as now they have the occasion to talk to the parish priest in confidence and tranquilly.

One could also add that this year the parish priest is doing the home visits by himself.

Controversy in Dwejra
24 March 2008

A structure that is being built in Dwejra recently awakened a reaction on a local and national basis. So much so that a section of the media gave coverage to this piece of news. This site has information, gathered from reliable sources, that MEPA suspended works on this structure to check if everything is being done according to the existing permits.

When we asked the Local Council for its reactions, the Council replied that what is being built is part of the Interpretative Centre that the Dwejra Management Plan had asked for, in consultation with everyone and approved by MEPA. The Council wishes to assert everyone that as far as the Council was concerned, it had done all that it was obliged to do in a transparent way and was shown all the related documents. The Council also said that it has no objections for MEPA in its current analysis to be certain that all is being done as per permits. After all it was MEPA that had approved the said permit.

Investigations carried out by this site also resulted that the Dwejra Management Plan, that has been set up these last few years, is asking that this plan should provide an interpretative centre, as part of this structure.

Christ Victorious on Death
23 March 2008

Last night our community, together with the rest of the world, celebrated in the most solemn way the Resurrection from death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our community celebrated this occasion after Holy Lent and the three days of the Holy Week.

At 9.00pm the community gathered in the square around a fire and assisted while the parish priest began the most solemn celebration of the year. Something new this year was the use of the pulpit from where the ‘excultet’, or more know the Announcement of Easter was sung, and then again the Gospel was read from the same place. At the end of the ceremony all the children present received an Easter ‘figolla’ and also an Easter Candle was given to all who were in Church for this Eucharist.

This morning the church all over the world is celebrating this great feast. Later this morning Pope Benedict XVI will give the blessing Orbi et Urbi in various languages, amongst which Maltese.

Days where we contemplate more on God’s love for us.
21 March 2008

Today is Good Friday. The day in which the Catholic Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross and in which the Church pays tribute to the Cross, a means of man’s salvation. That piece of wood that received the body of Christ who gave Himself for our sins. Our parish is also celebrating these days. As one could notice during this week, many activities have taken place to prepare the community. Now we have arrived at the core of the festivities.

Yesterday the Maundy Thursday Mass celebrated in our parish consisted of many beautiful gestures. But the highlight was the washing of the feet. This year this gesture was more significant because, contrary to the usual where the 12 chosen men went up on the altar, this year the priest himself wanted to go down amongst the faithful and wash the feet of 12 persons. In his homily Fr Borg explained how the catholic person should nourish himself with the Eucharist and then he should be a ‘catholic with the apron’, the same as Christ.

At the end of the mass, the Parish Priest took the Eucharist to the ‘Reposition Altar’ set up near the main door of the church for the adoration of the many who as per tradition visit the 7 churches.

The people walk after its Master
20 March 2008

All that could be heard yesterday throughout the procession along the streets of our village were the sounds of chains being dragged by some men who devotionally walked behind the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The clergy, composed of the Parish Priest, Fr Charles and the seminarian Joseph Curmi animated prayers all through the pilgrimage which is held annually along the streets of Our Lady of Sorrows, Cangura, Torri and Fungus Rock.

During his homily prior to this pilgrimage, the Parish Priest Nazju Borg emphasized on the importance of these activities and that they must not be moments that can easily be blown away with the winds but that should help us live our lives by putting Christ in our centre.

This morning our clergy joined the Bishop and the remainder of the Gozitan clergy at the Gozo Cathedral to celebrate ‘Priest Day’. This evening Maundy Thursday, will see the celebration of the washing of the feet of persons chosen from the community as a symbol of Jesus washing the apostle’s feet.

The First Confession for our First Holy Communion kids
20 March 2008

As we have promised you, we are keeping you updated with all the functions being undertaken in our church in the occasion of the Holy Week. These functions will finally lead us to the greatest night on Saturday where the Catholic Church will celebrate its biggest feast – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, seven kids who later on this year are to receive the First Holy Communion, moved towards the priest and in his present they made their First Confession and prayed God to forgive their shortcomings. This gesture is to move them closer to the great day when they will receive God for the first time.

This function was not only designated for kids but open to everyone. In fact everyone was invite to reconcile as this day was dedicated for Confession as a preparation to the great even when Jesus overcame death.

Later on this evening a procession with the statue of Jesus the Redeemer is to take place. This procession dates back up to 1983, the year when the Redemption of the Catholic Church was celebrated. Initially, a crucifix was used for this procession but later on the statue of Jesus the Redeemer took its place.

The Council once again brings up the great problem of the lack of discipline generated by trucks in our roads.
18 March 2008

“The Local Council’s preoccupation regarding the large volume of trucks that enter our locality for dumping purposes in alarming”, Mayor Noel Formosa explained during a meeting with the Superintendent of Police of the Gozo District.

Yesterday, the Mayor together with the Council Secretary had a meeting with the Gozo Police Superintendent, Antonello Grech, where they discussed this problem in length to find an immediate solution. The Mayor admitted that it is impossible for trucks not to pass from our locality but it is also imperative to show respect to our residents and to show discipline, especially regarding speed. He condemns the excessive speed and other contraventions, and intends to be very firm and would not allow anybody to abuse our community.

The Superintendent promised the corp.’s cooperation by having the presence of police in the principal roads of the village. Both authorities agreed on this system hoping that the problem will be resolved.

Our Parish commences Holy Week
17 March 2008

With the feast of Palm Sunday our parish has commenced the week in which the passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord is commemorated. Yesterday’s feast was a particular one where the parishioners were invited to carry palms and olive branches in a procession from the cemetery to the Parish Church. This site has contacted the Parish priest and asked him to explain the significance of these days in the Universal Church.

The Parish priest described yesterday’s occasion as a feast that Jesus Christ himself wanted and for this reason Palm Sunday is a special feast in the liturgical calendar in the Church. He said he wanted this procession to start from the cemetery to convey the message that Christ is Victorious over death and for us who believe, death is victorious.

These functions will continue with an activity every day which will lead to Sunday when the Church worldwide celebrates the greatest feast for humanity; the Resurrection from death of Jesus Christ.

We will be present for these activities to keep you informed with the beautiful moments of the liturgy.

Today our school celebrates its 65th year!
14 March 2008

Sixty-five years ago today, on 14th March 1943, our village began to make use of an educational institution. Thanks to a decision taken by the Parish Priest of that time, Fr George Debrincat together with other parishioners “Lawrenzjani”, today our village is enjoying the benefits of a school, which is an important resource in our village. The school that we know today was not the first school we had in our village but was preceded by two houses that served as a school.

The school that exists today was, coincidentally, also inaugurated on the 14th March, 1964 by Minister Antonio Paris, the Minister of Education of that time. Unfortunately, in a very ugly period in the history of our village, this school was closed and transformed into a Hostel in 1981. But in 1988 the school once again began functioning to serve our Community. In 1999 the Local Council together with the administration of the school decided that school should be named after Dun Salv Portelli, our first Parish Priest so that even the school gives importance to our particular identity. To commemorate this event and the said Parish Priest, the Local Council erected a monument of Dun Salv Portelli in the entrance of the school.

We could say that our school has achieved various academic successes, and also educational successes in the lives of our students. The administration of this site augurs more work towards our young generation, as we strongly believe in the importance of education especially for our children.

The San Lawrenz Local Council signs the agreement of the operation of the new Day Centre for the Elderly
06 March 2008

A new agreement was signed recently between interested parties regarding new premises to operate as a Day Centre for the Elderly in Gozo. The new premises, forming part of the Social Action Movement Complex in Għajnsielem, will serve as a base from which Day Centre facilities are provided on a regular basis for around 200 elderly Gozitans. The San Lawrenz number of elderly who attend this Day Centre is numerous.

The agreement was signed between representatives of the Ministry for Gozo, the Social Action Movement as proprietors of the premises and twelve Gozitan Local Councils, including the San Lawrenz Local Council. The new centre will provide facilities where elderly members can attend the various activities organized for them during the week.

The initiative for the setting-up of the first Day Centre for the Elderly in Gozo dates back to 1999. Since then, it operated regularly from Monday to Thursday basis. Apart from serving as a social event where elderly members coming from different Gozitan villages can meet and share interests, they are also given professional advice and information regarding subjects of particular interest to them through regular talks organized at the centre. The Local Council contributes financially in order to minimize the operations costs mainly the transport from the relative locality to the Centre and back.

The success of this operation is mainly due to the dedication of the administration of the Care for the Elderly Section, the Day Centre staff, the cooperation of the relative Local Councils and finally the encouraging response from the Gozitan elderly.

The second issue of the publication is out
29 February 2008

February has come to an end and this also means that our parish has published the second issue of the magazine, which will be bound into a book later this year. The title of this publication is ‘Lawrence - Witness of Christ and Servant of the Church’ and will be the first book of its type to be published in our country regarding St Lawrence. The aim of this book is to leave a long lasting souvenir of the special festivities which will be celebrated on the occasion of the 1750th anniversary from the martyr of St Lawrence.

This issue includes a beautiful article penned by Xaghra Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo, regarding the teachings of the fathers and learned of the Church about St Lawrence. This information continues to enlighten the authentic evidences tied with the life and martyr of St Lawrence. Many were the learned of the Church who preached about this great Saint.

On the back pages of this issue one can also find beautiful prayers which are said in Huesca, in Spain, the birthplace of St Lawrence.

Whoever wishes to obtain this second copy can contact the Parish Office of San Lawrenz on telephone number 21556073

The process of sanctioning the Dwejra boathouses came to an end yesterday
29 February 2008

After a long and arduous process yesterday the Dwejra boathouses were dicussed and accepted. This process commenced about ten years ago when various boathouse owners received a notice to regularize their situation. From the start the San Lawrenz Local Council dedicated all its energy to this problem and thanks to its continuous work today the boathouses at Dwejra have been regularized.

Besides this the Council worked so that the structures of these boathouses, which many of them are old and built on private property, will be part of the environmental heritage that belongs to this gem in the Maltese Islands.

Asked for his opinion Mayor Noel Formosa said that he is very happy with this agreement because thanks to the commitment of the Local Council the owners of the boathouses in Dwejra can have peace of mind. He said that these boathouses today are part of the cultural heritage of our country and that they give a human and lively identity to this Bay.

Another tree planting activity at Dwejra
27 February 2008

Once more, a tree planting activity was carried out at Dwejra. The activity was organised by Nature Trust Malta, and Ekoskola with the collaboration of the San Lawrenz Local Council. The trees planted replaced the stolen trees which were planted few months before during the 34U Campaign.

Officials from Nature Trust Malta, Ekoskola and Education Department were present to this activity.

The protagonists of this activity were about 180 students coming from schools around Gozo. They had the opportunity to plant a tree themselves.

Later the students proceeded to the Dwejra Tower and Dwejra Bay. Thereat they were given information about the importance of the geology of such a place. The speakers also insisted on the importance that despite the beauty our islands offer, there is a desperate need of afforestation – thus the scope behind this project.

A start for the church façade restoration project
25 February 2008

Yesterday morning, an unusual activity was taking place on the roof of the church. In fact, the preparations have commenced for the works involving the restoration of the façade of our church. These preparations have been going on for some time with studies and consultations. The Local Council was instrumental in its help so that this urgent work can start as soon as possible.

At the moment consultations are underway regarding the analysis of the work of restoration that needs to be done on the façade and the bell towers. This work is under the supervision of architect Ivana Farrugia who has studied and is specialized in restoration and conservation.

In the future this site will keep you informed about the progress of this project, which the church needs so much, as the damage is considerable, especially in the bell tower overlooking Cangura Street.

A Chinese delegation visited Dwejra
20 February 2008

This morning, a Chinese delegation composed of ten members had the honour to pay a visit to Dwejra Bay and also had the occasion to meet Mayor Noel Formosa. The delegation was led by the Deputy Minister for the Chinese Foreign Affairs and also by the Chinese Ambassador.

Mayor Noel Formosa thanked the delegation for choosing Dwejra as part of their official visit to the island of Gozo. The delegation remained remarkably impressed by Dwejra’s natural beauty and they emphasized on the importance of protecting such place and to keep it in its natural state.

The delegation continued its short visit to Gozo by proceeding to the Citadel and the Ggantija temples.

Our parish living through Lent
14 February 2008

Yesterday week, our parish together with the universal Church began the forty days that lead to the feast of Easter, the most important feast in the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

This year the forty days of Lent commenced with a pilgrimage on Ash Wednesday. The aim of this pilgrimage, which started from Nicholas Monsarrat Street, is to help us realize that what we are doing during these forty days is a journey that should lead us to achieve happiness, resurrection from death.

In his homily the parish priest explained the importance of Lent in the life of the Catholics. To help the parishioners fully benefit from these forty days, the parish is organizing various activities with which the parishioners can put their beliefs in practice. Amongst these activities there are charity works that our parish will perform in various institutions of the church, which institutions have invited us to do voluntary work with them. Another activity is the morning psalms that would be said three times a week, and also other types of prayer.

When asked for his comment about this time in the liturgy, the parish priest said that he sincerely hopes that the parish lives these days in prayer, silence and penitence. He urged the parishioners to abstain from those things they have most at heart in a sense of penitence.

The Mayor is in Brussels to attend the Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions
07 February 2008

Since Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004, our Mayor, Mr. Noel Formosa has occupied the post of a titular member in the Committee of the Regions. Through this post, Mr. Formosa, together with another four Maltese members, represents the Local Councils of Malta and Gozo.

The Committee of the Regions is an important institution in the European Union. The role of this committee is to give its opinion about the politics being discussed in the European Parliament. These opinions are given from a local and Regional perspective. This committee is of high importance to the same European Union because by means of this committee the European Union gets closers to its citizens.

Amongst the opinions that are to be discussed during the plenary session of today and tomorrow is the support that should be given to the Regions of the European Union for research and innovation. How should the challenge of the shortage of water and draught in the countries of the European Union should be addressed, and the strategy that should be adopted by Europe regarding nutriment, and also obesity and issues related to health, amongst other topics. During today’s session the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barosso will address the members.

During the time that he has occupied the seat of a titular member of this committee, Mayor Noel Formosa has been given various high posts with which our village continues to give its contribution not only in our country but also in the European sphere. He was elected Vice President of the European Popular Group and today he was reconfirmed for a period of another two years and also Chairman of the Association of the Islands of the European Union.

Carnival...A great success!!!
02 February 2008

Yesterday evening our village square was transformed into an arena of colour, dance and merriment. As announced on this site on the same day, the Local Council organized a carnival activity. Many were those who were present for this activity, which took place in front of the Parish Centre, and the fine weather also contributed to the attendance of this show.

Without any doubt the large number of participants in the various competitions was encouraging. One could admire the parents’ talent in the creation of the carnival costumes as well as the talents of our youngsters in the preparations of the small carnival floats and also the short plays organized by our young ‘budding actors’ which entertained all those present. Here we cannot fail to mention the float classified in first place. It was a very good attempt that shows the youngsters’ talent that should be encouraged to continue to develop.

Besides the competitions yesterday we had an unusual spectacle. The programme commenced with a show of modern dance produced by the Anette Mystic Dancers and here we must mention that many children and youngsters from our village attend this dance school. But surely the Carnival this year was special because we once again had in our village the “Kumettiva” (a traditional carnival folkdance) by a group from the community of Tan-Nazzarenu from Xaghra. Our elderly eagerly attended to follow this spectacle that was sure to bring memories of when our compatriot, Wenzu l-Budi, used to shout the phrase which is still synonymous with the “Kumettiva” to this day “Kulhadd ma tieghu!!!!” (Everyone with his partner).

Today its Carnival – even in San Lawrenz!!!!
01 February 2008

Today is the day the San Lawrenz Local Council chose to organise the Carnival in our locality. The Carnival spirit was well in the air as from early in the morning by watching the kid’s evident excitement as they were entering the school fancily dressed. They were to join the other Gozo schools so that collectively they will celebrate Carnival at the Sports Complex.

Tonight, at 1930 hours, at the main square, the local Carnival will take place. Special features in this activity are to be Anette Mystic Dancers and a special innovation for this year’s carnival is the performance of “Il-Kummittiva” by a group from Xaghra. Its worth mentioning hat in olden times, our locality was famous for the Kummittiva and it has been held regularly up to thirty years ago.

There are many old people from San Lawrenz who still remember their participation in this Kummittiva. We have interviewed some of them and they grinned at the thought of the funny preparations such an activity entailed. The men used to dress up as ladies as at those times ladies were prohibited to take part in the Carnival. They also confirmed that the archives of the Ghaqda Drammatika San Lawrenz still possesses some of these costumes as well as make-up.

Tonight’s Carnival Competition is also to be a highlight mostly awaited which the Council’s Executive Secretary Lucienne Haber described this year’s response for participation as superb.

From our end, we wish everyone to enjoy the most of these festivities!

The Local Council officially met the Parish Priest Ignatius Borg
31 January 2008

Yesterday, the Local Council invited the new Parish Priest so that officially they met and discussed on how the Council and the parish can work together in favour of our community.

The meeting was considered to be a cordial one and the enthusiasm to improve the locality’s interest between the two parts was evident. The Mayor addressed the meeting by welcoming the Priest and described this meeting as a friendly meeting during which both parts exchange collaboration to each other the Priest thanked the council for this warm invitation. He declared that he is impressed by the way how the San Lawrenz community accepted him as their spiritual leader. He also stated that where there’s unity and upright intention, there is Christ and therefore matters are much easier.

During this meeting, various projects were dealt such as the restoration of the church’s façade where both parts can work together. The activities celebrating the 1750 anniversary of the Martyr of Saint Lawrence were also dealt with.

At the end of this meeting, the Council presented the Priest by an original oil painting, a copy of Saint Laurence’s titular, on the occasion of his appointment.

San Lawrenz Local Council – Best practice for the promotion of gender equality
30 January 2008

Yesterday, our council was invited to participate in a Conference organized by NCPE for gender equality, to share the experience of our council in regards of the promotion of gender equality.

This invitation has been sent after our council has been selected from all other local councils as a best practice in the promotion of gender equality. By the activities organized the San Lawrenz Local Council outstood other council and broke the barrier that could have been created to prohibit someone in being left out from certain opportunities.

For this conference, which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Malta, all Malta and Gozo Local Councils were invited. In the presentation delivered by the Mayor Noel Formosa, he described how this could only have been possible through continuous works accomplished by the council. This happened through the establishing of a Child Care Centre, on the importance of the equal participation in all activities, promotion of sports amongst both genders, establishing an enterprise to housewives and other stimulating activities.

The executive secretary Lucienne Haber accompanied the Mayor to this conference

This recognition has also been acknowledged by various local newspapers.

A treasure in our hands
28 January 2008

In this week’s parish bulletin, the parish priest announced that in the coming days our parish will undertake another initiative on the occasion of this special year. The parish is referring to this initiative as a ‘treasure of information’. This ‘treasure’ is a series of publications regarding St Lawrence with the aim of giving us the opportunity to learn more about our Patron saint, St Lawrence, during this year.

These publications will lead to the actual feast of St Lawrence on the 10th of August 2008. With the help of this information we will be able to increase our knowledge about the life and also important studies related to the life of this great saint who, during this year, all the world will be celebrating the 1750th anniversary from his martyr. The first publication, which will be distributed this week, deals with the martyr as explained in the Holy Scriptures, and also contains an article about the teachings of the last popes about St Lawrence.

This initiative will repeat itself and every month there will be a publication on various subjects. At the end of this series these publications will be gathered into one book.

The name of this series is “Lawrence – Witness of Christ and Servant of the Church”. Every publication will cost only €1 but whoever wants to give a greater donation can do so.

Those who are not parishioners of San Lawrenz and wish to subscribe in this series can contact the Parish Office on 21556073.

A Get-together for the football team
25 January 2008

Yesterday, in the Village Inn Restaurant in Xlendi, the whole local football team - committee and players - got together in a relaxed atmosphere for a meal. In a short address the committee secretary thanked the players and urged them to continue in their enthusiasm, together with the coach.

This activity is one of a number of activities that the active football committee organizes from time to time to create a friendly atmosphere between the players.

In fact last week another social party was organized in a farmhouse for the players and the committee together with their families. These occasions greatly help to strengthen the team spirit and for everyone to feel part of the club.

At the moment our team is occupying first place together with other teams and have a chance to win the league. This encourages the committee and players as well as the supporters to continue on the road to a merited win of this league.

This site will continue to keep you informed about the team’s developments and takes this opportunity to congratulate them and augurs more successes in sports.

The special feasts enthusiasm is in the air
23 January 2008

As announced previously this month, our parish augured these special feasts on the 1st January. Wonderful moments which are to remain scribbled in our hearts were when on that day, the priest, the clergy and the committee showed us by means of this activity were these special feasts are to lead us.

Yesterday, during the Lectio Divina meeting, another activity was explained showing us how to keep on getting into the spirit of these feasts. This was a talk by Fr Frankie Cini, the Director of St. Joseph’s Home, Sta. Venera, Malta who delivered a detailed explanation on the works entailed by such a home like that of St. Joseph. This talk is one of a series of various activities concerning voluntary works as to urge everyone to imitate the sacred life of Saint Laurence. Another special event connected with these festivities which is scheduled for this week is the visit to our community by refugees who are to spend a day with our families.

“The style of these activities is to help the parish to unite further and help us understand what is the aim to celebrate and also how to fill yourself with Jesus as Saint Laurence wants from us”. This was the comment raised by the priest.

Afer yesterday’s Lectio Divina, another meeting was held by the special feasts committee were they discussed in detail these activities and other planned activities.

As we have done up to now, we are to keep you updated with all the activities that will be held from time to time.

Our elderly celebrated the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot
18 January 2008

The 17th January happens to be the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot and thus on that same day an outing was organised for our elderly.

The response for this activity was superb. Despite of the bad weather, a numerous group gather for this most-awaited outing.

The outing commenced by a mass at Saint Anthony the Abbot’s church at Xaghra. The mass was led by San Lawrenz Priest Fr Ignatius. In a message he delivered during this mass, he referred to Saint Anthony the Abbott’s choice to life of oppression and also referred to the need us to retrieve God in our busy lives.

After the mass the group was welcomed in he church’s sacristy by coffee and biscuits. Afterwards they proceeded to Marsalforn where relaxingly they played bingo a ate a most relishing meal. They returned clumsily back home all bearing he same expression, that requesting us to organise a similar outing as soon as possible!

The San Lawrenz Dramatic Group commemorates Mgr Salv Borg
17 January 2008

Yesterday during the evening mass the San Lawrenz Dramatic Group paid homage to one of its great friends who passed away last September.

Mgr. Salv Borg was a priest from Victoria and was also Archpriest emeritus of the Parish of St George in the same town. He was one of the best authors of various theatrical plays and comedies and it was in this scenario that the San Lawrenz Dramatic Group got to know him. Many members of our Dramatic Group, especially the elder members, remember all too well the beautiful occasions when Fr Salv Borg used to be with them on Stage.

But surely Dun Salv’s greatest piece of work for our village is the script of the Christmas Pageant. Every year the writings of this priest accompanies this Pageant on Christmas Eve and has pulled hundreds of people to our village.

Present for this mass, which was celebrated by Fr Charles, were many members of the Dramatic Group as well as Dun Salv’s sister, Marija Zammit Borg, whom we have also seen many times on our stage, especially during the San Lawrenz Festival.

This site joins the San Lawrenz Dramatic group in saluting the memory of Mgr Salv Borg

The Euro our new currency
16 January 2008

After almost three weeks from the adoption of the euro, this site has looked into how this change has affected our residents.

In the first week it seemed as if there was a little confusion as many were still paying with the old currency.

Today we could say that this problem has been resolved as the maltese lira is slowly disappearing from our pockets. Almost everyone is paying with euros. This is helping immensely in the changeover process. We took comments from some ‘Lawrenzjani’ about their experiences and some said that the first week was a bit difficult but today it has already become normal to pay with euros.

We also asked the children about this changeover and it seems that they are well informed and are already, ahead of us grownups, thinking in euro.

As in every village, our village also has a Euro Centre from where the residents can go to obtain information and help. This centre is situated in the Parish Office.

During these last weeks, besides the meeting held in our locality about the euro changeover, more information about the value of this currency could be found on the parish bulletin.

Another Golden Page in the History of our Village
14 January 2008

Another event that is to remain written in golden letters in the history of our parish is without doubt that of the possession of the new parish priest Rev Ignatius Borg. In fact he is the seventh parish priest for the parish of San Lawrenz.

On Saturday a prayer meeting of the vigil (velja) took place in church where the symbols, which were passed over to the parish priest, were explained with liturgical information. The confessional, the tabernacle, the Chair, the ambo, the bells and other places all help the parish priest in his mission amongst us. It was indeed a remarkable occasion to see all the community gathered around the diocese’s shepherd, Bishop Mario Grech, praying for its new spiritual leader Fr Nazju Borg. Present for this ‘velja’ which was presided by the Vice Priest Fr Charles Sultana, were Fr Joseph Piscopo and the Rector of the Gozo Seminary, Fr Daniel Xerri, the predecessor of Fr Nazju. This vigil served as preparations for the event that took place yesterday morning.

The activity started with a band march by the Victory Band of Xaghra and the San Girgor Band of Kercem. The bands marched from the village’s entrance in St Lawrence Street to the village Square. Here the people of San Lawrenz together with Fr Nazju’s relatives and other guests, especially from the Community of Kercem where Fr Nazju served, greeted the new parish priest who emerged from the parish home together with Dun Guzepp and Dun Charles. On the parvis he was greeted by Bishop Mario Grech. After the parish priest kissed the holy cross and was given the stole to wear, Dun Guzepp Piscopo made a welcome speech in the name of the clergy while Mayor Noel Formosa, in the name of the community greeted Fr Nazju with another speech.

During mass, with the church packed with people, the bishop symbolically passed the administration in the hands of Parish priest Nazju Borg. He took the oath of office in the presence of two witnesses, Dun Charles Sultana and Dun Daniel Xerri. In his homily the bishop explained that the role of the parish priest in today’s society is to immerse his community in the teachings of Christ, as revealed by the church. He said that the parish priest should try to pull out the Catholics from the dirty water they often find themselves in.

As part of this ritual the parish priest together with the bishop rang the bell, a symbol that he has the obligation to call the faithful for prayer. After the Eucharist everyone was invited in the school grounds for a reception. The new parish priest cut a special cake for the occasion amongst the merriment of those present, especially the energetic members of the Festa Committee.

All is set for Sunday.
10 January 2008

All is set for Sunday when our parish welcomes its seventh parish priest. Rev. Ignatius Borg has been appointed to serve as parish priest of San Lawrenz by Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, last September.

The programme of activities relating to the installation ceremony will commence at 9.30am with a band march which starts from the village entrance in St Lawrence Street. Upon arriving at the square the parish priest will come out of the parish house and, accompanied by the band, will walk to the church parvis where he will be welcomed by Bishop Mario Grech. On the parvis, Fr Borg will kiss the Holy Cross as a sign of loyalty to Christ and the Authority of the Church. Then both Mayor Noel Formosa and Fr Joseph Piscopo will make a welcome speech.

During the Concelebration Mass, Bishop Mario Grech will pass over to Fr Ignatius Borg the mission of pastor of the village of San Lawrenz. The new parish priest will then take an oath and will be shown the places in the church where he will be able to administer the sacraments, preach the Word of the Lord and also care for the spiritual needs of his parishioners. This concelebration will be accompanied by the parish Choir under the direction of Joe Formosa.

www.sanlawrenz.gov.mt augurs Fr Ignatius Borg all the best in his work amongst us and promises our support and prayers.

A calendar commemorating this special year
08 January 2008

During the first week of January the parish distributed a calendar in every household. The aim of this calendar is so that collectively we will experience the 2008 close to our patron saint, Saint Laurence.

This calendar is full of photos related with famous paintings form all around the world about St Laurence’s martyr which happened 1750 years ago. The calendar also contains all the parish activities including the titular feast and all other feasts being celebrated by our parish.

Though the calendar has been distributed to every household, there are few extra copies for those who wish to obtain further copies to send to their relatives abroad. The can be collected from the Parish Office.

From information gathered by this site, it resulted that this is not going to be the only initiative throughout this year. The parish is seeking to extend the devotion and love towards Saint Laurence by publishing further information.

The feast of the Forty Hours Devotion came to an end
07 January 2008

Yesterday afternoon along our streets passed the holy Eucharistic thus marking the end of the “Kwaranturi” for this year.

At 0900 hours, for the hundredth consecutive time, the “Servant’s Hour” was held. During this hour well-known as the “Paggi z-Zghar” gathers the young ones infront of the Holy Eucharistic and by means of prayers and songs, the young ones greet their King, Jesus in the Eucharist.

In the afternoon, the whole community gathered in the church for a solemn celebration marking the end of this Holy Feast. The celebration marking the end of this Holy Feast. The celebration was led by Gozo Bishop Mons Mario Grech. The celebration was followed by a procession with the Holy Eucharist along the streets of the locality.

When we asked Fr Ignatius Borg to comment on this feast he showed his satisfaction on the graces that God is pouring on our community.

In the meantime, yesterday a detailed article appeared on a local newspaper marking the 100th anniversary of the “Servant’s Hour”.

The last expected activity for this festive season, is the taking of possession as a parish priest of Rev Ignatius Borg next Sunday. This site is to be present for the ceremony and will keep you posted on the happenings.

The “Servant’s Hours” exhibition was well-attended to
05 January 2008

The doors of the exhibition of the “Servants Hour” and the “Forty Hours Devotion” in ancient times were opened to the public and many were those who were able to view and revive memories of these great devotions which have been taking place amongst us for hundred years.

It was the love and eagerness of the first parish priest Dun Salv Portelli that this congregation gave start in our locality. Though nowadays it is no longer considered as a congregation but we can confirm that the Servant’s Hour still keeps alive this dear heritage left by our ancestors.

On an article which appeared on this feast’s newsletter, the main focus was on this special event which clearly explains how Dun Salv held dearly this devotion and how much he believed that the love towards the Holy Eucharist can lead for a better community.

This exhibition will be open till next Monday. Old photos and items related to this even are being exhibited. An interesting feature amongst others in this exhibition is the script of Dun Salv Portelli’s homily dating back to 1907, the year when the congretation of the Servant’s Hour was established. The exhibition is being held at the Vocation’s Centre, at the back of the church.

Today gave start to the Kwaranturi Mqaddsa (Forty Hours Devotion)
04 January 2008

Today in our parish church after the 7:00am mass, Parish priest Ignatius Borg exposed the Holy Eucharist for forty hours devotion and prayers by the parish community. The name ‘kwaranturi’ originated from the Italian expression which means forty hours of continuous adoration. In fact during the days of today, Saturday and the night between Saturday and Sunday, continuous adoration will take place.

An unusual event which only takes place in our parish, is that of the “The servant’s Hour” a whole hour prepared from our children. This year our parish is celebration the 100th anniversary from its origin. To commemorate this event, the Vocations Centre is holding an exhibition.

Next Sunday, on the Epiphany Feast, after a celebration led by Bishop Mons Mario Grech, a holy procession with the blessed sacrament will take place along the streets of the locality. This will bring to an end the Servant’s Hour as well as the Forty Hours Devotion.

As from early this morning, people gathered mightily for the adoration. When the priest was asked to comment about this he declared that its his great satisfaction to see the entire community gathered around the Holy Eurcharist.

A New Year opening with a difference
02 January 2008

The first day of 2008 is surely to remain a memorable day for all the Lawrenzjani. This was a day which gave start to a special year, that commemorating the 1750 anniversary from the martyr of Saint Lawrence.

The preparations leading for this day have been underway days before. As declared by the Priest Nazju Borg, the parish wanted that the beginning of this year will truly be the beginning of a special year.

Everyone was invited to join the cortege that departed from four pints in the locality, that is from Triq il-Wileg, Triq Wied Merill, Triq it-Torri and Triq San Lawrenz. During these pilgrimages which led to the square, the all saints litany was sung. Upon their arrival, all those present threw a piece of wood which they carried with them along the pilgrimage, into the huge bonfire. The aim of the bonfire as stated by the priest is to blaze our faith’s flame which we inherited from our ancestors.

From the fire forming this huge bonfire, the priest emitted a flame which is to remain lighted in front of the statue of San Lawrenz during the entire year. During his homily the priest urged the crowd present to assure that this year will surely be a special one for our locality. He also urged everyone to feel part of the parish. During the mass, the logo which is to accompany us throughout the whole year was launched.

The mass ended by the priest on behalf of the parish and the Mayor on behalf of the locality by placing a flame and a bunch of flowers in front of Saint Laurence. Among the cheers of those present, the niche of Saint Laurence was opened.

At the end of this ceremony everyone agreed that this ceremony was a splendid one which will truly help us for a special start towards a special feast.

New Year’s Eve. 2007 another year of success for our village
31 December 2007

Today is the last day of the year 2007, a day in which one looks back and recalls the satisfactions had during the past year.

As a village we could also look back with satisfaction at the successes of our small village, which despite its size was able to move forward with giant steps. We have witnessed our village progressing in many aspects, in infrastructures and also socially.

If we take a look at this site in the Press Releases section one notes that almost every day the history of our village is being built and getting coulorful, just as small pieces of mosaic make a beautiful picture. Our beautiful past encourages us to look optimistically forward.

God willing, tomorrow we will commence another year, a year that will bring with it a change in our monetary value. Tonight we will bid farewell and thank the Maltese Lira for its services to our country. As of tomorrow our country will adopt the Euro!!

For us, parishioners of San Lawrenz, this year will be a special year and it will start off with a bang! We have all received an invitation to take part in the celebrations in which we will greet the year 2008 as a special year as we will be celebrating the 1750 anniversary of the martyr of St Lawrence.

We will be there to join in the celebrations. In the meantime this site augurs all of you, who everyday are with us in the making of the history of our village, a Happy New Year.

A party for all the kids of San Lawrenz
27 December 2007

Christmas is a feast for everyone, especially for kids. Since its establishment, the council always applied high priority to all the kids in the locality during this festive season. Every year the council organises them a party so that together they will meet and celebrate in great fun.

This year’s party was held this morning and almost all the children in the locality were present. An animator entertained those present with great enthusiasm. The kids participated in all the games and paid full attention to the magic performed by the same animator. Their astonishment was clearly shown on their faces. The arrival of Santa Claus cheered all those present and at the end of the party Santa distributed a gift to all the kids present.

This is not the last party for our kids for this season. Next Saturday they are to have another party organised by the parish.

Meals on Wheels – The Local Council brings a smile to those who live by themselves.
26 December 2007

Once again this year the Mayor and the Councilors of the San Lawrenz Local Council were busy on midday of Christmas Day to distribute meals on wheel to the elderly who live on their own.

This initiative started ten years ago. And every Christmas and every 10th August, (feast our patron saint, St Lawrence), those elderly who live alone have the occasion to know that someone has thought of them and offered a good meal. This is actually the intention of this activity, that every ‘Lawrenzjan, ’ on Christmas Day and on the Feast of San Lawrenz, will be eating a good meal and feeling loved.

When contacted Mayor Noel Formosa said that with these activities the community of San Lawrenz demonstrates their sense of solidarity by thinking about each other. He said that nowadays, when everyone is very busy with a lot of work and full of activities, it is easy to forget that there are people that are suffering from solitude. This activity brings a smile on the faces of those who during Christmas feel more the sense of solitude.

A successful Christmas School Concert
21 December 2007

After the success of our school in the preparation of the Christmas Card for the Prime Minister, yesterday the children had the opportunity to show their talents during the annual Christmas concert.

It was a lovely occasion to see the students all participate in this concert. One should note that contrary to other schools all the children in our school have the opportunity to go on stage.

The musical, that has become synonymous with the concert, was of a high standard. Well done to the children and the teachers who gave their best to teach them their parts. Another item was the action song presented by the very young ones and it was such a sweet and beautiful presentation, thanks to the efforts and hard work of the teachers.

Afterwards, the head teacher Mr Mario Zammit made his speech in which he gave a summary of the work done by the school and all the activities that took place during the scholastic year. Chev. Frank Gatt, Coordinator of the Gozo College also made a short speech where he continued to show his particular attention to this school. This Christmas Concert was also Prize Day where students who had done well in the last scholastic year were rewarded. Then, Mayor Noel Formosa, on behalf of the San Lawrenz Local Council offered a substantial donation to the school. The highest authorities of Gozo attended this Christmas Concert. Minister Govanna Debono presided this occasion and gave the last speech in which she said that the Government is giving importance to our school and she continued to show the Government’s and her own commitment to support the school. The President of the House of Representatives, the Hon Anton Tabone was also present for this occasion.

The 37th Representation of The Christmas Pageant in San Lawrenz Gozo
20 December 2007

For the last thirty-six years our village has been producing the Christmas Pageant, depicting the story of the Birth of Christ. This year is no exception. The beginnings of this Pageant was quite modest but genuine as the parishioners wanted to express their devotion to Baby Jesus and this devotion was inherited each year by the younger generation.

Today this Pageant has reached a high level, using biblical costumes with the participation of about 200 people. When one takes into consideration the fact that the population of San Lawrenz is about 500 persons, one can imagine the enormous effort and the need of collaboration to produce this pageant.

The Pageant starts with the creation of Adam and Eve and continues with the story of the Salvation. It depicts also the kingdoms and the prophets who foretold this event as well as the story of the Jewish people and how God prepared them for the coming of His Son on this earth. The Pageant ends with the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ and also with the adoration of the Three Kings. A script and a very professional recording were prepared so that the spectators would be able to feel part of the story and the costumes all portray that particular era. The stage on which this pageant is being produced is divided into three parts. The main stage, that is the middle one, represent Jerusalem, the place where the prophets announcing Jesus’s arrival emerged from. The left and right stage include the garden of Eden on one side and the kingdoms concerning the prepartions of the Redeemer’s arrival on the other side.

Contradictorily, the part of Jesus’s birth is held on the same stage on that of the kingdoms but now it has transformed into pure poverty and humility of this new born baby.

Infact this is the main aim of this pagent; that to offer all those who chose to visit the village of San Lawrenz on this Holy Night to revive moments of peace and tranquility and clearly understand what Jesus means for us.

This Pagaent is to take place in San Lawrenz Square on Sunday 24th December at 8:00pm.

The Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi chose our pupils to create his personal Christmas card
19 December 2007

A colourful and professionial looking Christmas card designed by year two to year six pupils from Dun Salv Portelli School in San Lawrenz was presented to the Prime Minister Laurence Gonzi and Mrs Gonzi at the office of the Prime Minister, Castille yesterday. This special Christmas card was designed by the pupils themselves under the supervision of their teachers especially their art teacher Mr Victor Agius.

The school’s headmaster Mr Mario Zammit thanked the Prime Minister for this great occasion and he expressed his satisfaction as this project proves that despite of Dun Salv Portelli Primary School being the smallest primary on our island, yet size doesn’t matter as we can all be equally successful.

Dr and Mrs Gonzi met all the children individually and praised them about their creative work and also thanked them for the great job they had done.

This Christmas card is also to be distributed worldwide to foreign presidents and prime ministers.

In the meantime the national media gave great importance to this occasion by airing features on all local television stations.

Another step forward leading to priesthood for the seminarist who serves in our parish
18 December 2007

On Sunday 16th December, Bishop Mons Mario Grech, administered the minister of acolytate to the Seminarist Joseph Curmi who is currently serving in our parish. By means of this order, Joseph and his colleagues can start giving Holy Communion in church and also to the sick in their homes.

The seminarists Richard Farrugia and Anthony Bajada who both served in our parish joined Joseph in receiving this order.

During this celebration, Bishop Mario Grech prayed the Lord for these three seminarists and also for other youths to choose God in their lives. He declared that this feast must be a feast to all the dioceses.

Various people from San Lawrenz were present to this ceremony including the Priest Nazju Borg, the Vicar Fr Charles Sultana, Mayor Noel Formosa, the group of students and the group of vocations.

These seminarists were presented to the Bishop and to the crowd present by the Rector of the Seminary Rev Daniel Xerri.

Christmas is in the air
14 December 2007

Christmas is approaching and San Lawrenz is busily preparing for this great feast. The streets and the square are illuminated and houses are fully decorated.

Yesterday we had the blessing of the figures of baby Jesus while this morning, our elderly gathered early in the morning for their Christmas outing as organised by the Local Council. The outing commenced by a mass at ‘Ta Hamet’ chapel and was followed by a visit to a crib at Xaghra. Afterwards they proceeded to ‘Country Terrace’ at Mgarr where they spent some leisure time playing bingo while waiting for their delicious meal to be served. After having their lunch they returned back home.

The next Christmas activity is scheduled for tomorrow where the church will give start to the Christmas novena.

Another most-awaited Christmas outing
05 December 2007

As an opening to the Christmas activities, the San Lawrenz Local Council is organizing an outing to our elderly. This is scheduled for the whole morning on Friday 14th December.

Departure from San Lawrenz square is to take place at 8:00am where they will proceed directly to hear mass at Ta’ Hamet chapel. Afterwards those present will be taken for a visit to some mechanical cribs around Gozo. The outing will come to its end by giving them time to play some bingo and eat a delicious meal at a local restaurant. They will return to San Lawrenz around 1300 hours.

These types of outing are mostly awaited from our elderly and they keep asking for the next one. The Local Council tries to do its best to assure that this appointment is kept to provide them with outing to different places around Gozo.

At the meantime the Council is going to announce its Christmas activities and is imminently going to decorate the streets and the parish square for this holy feast.

These days our parish saw the beginning of the Advent
04 December 2007

Last Sunday’s 10:30am mass gave start to the first days of the Advent, the days during which we prepare ourselves worthily to celebrate the Lord’s coming into the world. For this occasion at our church, three symbols have been placed which were lately explained by the parish priest Nazju Borg during his homily. On the main altar a symbol with five lit lamps which represented the wise maidens together with five not lighted lamps which represent the foolish maidens. On the left side a dry tree was placed which during these days is to be dressed up by leaves which were distributed to every family in the parish. Printed on these leaves are the sacrifices each member of the community must make during this period of preparation. On the right hand side of the altar, the four candles which symbolises the four Sunday s of the Advent were placed.

During this mass, an unusual ceremony was held. Community members offered vetch’s seeds so that later on near Christmas, as these seeds grow they will decorate the altar. The priest explained this deed as how the Christians must establish their life upon.

In the meantime, the parish is now organising the morning vespers. As early as 6:30am, the community is meeting at the church and praise the Lord by means of psalms.

Another activity connected with these days is the special Lectio Divina which was held yesterday during which the gospel of St. Matthew which is going to be read during the liturgical year which has just commenced.

We asked the priest to comment on these activities. He stated that by means of these activities our parish withhold a great moment during which it can show in practice how we can live our Lord’s expectation. He urged that each member of the community will live this time by means of the liturgy that our church offers us.

The next edition of the “Fiera tad-Dundjani” is scheduled for next Sunday
29 November 2007

Christmas is approaching and along with it, it brings a series of activities for various categories in the locality. Apparently both the preparations by both the parish and Local Council are underway. The first activities which marks the beginning of this festive season, which always falls on the first Sunday of December, is that of the “Fiera tad-Dundjani” (The Turkey Fair).

The aim behind this 15th edition of this fair is to raise funds for the San Lawrenz’s feast. The main elements during this fair are Christmas presents. Those who participate are in chance to win various objects related the Christmas feast. The most popular prizes during this fair are the turkeys, after all that’s why this fair is named so. Lots of Gozitans and Maltese people spend a pleasant afternoon in our parish square, eager to win a turkey while imagining its relishing smell on Christmas Lunch! Other presents looked for during this fair are sweets, chocolates and even toys.

The Committee is busily involved in the final preparations and the last-minute promotion. We wish them all the luck and also pay for a bright day to enjoy this fair though we know that in case of bad weather the fair is held inside the premises of the Parish Centre.

An informative meeting regarding the Euro in San Lawrenz
28 November 2007

This morning, with the collaboration of the San Lawrenz Local Council, an informative meeting regarding the introduction of the Euro as organized by the NECC was held at the Dun Salv Portelli Primary School Hall.

The aim behind these meetings which are being organized in every locality in Malta and Gozo is to create awareness of the new currency the euro.

Those present for this meeting showed great interest and asked several interesting question to Mrs Laura Cassar,(from our coummunity) the official who addressed this meeting. Apart from general information, those present were able to familiarize themselves with the use of the BOV converter and also with the security features this new currency possess.

The attendance for this meeting was satisfactory and those who attended were satisfied with the important information they obtained from this meeting.

A bike ride that involved our village
27 November 2007

On Sunday morning an interesting activity took place which consisted of a bike ride that departed from Mgarr and came to an end in San Lawrenz. This activity was organised by the Malta Sports Council in collaboration with the Gozo Football Association and our Local Council.

About 40 cyclists from Malta and Gozo, with the majority coming from Malta took part in this marathon which was inaugurated by the Onor. Govanna Debono, Minister for Gozo. Our Mayor also participated in this bike ride, which took a little more than three quarters of an hour. On their arrival in our village they were greeted by the Councillors who distributed a bottle of water, which was greatly appreciated, to all the participants.

We also took the comments of our Mayor as soon as he entered the square on his bike. He greeted us with a joke and asked us to give him some time for him to catch his breath! When asked what encouraged him to go for this experience he replied that through his participation he wanted to give a message about the importance of sport in our village and also in Gozo. He also remarked that from the environmental aspect a bike helps to have fresh clean air.

The Ta’ Cangura Folkgroup’s annual meeting was held yesterday
23 November 2007

The Ta’ Cangura Folkgroup’s annual general meeting was held yesterday at the Community Centre.

The attendance for this meeting was as in previous years very satisfactory. Among those who attended were all the members forming this group together with the parents of the children also forming part of this active folk dancing group.

During this meeting, the Secretary Brian Sultana gave a detailed account of the works carried out during the year by the energetic committee and by the members who willingly meet weekly in order to prepare a performance for any event that may happen from time to time. Mrs Carmen Cilia, the treasurer, gave a detailed financial report while their group’s teacher Simone Grech gave analysis on the dancers’ performance.

The Committee’s President Annie Formosa described the past year as a brilliant one and she gave an overview of the vision for the coming year, 2008. An interesting discussion on the future progress was held amongst those present.

The meeting ended with the presentation of all the reports and meeting’s minutes to Mayor Noel Formosa to be kept in the locality’s archives. This meeting was chaired by a local council’s representative as required by the statute who currently is Mr Noel Formosa.

Our council invited to give its positive experience in a national conference re EU programmes
22 November 2007

The Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa, this morning hosted a national conference organized by the EUPA to launch EU educational projects for the years 2007-2013. Various speakers explained all these projects which are to be a great benefit for the European citizen.

Our locality has been identified for its best practices in this field. Mayor Formosa delivered a detailed presentation concerning the Youth projects our council has been involved in. In fact our council benefited from Lm33,000 in EU funds through which 187 young people from San Lawrenz had the opportunity to benefit directly from them. Through this funding the young people had the opportunity to mobilise themselves and discover other cultures.

When we contacted the Council’s Executive Secretary and the council’s clerk, who were both present for this seminar, they declared that through these opportunities, the council’s performance will consolidate itself towards the education in our youths and students.

The installation ceremony of Rev Nazju Borg is scheduled for Sunday 13th January 2007
21 November 2007

This site has just obtained information from important sources, that the date for the installation ceremony of our new parish priest has just been set. The selected date is that of January 13th, 2008. On this occasion, the priest is to be installed by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech by means of a high mass where he will be given the possession of the running of our parish. During this mass Rev Borg will be given the duty to broadcast the God’s Word and to dispense the sacraments. We all know how much this special priest holds these two elements dearly. Several were the times where we have heard him emphasising that his mission amongst us must be one of constant service.

Preparations for this unforgettable day are being undertaken. The parish council has already met to discuss the programme of activities and so that the programme of the Christmas Novena and the Forty hours devotion will be extended to this day, the 13th January.

We have also been informed that the Local Council, which now also has its postal branch, is thinking of issuing an official stamp commemorating this event.

Our council re-selected as a council that reached the level of excellence
20 November 2007

Everyone can clearly remember the fact that two years ago our council has been selected as a model to other European Councils on social twinning.

Throughout this week, our council’s name reappeared on local newspapers as it has been once more selected by the European Commission amongst other Maltese and Gozitan Local Council as a good practice for the development of local community.

Our council, the only one from Gozo, together with another one from Malta, that of Zejtun Local Council, have been selected from other European localities participating in this programme. Our council has been outstanding for promotion in gender equality in education, cultural and sports activities. Another point that attired the Commission’s attention was the fact that the outings organised by the council are targeted mainly for the whole family rather than for one gender only.

When we contacted Mayor Formosa regarding this prestigious title for our locality, he stated that he feels extremely proud with this acknowledgement. ‘ This means that the council’s performance is not only being appreciated locally but on an international basis. This continues to demonstrate that the council’s performance is moving ahead steadily on the right track’. He continued by stating that he likes watching people enjoying the outings and activities being organised to them. He took the opportunity to thank everyone who help to make these things happen in particular to the council’s staff who is constantly assuring that the council’s policies are adequately implemented.

This website’s administration praise the San Lawrenz Local Council for such an achievement! Well done and keep it up!

The Parochial Advent Retreat was held yesterday
19 November 2007

Yesterday, Sunday 18th November our parochial community was invited to attend for a beautiful experience, which consisted of a meditation on the times we are living as a Roman Catholic community.

This was the first retreat lead by the new Parish Priest, Fr Nazju Borg. As the person responsible for the spiritual needs of our parish, he urged our community to always live as if in advent. Waiting for the Lord to come. The parish priest explained in liturgical terms and in great detail the three Comings of Christ, in the past, the present and the future. In this retreat those present also had the opportunity to share together moments of community life.

It was a beautiful and moving experience when various individuals expressed the difficulties they encounter regarding their faith in every day life. Another beautiful moment was when as a community spontaneous prayers where offered.

The retreat came to an end with the evening vespers and the Sacramental Blessing. Afterwards we took the comments of some of those who attended and all gave positive comments and expressed their satisfaction that the parish is organizing such opportunities in which the unity of the community is evident. This retreat was held in the hall situated beneath the Ta Pinu sanctuary with an attendance of more than sixty persons, amongst whom Dun Guzepp and Dun Charles.

The European Vibes Exhibition – now in Gozo, thanks to Francine a Young Lady from San Lawrenz
16 November 2007

Francine Caruana, a student from San Lawrenz, together with her companion, Daniela Sultana from Xaghra, on Tuesday succeeded in presenting an exhibition with the contribution of JEF-Malta. The European Vibes Exhibition forms part of the effort Francine and Daniela are giving to promote the European Parlament amongst youths and is being held in the Gozo Ministry Exhibition Hall. This exhibition, which was opened on Tuesday 14th November, was inaugurated by Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono. San Lawrenz Mayor Noel Formosa was also present for the opening.

JEF is an organisation of young people from all over Europe who share a vision of a united, federal and democratic Europe. Having members in over 35 countries it is the main Youth Lobby Group, lobbying the European Parliament. JEF offers various international and local opportunities such as seminars, conferences, conventions, training courses and foreign exchange programs for youth.

The European Vibes project was the contribution of JEF-Europe to ‘Speak up Europe’, the largest civil society-led campaign in the framework of the European Commission’s Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debates. This project consisted of a multimedia competition where photos, pictures, animations, sounds or video files best describing the essence of what Europe means to young people today were collected. The winning contributions of the European Vibes competition are now being exhibited to the European public.

The collection of applications for housing in San Lawrenz commenced last Sunday
13 November 2007

Last Sunday was indeed another significant day to our locality. After various attempts and intensive works, the San Lawrenz Local Council succeeded in viewing one of its greatest dreams come true, that of seeing the locality’s population growing sustainably.

As from Sunday, the same day of the announcement of applications for social housing in San Lawrenz, lots of young couples went to the Housing Authority office to collect an application so that they can evaluate it and eventually submit it. From information gathered from the Local Council, it results that there are some points that need to be cleared and to draw the Authority’s attention.

We contacted the Mayor for his views regarding these applications. His first reaction was a very positive one, and he expressed his great satisfaction towards this project. “This is a very important step. The Councils’ determination is one with a strong direction which is surely showing its benefits”,

When we asked him about the precarious situation of the ages of the applicants as requested in the application and also about the prices that may be quite a bit expensive. He listened to all the comments and on that same day, he wrote a letter to the Chairperson, Housing Authority to reconsider the ages and possibly to apply the minimum age of 21 for at least to one part of the couple.

The community of San Lawrenz was amongst the other Gozitan communities to give tribute to the fallen of the two wars.
12 November 2007

Yesterday morning in Independence Square, Victoria Gozo, Mayor Noel Formosa represented our locality in the annual ceremony that remembers those who lost their lives in the first and second world wars.

In the ceremony ‘Jum it-Tifkira’(Remembrance Day), the Mayor, on behalf of the community laid a wreath at the monument of Christ the King that gives tribute to these victims. Amongst these victims there were some from San Lawrenz who lost their lives during the wars. Our Local Council had given tribute to them in a ceremony that took place on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the end of the 2nd World War. A memorial with the names of the victims was then inaugurated on the sidewall of our church. Yesterday, during the same ceremony the Gozitan historian Charles Bezzina mentioned some names of those who lost their lives. One name was of a person from San Lawrenz, Guzepp Vella, known as ‘tal-mohsi’ who, although not dying directly under an attack, died almost a year after because of a splinter which had hit his head during the attack.

Our village makes part of “Festa Nicec”
08 November 2007

Within the coming days, the Gozo Cultural Council is organising a series of events with its policy of fostering an increased awareness in our architectural and historical heritage.

“Festa Nicec” is intended to highlight various niches so that those interested in this particular heritage can visit the specified niches which form part of the popular cult in our local patrimony by organised guided tours. Two tours of two hours each are to be organised for the general public.

Our locality, despite of its limited size, can truly boast of the various interesting niches which will carry along a different story. In our village one can find various niches which are not only historical but also enhance our locality.

Amongst old niches, at our square, one can find two splendid traditional niches – one of Our Lady of Sorry at the Parish Centre’s façade and the other of “Ecce Homo” on the residence of Mr John Grima. The “Our Lady of Sorrow’s niche is considerably the largest one in the locality which replace another old one previously placed at the beginning of Triq id-Duluri exactly instead of the Family Borg’s residence.

In times of Parish Priest Debrincat, the Parish Centre was built and an idea originated that this niche will be incorporated with the Centre’s façade. The old statue is still kept in our parish’s archives.

Those interested in further information on “Festa Nicec” can either contact the Gozo Cultural Council on 21556125 or visit website www.gozoculture.com .

Another important meeting regarding the Housing Project in our locality
06 November 2007

Yesterday the Mayor was in Malta to attend another important meeting in which, amongst other items, the large Housing project in our locality was discussed. Also present for this meeting was Minister for Gozo Govanna Debono, who is closely following this project, as well as officials from MEPA.

At the moment this project is being discussed by MEPA but from sources close to MEPA it seems that it is being given priority. This means that in the near future this permit will be put before the board for their decision. Meanwhile information gathered from reliable sources reveals that this month the housing authority responsible for this project will be issuing applications for those who are interested to apply.

When contacted the Mayor said that he urges our young ‘Lawrenzjani’ to be the first to submit their applications. He said that he is looking forward with satisfaction towards this project because it is a development that will help to strengthen our particular identity. He expressed his satisfaction that after the work put into this venture by the Local Council for these last 13 years, “it seems that our dream is going to be realized!!” The Mayor also showed us the plans of this project and it looks as if it is to be a high quality project that will continue to embellish our village.

Our Parish joins the Universal Church in remembering the departed
03 November 2007

Yesterday 2nd November many were those who, during the day, paid a visit to their dear ones in the cemetery, in the parish and also in other cemeteries in Gozo. More than usual during these days the cemeteries attract a lot of people and are decorated in the best possible way, in the memory of those relations who have passed away.

Our community remembered our departed dear ones with a service that started in church with psalms, praising the Lrd. The service was lead by the Parish Priest, together with the Vice and Dun Guzepp. Straight afterwards a pilgrimage was held from the Church to the Parish Cemetery where members of our community are buried. A mass was celebrated outside the chapel due to the large amount of people who attended. In his homily the Parish Priest Fr Nazju Borg explained how the cemetery is not a place for the dead but a place for the living. The church believes that with death we are born to a new eternal life with Christ.

After mass a short but beautiful ceremony, which strengthened us as a community, was held. The parish priest invited each person present to place a lighted candle on every grave in the cemetery. There are two reasons for this. One is the feeling of family unity and also to show that the cemetery is not a place of darkness but of light. The Light of Christ.

The Annual Outing to Malta… another success
02 November 2007

Yesterday 1st November the San Lawrenz Local Council organized its annual outing to Malta with about 50 persons joining the group.

The first stop was at the Chapel of the MUSEUM in Blata l-Bajda which houses the remains of our first Maltese saint, Dun Gorg Preca. Our parish priest, Fr Nazju Borg celebrated mass and afterwards the group could view the wax effigy of the saint, which is the main focus of the chapel, just behind the altar.

The group then proceeded to Valletta where they visited Casa Rocca Piccola. This is a family owned house providing the visitor with a unique historical evidence into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years and where the group admired a collection of furniture, silver and paintings that are part of the aesthetic riches of Malta.

Afterwards the group made its way to Sliema where they started a Habour Cruise around the two natural harbours on either side of Valletta – Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Habour. With the help of a commentary the group could view places of historical interest in Valletta and the Three Cities connected with the two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942 as well as historical forts and creeks that can only be admired from the sea.

The group returned home in the afternoon, very satisfied…. and glad that the weather did not interrupt the outing!!!

A new facelift to our school
01 November 2007

The painting works carried out on our school’s façade came to their end today. The school’s appearance really changed in a warmer and more appealing environment for our students.

These works commenced last Monday and were co-ordinated with the school’s head teacher Mr Mario Zammit and the Local Council by means of its handymen. These works are forming part of the works carried out to uplift our school’s appearance. Its worth mentioning that a year ago, the Local Council financed the painting of a mural along the kindergarten classes.

In the meantime, this site has been informed that the Prime Minister Dr Laurence Gonzi has chose this school to prepare him this year’s personal Christmas Card which will be distributed worldwide. This is surely an honour to our school and to our locality.

“Hadd Ghalik” – great performance yet not the winners
31 October 2007

Last Sunday morning, a group of Lawrenzjani left San Lawrenz early in the morning to accompany and support the San Lawrenz team in the TV Programme “Hadd Ghalik”.

The San Lawrenz participating team was composed by Josef Micallef, Marcelline Formosa and Mayor Noel Formosa. The Gozitan singer Morena was also added to the group as the team’s guest. The San Lawrenz team was on top for quite a long stretch of time but at the final game, that corncerning the locality’s history, the Gzira team succeeded in answering all the questions. Since Mayor Formosa failed a few questions, the Gzira team ended up as the winner.

Our team is currently classified as in the fourth place of all the teams that took part till now. This result will reserve the chance for our team to enter the semifinals of this quiz. We’ll wait and see!

Pasta night organised for the players and their supporters
30 October 2007

Last Friday, the committee of the St. Laurence Spurs organized a pasta night at the Parish Centre. It was a really nice get-together to see all the players surrounded by committee members as well as supporters.

Present to this activity were also the Parish Priest Ignatius Borg and Mayor Noel Formosa. In a short speech delivered by the Secretary Patrick Cassar, he referred to these activities as glorious occasions which enable as glorious occasion which enable us to meet. He appreciated the fact that by means of their unity and determination, they are acquiring very positive results.

The parish pries also stated that the moments where we gather and meet are blessed moments and he wishes he will have more occasions where he will discover further the players and the committees members. He blessed the new football gears which are to be used by the players. The Mayor ended the speeches by praising the committee, players, coach, assistant, coach and supporters who through their collective genuine effort are placing the name of San Lawrenz in top of the league’s list.

The football team’s gaoler, Samuel Micallef, prepared for this evening the most relishing dinner to those present.

Further investment in our health environment
29 October 2007

Last Friday, the Local Council kept on investing in more services of excellent quality concerning our health.

At this time of the year, people are being given the influenza vaccine. As usual the council offered this service totally free of charge to our elderly. A total of more than forty persons registered for this offer. The vaccination was given to all last Friday after being individually examined by a doctor.

After the vaccination we consulted some of our elderly and they were impressed with the service rendered with this year’s vaccination. They never expected that they doctor is to make them such an intensive medical exam before being vaccinated. They appreciated all the efforts the council is undertaking to protect their health environment.

Our village takes part in the popular Quiz
25 October 2007

As announced recently, this Sunday, 28th October our village will take part in a television programme broadcast live on TVM, which consists of a Quiz between two particular localities. On Sunday it will be the turn of San Lawrenz against the locality of Griza, Malta.

From information gathered from the offices of the Local Council, there seems to be a large number of ‘Lawrenzjani’ who will accompany and support our team that will consist of Marceline Formosa, Josef Micallef and the Mayor.

Today the Council announced and informed all those who want to attend that they have to be in the square at 8.15am to catch the 9.00am ferry.

The council also urged those who will be at home to watch the programme and support our team. The show starts at 11.00 till 14.00.

This site wishes the best of luck to our team and hopes that they will return back to San Lawrenz as winners!!!

Our football team is top of the league
24 October 2007

All those who follow the sports scene in our locality are quite happy with the good performance of our football team this year. Not only football fans but also all those who have a great interest in all that happens in San Lawrenz are happy with the good name our team is making.

Till its last game on Sunday, 7th October 2007, the team was able to acquire 8 points, which puts them on top of the second division league. This result did not come about by chance but with the sheer determination and hard work of all the players, the young and energetic coach, Josef Vella, the committee and all the supporters who give their input to help the team obtain positive results. It is a united team that not only gives the opportunity of serious and passionate football but is also giving youngsters the opportunity of growing up in a healthy sports environment. In fact the club has a nursery which is in the able hands of Lawrence Cauchi who with great dedication gives the kids weekly training sessions. Besides the nursery our club also set up a girl’s football team who meet every week.

When we asked Mayor Noel Formosa to comment on the team’s success he said that the team is showing what it has to offer in the sportive camp. He said that as a council he feels that he is obliged to support this club because their impact on our youngsters is unlimited. He urged all the lawrenzjani to give their support to the Club especially the parents as they know that their children are in the hands of responsible people who are offering entertainment, which is healthy both physically and morally.

The mayor urged everybody to give more support in the football ground and also to look forward to next year when the club will be celebrating 40 years from its foundation.

An explosion thundered San Lawrenz
23 October 2007

At around 1630 hours, an explosion alerted the whole locality and caused a chaos both for the Gozo security services and also amongst the residents. In fact all the national media were on the alert to announce these news. No one was injured in this explosion.

The police said that the explosion happened when a skip caught fire which was positioned close to a quarry. Many were the people who ran to the spot to confirm the happenings. Mayor Noel Formosa was contacted and he assured everyone that after indulging with the civil protection authorities, he obtained the confirmation that no one was injured in this incident and all the perils have been removed.

This incident was the second of its type during this current year. In fact in August a small aeroplane crashed only a few metres away from this place.

Duty magistrate Paul Coppini appointed various experts to help in the inquiry. Police are investigating the case further.

The Mayor in Poland attending a Conference regarding Sustainable Development in Europe
22 October 2007

Today Monday Noel Formosa, mayor of our village is in the city of Lodz in Poland as part of his obligations in the Committee of the Regions.

The aim of this visit is for the Committee of the Regions to see how the cities and towns of the Euopean Union could be more sustainable in every aspect. The city of Lodz was chosen because at the moment, this second largest Polish city is undergoing large projects with which the economy is increasing day by day, but at the same time the city is able to keep its characteristics. This is happening thanks to Poland’s entry in the European Union. When he contacted us this morning the mayor said that yesterday, together with his colleagues who come from the 25 countries of the European Union, he had the opportunity to visit realities on how this city made use of industrial centers that are no longer functioning and transformed them into commercial centres in which and with which they attracted more economy in this city. They are giving the opportunity to large international companies the chance to invest and so create more employment..

This morning the mayor is to address this conference, speaking on how Malta is also able to attract foreign investment and also what are the measures that should be taken for this development to be sustainable.

The mayor is expected back in Malta tomorrow Tuesday.

3D photos - Now online!
19 October 2007

The 3d Festival’s photos have been longingly awaited but finally they are here. We are putting more than 150 photos of the great event online!

Many are still mentioning the huge success obtained by this very first edition of this festival.

The photos have been by the young photographer Reno Rapa who was assigned by the Local Council to record every glorious moment of this event in pictures.

Amongst all, one can find the pictures of Friday’s night which consisted mainly of folk dances and ground fireworks competitions. There are also pictures of the conference held on Saturday morning with the European theme: “European Identity: Discovering our roots for a brighter future”. Other photos refer to the activities held during daytime such as boat trips, traditional re-enactments and preparations. On cannot miss photos of the Saturday’s evening spectacular show by the popular band groups Tribali, Chasing Pandora and Bitterside, dance show and fireworks.

The photos can be accessed by clicking on the festival’s logo found at the bottom of the left hand side column which will surely enable you to relive these beautiful moments!

Students bid farewell to the Seminarian Richard Farrugia and greet the new Seminarian Joseph Curmi
15 October 2007

Yesterday, Friday, a meeting was held for the students attending Forms 2 to 5 and also those who started their 1st Year in 6th Form who last year used to attend the formation meetings held by the seminarian Richard Farrugia.

Parish priest Fr Nazju Borg, who led this meeting, encouraged the students to attend these formation meetings, which this year are in the hands of the seminarian Joseph Curmi. He also said that he was impressed by the attendance and hopes that the same attendance will continue throughout the year and emphasized the importance of unity amongst the students. He concluded his message by showing his appreciation towards the Seminarian Richard Farrugia for his dedication and hard work during the past year then greeted the Seminarian Joseph Curmi and prepared him for the coming year in the parish in his work with the students, the Altar boys group and the Legion of Mary.

The Seminarian Richard Farrugia then gave a short message where he said that in this experience he not only gave to the parish, but he received much more. He thanked all the students and the equipe of students for making possible this experience and asked them to pray for him so that now he will be able to help people to meet Christ in the new parish he will attend.

The last message was by the Seminarian Joseph Curmi who said that he did not have much to add to the messages of the parish priest and Richard. What he has to say he will try to say it during the meetings and activities during the coming year. For this reason he urged the students to attend the meetings to learn more about Jesus.

The San Lawrenz legionaires met in an activity at the Parish Centre
13 October 2007

Yesterday’s evening the San Lawrenz’s Legion of Mary, organized an activity at the Parish Centre. This activity normally takes place during the month of September and thus called the ‘September function’. For this particular activity, all the Legionaiers of San Lawrenz were invited together with the parents of the young members. The attendance for this function was numerous.

The activity commenced with the initial prayer and the rosary as normally performed during other Legion functions. Afterwards, the parish priest Ignatius Borg gave a short message since it was his first time that he had a meeting with the legion members on their own. He emphasized on the importance of learning and on how lucky we were to have Fr Daniel who recognized how to implement strong foundations to the parish built of Lord’s Word and the Holy Eucharist. He stated that he is to continue on the previous parish’s steps and to keep on building on these foundations.

After the Parish’s message, the prayer known as “Il Catena” was said. The function ended by a mime directed by the Youth group within the San Lawrenz Legion of Mary. A poem was also read. The same youth kept on cheering the evening by holding satirical jokes.

The seminarian Richard Farrugia ends his mission amongst us
09 October 2007

During the 10.30am mass last Sunday our community saluted Seminarian Richard Farrugia who will end his yearlong mission in our parish.

Richard was sent by the seminary administration as part of his formation in the priesthood to practice in the midst of the community. During the year Richard worked hard amongst the students, the altar boys and the Legion of Mary.

As a token gift the parish priest presented him with a framed picture of the painting of San Lawrenz by Guzeppi Cali that we have in the choir. The parish priest thanked Richard and promised him our prayers. He reminded him that during this year he will receive the deaconate and suggested for him to keep St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr as his model.

On his part Richard then thanked both the parish priests with whom he worked and also the community. He said that during the year he truly felt part of this community.

A new start to another pastoral year
08 October 2007

Yesterday, during the 10:30mass, the Parish Priest Ignatius Borg led a short but significant ceremony in which he gave accession to the children’s catechism lessons and to the four catechists who are to be given the responsibility of the teaching of the Christian doctrine during this pastoral year.

In his short speech, the parish priest on behalf of the whole parish, appreciated heartily the works exercised by these volunteers. He stated that this is a great mission within the Church’s life and recommended everyone to think of them during their prayers.

In the meantime at the Parish Centre today is to start the Lectio Divina for everyone while next Tuesday those for the couples. Last Friday, the first Friday of the month, an introductory session of the Lectio Divina was held for the two groups.

The new Parish Priest Ignatius Borg, kept on emphasising that like his prior Priest, he wants that the Lord’s Word will remain to the fulcrum of our community.

Animal's Awareness Day celebrated in our school
05 October 2007

Following St. Francis’ feast, our school seemed more active than usual. This morning our students were accompanied by their pets which included tortoises, birds, cats and also a rabbit.

The morning opened by a talk by representatives from the SPCA on how kids are to protect animals from their own homes. A thanksgiving mass by the new parish Ignatius Borg followed. He explained to the kids that the animals are God’s creations and thus they deserve every respect and care. The ceremony ended by the blessing of all the animals present.

We can clearly state that this was the first event in our school’s curricular calendar which opened its doors for this scholastic year.

Results of the first edition of the ground fireworks competition were announced yesterday
02 October 2007

In the offices of the Local Council yesterday a short ceremony was held in which the results of the ground fireworks competition, organized on the occasion of the Dwejra 3D event, were announced.

This competition was organized for the first time in Gozo and was welcomed by both the participants and also by amateurs who attended in large numbers for the festival which was held on the 21st September.

Two different companies won first prize and the winners were Noel Farrugia and Antonio Portelli. The mayor commented that a high level of work was achieved and Gozo should be proud of the high artistic level that exists in our island. He said that both the jury and the public present shared the same comment.

During this meeting the Mayor asked the participants for their views, keeping in mind a better organization of this event in the future. He thanked all participants, especially the San Lawrenz Festa Committee that hugely supported this activity.

Parish Priest Fr Daniel Xerri ends his mission amongst us, precisely on Wednesday 19th September.
25 September 2007

Exactly three years from the date in which Fr Daniel officially became our parish priest, he celebrated a thanksgiving mass with which he concluded his mission amongst us.

It was an emotional mass in which the sadness of parting could be felt, but at the same time a sense of unity and gratitude towards God for the gift of these three years was present.

Celebrating the Eucharist with Fr Daniel were the new parish priest Fr Injazju Borg, the Pastoral Vice, Fr Charles Sultana and Fr Joseph Piscopo. In his homily Fr Daniel explained how God works in our life and thanked God for all that was achieved. A particular moment was the sharing of the peace, especially when Fr Daniel gave peace to Fr Joe. One must note that on the initiative of the Parish Council, the collection during this mass was offered to the Seminary.

In a short address after Communion, Mayor Noel Formosa listed the beautiful qualities that enhanced our parish during these three years. Then before returning to the sacristy at the end of mass, Fr Daniel remained on the parvis to salute all those presents.

After mass a fraternal agape was held in the parish hall where the community had another opportunity to bid farewell to Fr Daniel.

In the meantime the new parish priest began his mission in our village and has already held several meetings during the week with various groups relating to different pastoral activities.

Everyone is talking about the success of the 3D
24 September 2007

Many are the comments of satisfaction of the Maltese and the Gozitan about the event organised by the San Lawrenz Local Council during the weekend. The huge amount of people who attended was extraordinary, so much so that we had a great parking problem and many cars, especially on Saturday, had to park in the neighbouring village of Gharb.

Friday was dedicated to the Folk Festival. The first item was a show by two experts in burattini (puppets) from Colle Umberto in Italy, who were amongst us to take part in a Conference financed by the European Union. This conference treated European Identity and was organised on the occasion of the Dwejra event.

This was followed by a spectacle of folk dancing by various Gozitan Folk groups. The show came to an end with a great spectacle of Ground Fireworks. The fireworks were also organized as a competition, the first of its kind in Gozo.

Saturday’s show, which attracted thousands of people, created an atmosphere that was surely never seen before in Dwejra. The groups Bitter side, Chasing Pandora and Tribali gave a great spectacle for all those present. The show included also dancing by a group from San Lawrenz “dgr8 dancers” and also a show of arial fireworks.

Today the general comment of the people is one of satisfaction for this activity and many were those who encouraged the council to repeat this event.

Asked to give his comment to the Media, Mayor Noel Formosa said that he was expressing his great satisfaction and also of the Council and the Twinning Committee for the great success of this event. He said that with this event the San Lawrenz Local Council contributed to better tourism in Gozo. He said that he was contacted by various Gozitan tourist operators who also showed their satisfaction.

Rev Ignatius Borg – our new Parish Priest
18 September 2007

Today, Mons Mario Grech, Gozo Bishop, appointed Fr Ignatius Borg as our new Parish Priest. Fr Borg is accepted to celebrate his first mass after this appointment tonight together with Fr Daniel Xerri who has also been appointed as a Rector of the Gozo Seminary.

Fr Borg was born in Xaghra and also served as a Rector in the community of Nazzarenu in the parish of Xaghra. In the past year and a half he served as a parish priest in the parish of Kercem.

Our parish accepted willingly our new spiritual leader, and augures lot of work within our community.

In the meantime, we have been informed that Fr Daniel is to lead his thanksgiving mass tomorrow, Wednesday 19th, exactly three years after he has been appointed as a parish priest of San Lawrenz.

This site’s administration congratulate Fr Ignatius and wishes great work in our community.

Another Outing for our elderly
06 September 2007

This morning at exactly 8.30am, a group of people, mostly elderly was waiting in the square for their coach to take them on their monthly outing organized by the San Lawrenz Local Council.

The first stop was at the Magro Brothers factory where they were given an orientation visit about the origins of this company and shown the various products processed in this factory, mostly products made from tomatoes. In fact, many of our elderly have experienced the hard work when in the hot days of summer they used to pick tomatoes from their fields and then take the harvest to “Ghakrex” - as Magro Brothers was known in those days – to have it processed into tomato paste. Today they could see for themselves how this plant works.

After this experience the group left for the Marija Bambina Basilica in Xaghra to hear mass celebrated by our Parish Priest Fr Daniel Xerri. This was actually the last occasion for the parish priest to say mass for this group, as he will soon be starting his new work as rector of the Seminary. After mass our elderly thanked him personally for being with them every month. Many a tear could be seen on their faces.

Lastly the group made their way to Marsalforn, exactly at the Horizon Restaurant where they played some bingo and had lunch exactly by the seaside accompanied by a lovely breeze.

Minister Debono and Mayor Formosa addresses a Press Conference to launch the event
05 September 2007

This morning at 11.00 Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono and Mayor Noel Formosa launched this event during a Press Conference held in the building of the Ministry for Gozo.

Speaking during the events’ launching, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo said that events such as ‘3D – Dwejra from Dusk till Dawn’ are important not only to provide yet another attraction for local and foreign tourists away from the more popular months, but also to contribute towards the appreciation of local heritage and the environment. Minister Debono said that the synergy created between local councils and Central Government in the organisation of attractions the like of ‘3D’ is contributing further towards strengthening the position of Gozo as a unique tourism destination all year round.

Addressing the same press conference, our mayor Noel Formosa said that in addition to the cultural events, ‘3D’ will also be bringing together participants from France and Italy, who together with local representatives will discuss the theme “European Identity: Discovering our Roots for a Better Future” in a European Commission-funded conference held on this occasion.

Ms Lucienne Haber our local council's Executive Secretary attended this conference.

An educatioanl gift for our Child Care Centre
04 September 2007

Josette and Brandon Ryan, emigrants “Lawrenzjani” in Australia but are at the moment living in London, had the pleasure to donate an educational gift for the benefit of all the children who attend the Child Care Centre provided by the San Lawrenz Local Council.

This gift, a set of Educational DVDs specifically made for this age group, will continue to enhance the services of this centre and will also offer these children a greater opportunity to learn. This Child Care Centre is the only centre in Malta and Gozo which functions through the Local Council. It has been functioning since July 2002 and opens twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays between 8.00am and 12.30pm.

Mayor Noel Formosa said that this was a noble gesture by this couple who every year visit our village. Besides helping us to promote our services, they are also strengthening their ties will this village. The mayor greets and thanks this young couple and took the opportunity to greet all emigrants from San Lawrenz, wherever they are.

As of today our Local Council is part of the Maltapost story
03 September 2007

As announced, today saw the start of the postal services from our Local Council’s offices. From early in the morning residents came to pay their bills and for other services. From comments made by those who came this morning, this service will continue to bring the local council closer to the citizen.

The postal service will be available every morning from Monday to Friday and the council staff is prepared to give this service.

Besides this, the first day of the post office in our locality attracted various stamp collectors. For these philatelists this day was significant. And many were those who spent a lot of time having their first day covers stamped with the brand new stamp bearing the name of the branch of our village. One person also donated a hand made commemoration of this day to be kept in the council.

On Monday 3rd September our Local Council will continue to extend its services
31 August 2007

Last week Mayor Noel Formosa signed the final agreement with Maltapost which will enable the council to extend its services. This is another step with which our offices could offer more services to the community. This service is the first of its kind in Malta and Gozo. The San Lawrenz Local Council is the first local council to have arrived at an agreement with Maltapost and will give every service which is found in other branch post offices.

From the offices of the local council now one could effect payments of all bills, register post, buy stamps, money and postal orders and every other service related to the post office. The council staff have been trained to serve the needs of our residents.

When contacted by this site the Mayor said that our council is moving forward in its services and thanked the Executive Secretary Lucienne Haber and the clerk Carmen Micallef for willingly accepting to offer this service to the community.

On the 21st and 22nd of September - a spectacle of fireworks
28 August 2007

Yesterday the Twinning Committee met again for quite a long meeting, as now the date of the Dwejra Festival is getting nearer and many details of all the activities that will be organized are being finalized.

After the meeting we met up with the Mayor to get some information about the event. The Mayor told us that it is confirmed that one of the most important elements of this event are the fireworks. On Friday 21 September a show of ground fireworks organized by the fireworks committee of our village will take place. On that day a competition will take place between the various Gozitan Fireworks Companies for the best ground fireworks (giggifogu). This type of competition is going to be organised for the first time in Gozo. Then on Saturday there will be a spectacle of fireworks after the Tribali Show.

Meanwhile interest in this event is reaching its peak, not only in Gozo but also in Malta. Yesterday in the same meeting the detailed programme of this event was confirmed. More details will be given on this site in the coming days.

After three years of Parish Office parish priest Daniel Xerri is given a new appointment
26 August 2007

With great regret our community received the news from Mons Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo that our Parish Priest, Fr Daniel Xerri is leaving us for a new mission. He was called to serve as a Rector in the Gozo Seminary, this is a very good news, because it shows a show of confidence of Mgr Grech in our Parish Priest, but at the same time for the parish is going to be of a great loss.

This news was released on the media yesterday and the Bishop was present in the meeting of the Lectio Divina to personally deliver the news yesterday evening. Rumors that the parish priest was to be given this appointment were going around for some time but now it has been confirmed.

In all the masses of today Sunday, the Parish priest explained in the homily how Christians should accept every situation from God’s hands. He said that this is an important period that the whole community should live in the light of our faith.

This site talked to many parishioners who all expressed their sorrow, but at the same time they explained how the parish priest is teaching us how to live this moment.

Until the bishop appoints a new parish priest, Fr Daniel Xerri will continue to serve the parish as a Parochial Administrator.

This site will continue to keep you informed with what is happening with regards to this particular moment in our community.

It’s confirmed: The two most popular groups at the moment will take part in the Dwejra event.
24 August 2007

The San Lawrenz Local Council has in the last few days confirmed the participation of the Group Tribali and the duo Chasing Pandora in the great event that will take place in Dwejra on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd September. From information gathered from reliable sources this site has confirmed that these groups will be performing for the first time in Gozo on Saturday 22nd September.

Besides these groups the programme covering two full days in Dwejra will be spread ‘From Dawn to Dusk’. During the day tours will be organized for those present so that they will have the opportunity to appreciate more the unique environment this bay has to offer.

In the mean time the Friday evening will be dedicated to folk together with a spectacle of fireworks. Although all the details are still not official, intensive preparations are underway.

The live-ins came to their end
23 August 2007

Listening to elderly, relating tales of when they were young the parish priest took them for an outing to Malta, are glorious moments. So are going to be the experiences our young one are experiencing at the moment.

Yesterday at noon, the live-ins that the parish organised for them throughout this summer, came to their end.

The first live-in was organised between the 2nd and 4th July 2007 where the altar boys had an experience at Kercem. Apart from time for recreation, this experience served them for living as a group. Gozo Bishop, Mario Grech was especially invited to share some time of this experience with them.

The following live-in happened between the 24th and 26th July 2007 for the Form 4 and 5 students where they had an experience at Qbajjar.

The last live-in was aimed for the Form 2 and 3 students between the 20th and 22nd August.

These experiences served as great moments for the young ones to cherish, and it was great watching other young ones serving as leaders in these live-in’s organisation.

Pope Pius X commemorated in our parish
22 August 2007

Many are those who remember our church without the side-chapels, those parts where the side altars are found. When Dun Girgor Vella was parish priest of San Lawrenz, two side-chapels were added to the church and to decorate the two altars in these side-chapels two portraits were made, one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the other to St Pius X.

St Pius X was born in the province of Treviso, Italy on the 2nd of June 1835 with the name of Giuseppe Melchiore Sarto. He died on 20th August 1914 and was declared a saint of 29th May 1954.

During a co celebration, which took place in our church yesterday, the parish priest Fr Daniel Xerri, (who was also celebrating his birthday) said that this pope was renowned for his great devotion to the Eucharist. So much so that the painting in church, painted by the artist Ganni Vella represents this pope administering First Holy Communion to children, because it was actually he who introduced this holy practice for young children.

It must be noted that our parish holds with great devotion an important relic of this pope, the pontifical sash that was part of his holy garments.

Success for university students from San Lawrenz
21 August 2007

Every year, a slot in the Festival San Lawrenz is the short ceremony where students who have graduated in a particular subject are rewarded. This year the number of students from our village who graduated was a record.

Six students were called on the stage to receive their certificate and also a small gift from the local council - in the name of the village - to recognize the importance of education. This year, apart from the university students who graduated from university, two other students not only completed their studies in university but also obtained their Masters in their subject.

In a short address the Mayor, Noel Formosa, congratulated these students and expressed his belief that these students should be an example to all our young children. He said that education must be the base of all our activities. The students who were rewarded are Claire Attard, Jonathan Micallef, Brian Sultana, Stephanie Grech, Marlene Grima and Gillian Martin.

After the success of the festa the local council looks forward to the Dwejra Event
20 August 2007

Our village is always active with works and activities. While the decorations of both the church and the village streets were all back in their place only two days after the festa, the enthusiasm of activities is now focusing on the coming event organized by the Local Council in Dwejra Bay on the 21st and 22nd of September.

This event, which is intentioned to attract tourists and Maltese who will be in Gozo during that weekend, requires a lot of preparations. The Twinning Committee within the Local Council is preparing for all the logistics and is working incessantly so that this event would be another success for our village.

We know also that the European Commission, and even the Ministry for Gozo and also the Ministry for Tourism and Culture are contributing in a big way to the preparations of this event. Meanwhile, the Maltese media is also doing its part. Recently the magazine Lets Gozo, which is distributed all around Malta and Gozo, featured an exclusive interview with the Mayor regarding this event.

This site will also keep you informed on all the news about the preparations of this event.

A great feast emerging from a small village with a great heart
13 August 2007

Early this morning saw the end of this year's feast. The energetic committee is already putting away the decorations aside, waiting for another year. The feast was complimented by various foreigners and other people who joined us for the great celebrations. It was enjoyable watching all the Lawrenzjani deeply involved in the great preparations with onlookers appreciating all that is being organised!

This website is also satisfied that it was enable to do its part in these celebrations. With the square streamed online and the photos instataneously put on the web, thousands enjoyed San Lawrenz's feast from their far-away homes. However the San Lawrenz people celebrated it in style.

Now that the feast is over, this evening there will be a Thanksgiving mass and the artistic statue of San Lawrenz will return to its niche.

It worth mentioning that the parish has once more published a feast publication which includes all the happenings and most important events in the past year.

Surely enough, this feast is to encourage the Lawrenzjani so that from today they will start to prepare themselves for next year's feast which as announced by the Priest Daniel Xerri, is going to be a special year thus marking the 1750 years from the martyr of Saint Lawrence.

Today is our Feast Day
12 August 2007

Today, Sunday, our community is celebrating the feast of its patron saint. It is celebrating the feast of St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr.

This morning our community welcomed Mons. Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, who together with the parish priest and the clergy celebrated High Mass in the church which was packed with people. In his homily, the bishop mentioned the ministries with which St Lawrence served God, the church and his neighbors. He said that in these modern times the church in Gozo needs to be more “Lawrenzjana” – serving its ministries in the same way that St Lawrence served the Lord.

After the Pontifical mass, the so called “eleven 0’ clock” band march took place with a strong participation of youths who gave a jolly atmosphere to our streets with songs and dance. Afterwards more entertainment continued in the parish centre till 2.00pm in the afternoon.

Because this year the days of the feast were a bit windy, many of the material decorations were not put up, but as the weather today seems to be getting calmer, a few active members of the committee are at the moment doing their best - with a race against time - to decorate the main square with the ornamental flags and also Our Lady of Sorrows Street with the new set of pavilions.

The fireworks committee is also very busy at the moment with the last preparations for the fireworks spectacle tonight.

This site augurs a Happy Feast to all.

San Lawrenz's feasts reaching their climax
11 August 2007

Following yesterday's big celectrations of the Liturgical feast of Saint Lawrence, today we are proceeding with the feast in honour of Saint Lawrence.

These moments are sacred and by means of them the whole community will unite further. Upon the end of the Mass celebrated by Mons Bishop Nikol Cauchi, the external feasts continued by a procession with the statue of Sain Lawrence which later was placed on the pedestal in the middle of the square.

Yesterday was also a great occassion for the feast's committee becaused it marked the inauguration of the pedestal's restoration. The works were really appreciated and they enhanced the remaining square's decorations. Here we will like to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers involved in this mission.

Today at 1900 hours Mons Euchasist Sultana is to lead a Pontifical Translazzjoni. Band marches and spectacular fireworks shows will follow.

Today the Universal Church celebrates the feast of Saint Lawrence
10 August 2007

Despite of being a small community, our community can boast that it holds a great Saint whose name backdates to the first times of the Catholic Church. There were many church leaders who spoke about the life and martyr of Saint Lawrence. In fact Saint Augustine in one of his preaches stated while Jerusalem boasts about Saint Stephen, so does Rome about Saint Lawrence. This can be confirmed that San Lawrenz is Rome patron after Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The devotion for this great saint outspreaded throughout the entire world and also reached our island. The first parish in Malta, that of Vittoriosa is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. In Gozo, according to the historian Aguis de Soldanis in his publication ‘Gozo antico e profano’ states specifically that the Gozo ancestors remembers that the chapel most commemorated is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. This devotion also reached our vicinities which in olden times was known as ‘Ta Cangura’ which dates back to prior the Great Siege of Gozo, before July 1551.

Today, the 10th August, is greatly celebrated in our locality. Later on during the day, the Mayor accompanied by the councillors, distributed a ‘meal on wheel’ to those elderly who live on their own. In the evening, Mons Nikol G. Cauchi is to celebrate a Pontifical Mass. A band march will follow at 21:30 accompanies by the statue of Saint Lawrence which will end up on the pedestal which has been restored recently. The day will be ended by a ground fireworks show along the village streets.

The feast is on!
09 August 2007

Yesterday was the first day of the Triduum, a day which was dedicated to youths. The function was held by the Deputy Parish Fr Charles Sultana and animated by the locality’s youths. The singing was under the Kor Djocesan taz-Zghazagh under the direction of Dorianne Portelli. During the funtction the Parish Daniel Xerri congratulated the altar boy Daniel Piscopo who is going to give service at the Vatican. We join the clergy to congratulate Daniel for this mission!

Later on in the evening at the Square, the Festival San Lawrenz continued by means of another evening which was of great success by means of the presence of Klinsmann and his band, Kyle Coleiro, Mini & Griz and Mr Honey and Anette Mystic Dancers. The night’s presenter Augusto Cardenale animated the night by his spontaneous jokes.

Today’s programme consists of the second day of the Triduum which is dedicated to the religious vocations. At the Square there is going to be the last night of the Festival San Lawrenz with the presence of Olivia Lewis, Miriam Christine and her choir, Glen Vella, the groups of dancers Atese and Gr8 and the couple Joe and Veronica Farrugia. Tonight is also going to be presented the prize Palma tad-Deheb to the young boy or girl who throughout this year distinguished himself in the musical sector in Gozo. The night is to be presented by Charles Saliba.

From tomorrow, 10th August, which happens to be the liturgical feast of Saint Laurence, the feast continues traditionally by means of band marches and great firework shows in particular those of ground fireworks known as giggifogu.

The webcam is now online!