Tlieta jispiċċaw l-isptar wara argument f’Għawdex 21 ta' Mejju 2025
Tliet persuni ddaħħlu għall-kura l-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex wara argument fix-Xagħra. L-argument inqala’ għall-ħabta tas-1.45pm fi Triq il-Bullara. Kelliem għall-Pulizija qalilna li fl-argument kienu involuti 4 persuni. Żied li l-Pulizija arrestat xi persuni b’rabta ma’ dan il-każ. Fl-argument saret ħsara lil numru ta’ vetturi li kienu pparjkati fit-triq. Il-Pulizija għaddejja bl-investigazzjonijiet dwar il-każ. tvmnews.mt/news/tlieta-jispiccaw-l-isptar-wara-argument-fghawdex/
“Il-PL ma seraqx id-demokrazija tal-PN, imma tal-poplu ta’ Ħal Għargħur” – Grech Jgħid li wara 5 snin sindku, Helen Gauci reġgħet ġiet fdata għal darb'oħra b'rieda mir-residenti
Minn Maria Daniela Camilleri
21 ta' Mejju 2025
Partit Nazzjonalista Il-Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech qal meta l-Partit Laburista ħa f’idejh it-tmexxija tal-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Ħal Għargħur, “ma rrispettax l-għażla demokratika tan-nies” – li għażlu lil Helen Gauci bħala sindku – “u ħa f’idejh it-tmexxija bil-qerq”. F’protesta quddiem il-każin tal-Partit Nazzjonalista f’Ħal Għargħur, Grech saħaq: “Ma seraqx lilna, ma seraqx lill-Partit Nazzjonalista biss – seraq lill-poplu tal-Għargħur.” “Il-fatti huma ċari, u ħadd ma jista’ jiċħadhom: fl-aħħar elezzjoni, il-poplu għażel lil Helen Gauci bħala s-sindku tiegħu, b’numri ċari u bla ambigwità.”
Aqra bil- Malti Peter Brincat, the father-in-law of Vince Muscat — known as “il-Koħħu” — testified that Jamie Vella offered him €1,500 a month to persuade Muscat to remain silent and not disclose any information to Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud, the lead investigator in the murders of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and lawyer Carmel Chircop. Brincat was testifying in the trial where Vella, brothers Robert and Adrian Agius — known as “tal-Maksar” — and George Degiorgio, also known as “iċ-Ċiniż,” are facing charges in connection with both murders. Brincat stated that he was at a bar in Marsa when Vella made the offer, asking him to speak to his daughter so she could convince Muscat not to talk. He added that when he relayed the message to his daughter, she refused. He further testified that he was later summoned to Police Headquarters to identify Vella, but was unable to do so due to problems with his eyesight. tvmnews.mt/en/news/jamie-vella-allegedly-offered-hush-money-to-silence-vince-muscat-court-told/
Il-PM iżur il-Ġordan u ġew iffirmati numru ta’ ftehimiet bejn iż-żewġ pajjiżi Minn Josianne Vella - 19 ta' Mejju 2025
Photos: OPM/DOI Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela mal Re tal-Ġordan Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela għamel żjara uffiċjali fil-Ġordan fejn matulha ġew iffirmati numru ta’ ftehimiet ġodda favur iktar koperazzjoni dwar numru ta’ setturi differenti fosthom l-ilma u l-enerġija. Il-Prim Ministru ltaqa’ mar-Re tal-Ġordan Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. Matul din il-laqgħa il-Prim Ministru spjega l-ħbiberija li ilha teżisti bejn iż-żewġ pajjiżi u kif bejniethom hemm storja ta’ koperazzjoni u rispett reċiproku. Il-PM spjega li, “f’dan l-ispirtu ta’ sħubija, qed nimmiraw li nkomplu ntejbu l-koperazzjoni tagħna f’diversi oqsma, u llum qed inkomplu din il-kollaborazzjoni fl-oqsma tat-turiżmu, l-edukazzjoni, il-kultura kif ukoll fil-koperazzjoni dwar l-ilma u l-enerġija. Il-Ftehim ta’ Qafas għall-Koperazzjoni li qed jiġi ffirmat illum ser jiġbor flimkien timijiet tekniċi miż-żewġ pajjiżi tagħna biex jidentifikaw oqsma ta’ interess komuni li jistgħu jibbenefikaw lil kulħadd.”
Photos: OPM/DOIIl-ftehimiet iffirmati jinkludu ftehim biex tiġi stabbilita Kummissjoni Ekonomika Konġunta Permanenti, ftehim dwar koperazzjoni teknika fl-oqsma tal-enerġija u l-ilma, ftehim dwar kollaborazzjoni fis-settur tat-turiżmu u ftehim favur kollaborazzjoni fis-settur tal-arkivjar u l-lingwa Maltija. Dwar l-aħħar żviluppi fil-Lvant Nofsani, il-Prim Ministru qal li l-Ġordan wera b’mod kostanti impenn sod għall-paċi, is-sigurtà u l-koperazzjoni reġjonali u faħħar l-isforzi biex ikun hemm promozzjoni ta’ djalogu, fl-indirizzar ta’ sfidi umanitarji, u fil-promozzjoni ta’ żvilupp sostenibbli. Dawn kienu strumentali biex tissaħħaħ l-istabbiltà f’dan ir-reġjun. Dwar dan Dr Abela spjega li Malta lesta li tagħti l-appoġġ tagħha lill-Ġordan għax bħala pajjiż jemmen li l-Lvant Nofsani għandu jkun stabbli u sigur. Il-Prim Ministru ltaqa’ wkoll mal-Prim Ministru Ġordaniż Jafar Hassan. Huwa kien akkumpanjat mill-Ministru għall-Wirt Nazzjonali, l-Arti u l-Gvern Lokali Owen Bonnici, l-Ambaxxatur Malti għall-Istat tal-Ġordan George Said Zammit, ix-Sherpa Leandro Borg u l-Kap tas-Segretarjat tal-Uffiċċju tal-Prim Ministru, il-Kurunell Mark Mallia. Abela jżur kamp tar-refuġjati u jilgħab il-ballun mat-tfal Robert Abela żar il-kamp tar-refuġjati Al Za’atari, li huwa operat mill-Aġenzija għar-Refuġjati tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti, il-UNHCR. Dan huwa l-akbar kamp tar-refuġjati fid-dinja li jassisti u jipproteġi refuġjati li ħarbu minn sitwazzjonijiet ta’ vjolenza fis-Sirja. Hemmhekk il-Prim Ministru ltaqa’ ma’ ħaddiema tal-UNHCR li ta’ kuljum iwettqu xogħol imprezzabbli ma’ 70,000 refuġjat. 50% tal-popolazzjoni ta’ dan il-kamp tar-refuġjati huma tfal u saħansitra 20% minnhom għandhom inqas minn ħames snin. F’dan il-kamp hemm 32 skola li fihom jattendu 23,000 student. Il-kamp jinkludi wkoll tmien ċentri tas-saħħa, bi klinika partikolari topera 24 siegħa kuljum. Apparti minn hekk jiġi offrut ikel u servizzi bħal dawk ta’ enerġija u ilma. Filwaqt li segwa x-xogħol importanti li twettaq din l-aġenzija ta’ kuljum, il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela kellu ċ-ċans ukoll jiltaqa’ ma’ ħafna persuni li joqogħdu f’dan il-kamp. Magħhom Dr Abela kellu ċ-ċans isegwi attivitajiet differenti fosthom dawk ta’ xogħol tal-id u li jrendu finanzjarjament lura lil dan il-kamp. Apparti minn hekk, il-Prim Ministru poġġa ma’ persuni differenti fosthom ma’ familji fejn sema’ l-esperjenzi tagħhom ta’ kuljum u x’wassal biex illum il-ġurnata jinsabu jirrisjedu f’dan il-kamp. Kien hawnhekk li Dr Abela ħabbar li l-Gvern Malti se jkun qed jassisti l-operat ta’ dan il-kamp tar-refuġjati u b’hekk lil dawn il-persuni nfushom b’għotja finanzjarja. Hawnhekk, il-Prim Ministru kellu ċ-ċans jiltaqa’ wkoll ma’ wħud mit-tfal fejn hemmhekk saħansitra qattgħu ftit ħin jilagħbu l-logħba tal-ballun li tgħaqqad tant popolazzjonijiet u kulturi minn madwar id-dinja. Il-Prim Ministru temm iż-żjara tiegħu b’messaġġ favur il-paċi li ġġib l-istabbiltà politika u ekonomika li tant tħalli ġid fost in-nies. newsbook.com.mt/il-pm-izur-il-gordan-u-gew-iffirmati-numru-ta-ftehimiet-bejn-iz-zewg-pajjizi/
X' Festa dik "Qalb il-Frawli gewwa n-Nadur" Minn Mario Muscat 18 Mejju 2025.
Waqt il festa Qalb il-Frawli gewwa n-Nadur illum inkiser record nazjonali ta l-itwal Roly Poly bil-Frawli .8 Metri u ftit.
Prosit lill organizzaturi.
Il-Prim Ministru jistieden lil Papa Ljun XIV għal żjara f’pajjiżna Minn Fiorella Pace 18 ta' Mejju 2025
Read in English Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela stieden lill-Papa Ljun XIV iżur Malta fi vjaġġ appostoliku. L-istedina twasslet direttament lill-Papa minn Dr Abela f’laqgħa qasira li kellhom fi tmiem il-quddiesa tal-inawgurazzjoni tal-Pontifikat. Fi Pjazza San Pietru dalgħodu hu stmat li kien hemm madwar 400 Malti.
Ma’ TVMnews, il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela stqarr li wara l-quddiesa l-Papa laqa’ ħafna lilu u lill-familja waqt li f’isem il-poplu Malti wasslulu l-awguri fl-okkażjoni tal-bidu tal-Pontifikat. Jaf sew il-Gżejjer Maltin, kien f’pajjiżna f’diversi okkażjonijiet il-Papa, stedintu wkoll biex jiġi pajjiżna u nittamaw li din il-laqgħa tkun tista’ tiġi milqugħa wkoll, però nara fih persuna li se jagħmel ħafna ġid lill-Knisja Kattolika.
Il-Prim Ministru Robert AbelaIl-Prim Ministru qal li minn kliem il-Papa fl-omelija laqtu ħafna s-suġġett tal-għaqda fi ħdan il-Knisja li qal estendiha għar-rikonċiljazzjoni mad-dinja kollha. B’referenza għal kliem il-Papa dwar l-inkwiet fil-Medda ta’ Gaza, Dr Abela qal li din l-istess tema se tkun fuq l-aġenda tiegħu bħala Prim Ministru meta fis-sigħat li ġejjin se jivjaġġa lejn il-Ġordan għal laqgħat mar-Re tal-Ġordan u mal-Prim Ministru. Fid-delegazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea, il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew, Roberta Metsola u żewġha Ukko. Dr Metsola qalet li kien ta’ unur tiltaqa’ mal-Papa Ljun XIV li qalet ser ikun vuċi b’saħħitha għall-paċi, għall-imħabba u għall-umanità. F’isem l-Arċisqof irrappreżenta lill-Knisja f’Malta fil-Vatikan Patri Leslie Gatt li hu l-Provinċjal tal-Agostinjani f’Malta fejn qal li mumenti bħal dawn huma mumenti ta’ grazzja li għandhom jgħinnuna niġġeddu fil-fidi. Qal li tara pjazza mimlija eluf ta’ pellegrini għall-inawgurazzjoni tal-pontifikat tal-Papa hu sinjal sabiħ ta’ Knisja fil-fidi u fi Kristu. Mument qawwi ta’ fidi għall-knisja kollha partikolari kien mument emozzjonanti għalija bħala Agostinjan imma anke bħala membru tal-Knisja fl-aħħar mill-aħħar, tkellem mhux biss fuq l-unita; li tibda minn barra u allura l-gwerer eċċ, imma l-paċi li tibda mill-qalb tagħna u tkellem fuq il-bzonn li anke fil-Knisja jkun hemm sinjal ikun hemm l-għaqda biex il-Knisja tkun sinjal ta’ Ġesu’ Kristu fl-aħħar mill-aħħar ir-rwol tagħna hu li nwasslu lill-Ġesu’ Kristu. Patri Leslie GattFuq is-sagrat mal-Kardinali, il-Malti Mario Grech. Hu stmat li fil-Pjazza kien hemm qrib l-400 Malti fosthom aktar minn 300 fratell li kienu Ruma u l-Vatikan għall-Ġublew tal-Fratellanzi.
Illum jibda uffiċjalment il-Pontifikat ta’ Papa Ljun XIV Minn Fiorella Pace
18 ta' Mejju 2025
Read in English Beda uffiċjalment illum il-pontifikat tal-Papa Ljun XIV b’quddiesa fi Pjazza San Pietru għaxart’ijiem wara li Robert Francis Prevost ġie elett biex imexxi l-Knisja Kattolika. Il-Papa qal li ntgħażel bħala suċċessur ta’ Pietru mingħajr mertu tiegħu u stqarr li l-missjoni tiegħu hi l-għaqda u l-imħabba. L-inawgurazzjoni tal-pontifikat seħħ f’ċelebrazzjoni solenni b’liturġija li tenfasizza r-rabta bejn il-pożizzjoni tal-Papa mal-Appostlu Pietru u l-martirju tiegħu f’Ruma. Dan seħħ sa mill-bidu nett, meta l-Papa Ljun XIV niżel taħt l-artal prinċipali tal-Bażilika u talab quddiem il-qabar ta’ San Pietru. Quddiem folla li qabżet il-150,000 persuna u aktar minn 150 delegazzjoni uffiċjali li rrappreżentaw pajjiżi mill-erbat’irjieħ tad-dinja, wara l-evanġelju l-Papa tlibbes il-palju fuq spallejh. Magħmul fis-suf tan-nagħaġ, il-palju jfakkar fir-Ragħaj it-Tajjeb li jġorr in-nagħġa l-mitlufa. Wara tlibbes iċ-ċurkett, magħruf bħala tas-sajjied u li jfakkar fil-missjoni tal-Papa li hu msejjaħ biex ikun sajjied tal-bnedmin. F’dan il-ħin, id-dinja setgħet tosserva Papa kommoss b’ħarstu lejn iċ-ċurkett – is-siġill tal-awtorità tal-Papa. Fl-omelija waqt il-quddiesa tal-inawgurazzjoni tal-pontifikat, mill-ewwel irrefera għall-mewt tal-Papa Franġisku u li din il-mewt ġabet dwejjaq u konna qegħdin inħossuna bħal nagħaġ mingħajr ir-ragħaj. Dan id-diskors mill-ewwel intlaqa’ b’applaws kbir mill-eluf ta’ nies preżenti fi Pjazza San Pietru. Fl-omelija wkoll, il-Papa Ljun XIV irrefera għall-konklavi u qal li ntgħażel mingħajr mertu tiegħu u se jagħmel minn kollox biex iwassal missjoni ta’ paċi u għaqda. Din, ħuti, nixtieq li tkun l-ewwel u l-ikbar xewqa: Knisja magħquda, li tkun sinjal ta’ għaqda u komunjoni, li sservi ta’ ħmira għal dinja riċkonċiljata. Il-Papa Ljun XIVStqarr li dan għandu jgħin fil-bini ta’ dinja fejn tirrenja l-paċi u żied li l-Knisja hi msejħa biex tħaddan spirtu missjunarju u twassal l-imħabba ta’ Alla lil kulħadd. Fl-istess ċelebrazzjoni, 12-il rappreżentant minn kategoriji u bnadi differenti tad-dinja resqu quddiem il-Papa u f’ġest simboliku wegħduh l-ubbidjenza tagħhom. Fi tmiem il-quddiesa, wara r-Regina Coeli l-Papa stqarr li f’dan il-mument ta’ fidi u għaqda l-Knisja ma tistax tinsa lil min qed ibati minħabba l-gwerra u fi ħsiebu kien hemm in-nies f’Gaza, il-Myanmar u l-Ukrajna, li dwarha qal li qed tistenna negozjati għal paċi ġusta u dejjiema. Fil-Bażilika ta’ San Pietru hu laqa’ Rejiet, Presidenti u Prim Ministri minn pajjiżi differenti li f’isem il-popli li jirrappreżentaw wasslu l-awguri tagħhom lill-Papa. L-awguri ta’ Malta twasslu mill-Prim Ministru, Robert Abela, akkumpanjat minn Dr Lydia Abela u binthom Giorgia Mae. Partikulari kienet it-tgħanniqa ma’ ħuh, Louis, li f’diversi intervisti rrakkonta li meta kienu tfal kien jinkih li xi darba se jsir Papa . . . u hekk ġara. Il-Vatikan qal li l-Papa kellu udjenza privata mal-President Ukren, Volodmyr Zelensky. Il-ġurnata bdiet bil-Papa l-ġdid qrib in-nies f’dawra li għamel bil-Popemobil ma’ Pjazza San Pietru u t-triq li twassal għaliha. tvmnews.mt/news/illum-jibda-ufficjalment-il-pontifikat-ta-papa-ljun-xiv/
WATCH | Alex Borg quashes talk of leadership bid: ‘I want Bernard Grech as the next prime minister’ PN MP Alex Borg insists talk of a leadership bid is too premature, adding he will give Bernard Grech his full backing until the end
18 May 2025, by Karl Azzopardi
PN MP Alex Borg is often touted by party supporters as a potential leader but he insists there is no vacancy and supports Bernard Grech (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Nationalist MP Alex Borg has ruled out a leadership bid, but does not exclude the possibility of contesting in the future if a vacancy arises. Borg, who is a rising star in the PN, told MaltaToday his focus now is to help the party win the next election with Bernard Grech becoming prime minister. “What happens in the future we will see; I can never exclude anything, but my primary goal right now is to see the PN win the election,” he said in an interview being published today. Following Opposition leader Bernard Grech’s dismal showing in the last MaltaToday survey, which saw him get a trust rating of 20% when compared to Prime Minister Robert Abela’s 46.5%, rumblings of internal discontent grew exponentially. Among those who PN functionaries see as a possible replacement to Grech is European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. But with Metsola failing to say whether she will consider returning to Malta from Brussels, many PN supporters see Borg as a potential leader. I can never exclude anything, but my primary goal right now is to see the PN win the electionAlex BorgIn a 2022 MaltaToday survey among PN councillors after the general election, Borg was one of five people indicated as a possible leader, although the vast majority of councillors had wanted Bernard Grech to remain. But for Borg, talk of a leadership bid is too premature, insisting he will be giving Grech his full backing until the end. Citing former leader Adrian Delia’s ousting in October 2020, Borg insisted every leader should be backed until the end of his tenure. “The person who started my political career was Adrian Delia when he was leader, and during the turbulence under his leadership, which obviously wasn’t his fault, I remained by his side until the last day. It’s not because he is Adrian, it’s because he was the party leader. A democratically elected leader should not be removed,” Borg said. Delia had faced an insurrection by a group of MPs, who called themselves ‘blue heroes’. The rebels had forced motions of no confidence in the leader within the party structures and also tried to convince the President of the Republic to appoint someone else as opposition leader. Finally, the party headed for a leadership contest which saw Delia being challenged by Bernard Grech. It is this bitter experience that deeply divided the PN that Borg does not want to see repeated. He insisted that he does not want to see the PN go through a leadership race since this would mean it would have lost the next general election. “You will now probably ask me what will I do when a vacancy arises. I do not want a vacancy to arise, because that would mean the PN lost the election,” he said. “Whenever the election comes, my goal is to see the Nationalist Party win the election, and yes, see Bernard Grech as the next prime minister of Malta,” he said. Borg is the PN’s star candidate in Gozo having obtained the highest number of votes among PN candidates in the 2022 general election. His first count tally was second only to that of Labour Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri. Gozo is one of the PN’s silver linings, with surveys showing a majority in favour of the PN. Furthermore, in the 2024 local council elections, the PN managed to turn Gozo in its favour, obtaining 50.6%, against the PL’s 46.1% www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/135003/watch__alex_borg_quashes_talk_of_leadership_bid_i_want_bernard_grech_as_the_next_prime_minister
Titħabbar l-ewwel edizzjoni ta’ “Qalb il-Frawli” fin-Nadur 14 ta' Mejju 2025
Il-Ministru għal Għawdex u l-Ippjanar Clint Camilleri ħabbar avveniment ġdid li se jsir għall-ewwel darba fin-Nadur, “Qalb il-Frawli”. Din l-attività għall-familja kollha se tittella’ l-Ħadd, 18 ta’ Mejju, fi Pjazza San Pietru u San Pawl fin-Nadur, bejn l-10:00 ta’ filgħodu u s-6:00 ta’ filgħaxija. L-avveniment se jiffoka fuq il-frawli lokali magħrufa għall-kwalità eċċezzjonali, u se joffri esperjenza unika li tgħaqqad il-prodott lokali mal-kultura u d-divertiment għall-familji. “Dan se jkun jum għall-familja kollha fejn kull min iżur in-Nadur se jkun jista’ jduq l-aqwa frawli u prodotti tagħhom. L-idea hija fuq kollox li noħolqu spazju fejn il-familji jistgħu jqattgħu ġurnata sabiħa flimkien, jieħdu gost b’dak kollu li joffri Għawdex u fl-istess ħin nagħtu spinta lill-bdiewa u lill-prodotti tagħna.” Il-Ministru Clint CamilleriWaqt il-festa “Qalb il-Frawli” wieħed se jkun jista’ jduq l-aqwa frawli friski u prodotti magħmulin minn din il-frotta, igawdi minn ikel, mużika live u wirjiet, jara l-ħidma ta’ artiġjani Għawdxin, u se jkun hemm ukoll attivitajiet interattivi għat-tfal. Il-pubbliku huwa mistieden biex nhar il-Ħadd imur in-Nadur, u filwaqt li jduq il-frawli friski, jieħu sehem fl-attivitajiet, jara x’joffru l-artiġjani Għawdxin u jgħaddi ġurnata mimlija b’dak kollu li jagħmilna kburin li aħna Għawdxin. Il-Ministru Camilleri stqarr li din se tkun l-ewwel minn ħafna edizzjonijiet ta’ Qalb il-Frawli – festa sabiħa li tiċċelebra l-kultura u l-komunità Għawdxija filwaqt li tħalli memorji sbieħ, speċjalment għat-tfal. Għal aktar informazzjoni wieħed jista’ jidħol fuq https://eventsingozo.com/event/qalb-il-frawli/.
Triple the monthly rainfall in just 24 hours as unseasonal storm soaks Malta Malta hit by an unseasonal deluge on Thursday, with more than three times the typical rainfall for May recorded in under 24 hours
16 May 2025, by Nicole Meilak
Thursday's storm drenched the Maltese islands with 36.3mm of rain (Photo: Met Office)
Thursday’s storm saw more than three times the typical rainfall for May recorded in under 24 hours, according to the Meteorological Office. In a statement, the office said 36.3mm of rain fell across Malta and Gozo on Thursday, dwarfing the May monthly average of just 10.3 mm. The unexpected downpour was triggered by a low-pressure system that developed over Algeria before sweeping across the central Mediterranean, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to the islands.
Jurors walk through Carmel Chircop murder crime scenes in Birkirkara, Santa Venera and Marsa Jurors visit Birkirkara garage, Santa Venera, and Marsa disposal point as Vince Muscat gives tour at key places linked to murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop
16 May 2025, by Jaelle Borg
From left to right: Robert Agius, Jamie Vella, George Degiorgio and Adrian Agius (Photos: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
38 Maltese nationals evacuated from Libya Fresh gunbattles erupted on Wednesday in the Libyan capital between two powerful armed groups, a day after authorities declared the fighting over
15 May 2025, by Karl Azzopardi
Thirty-eight Maltese nationals trapped in Tripoli, Libya have been safely evacuated and returned to Malta following a coordinated operation by Maltese authorities. The evacuation, carried out on Thursday, was the result of joint efforts by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry for Home Affairs. The plan was executed in collaboration with Libyan security forces and several Maltese government entities. Fresh gunbattles erupted on Wednesday in the Libyan capital between two powerful armed groups, a day after authorities declared the fighting over. Clashes flared between the Radaa force and the 444 Brigade in key areas of the city, including the port. Fighting eased towards the end of the day, according to television reports and residents. The group departed Tripoli early Thursday morning and travelled by land to Misurata, arriving without incident in the early afternoon. From there, they boarded a commercial flight and returned safely to Malta later that day. Maltese Ambassador to Libya Charles Saliba and Alexander Dalli, envoy of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, played key roles in the coordination and implementation of the evacuation. The Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs has issued a travel advisory, urging Maltese citizens to avoid all travel to Libya until further notice. Citizens currently in Libya who require consular assistance are encouraged to contact the Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad by calling +356 2204 0000 or emailing [email protected]. In a statement, the Maltese government reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security and stability in the Mediterranean region. Authorities said Malta will continue to support dialogue and cooperation through bilateral talks with key Libyan and regional partners, through work within the European Union, and by participating in initiatives led by the United Nations and other international organisations. "Malta remains determined to contribute to a future of peace, progress and security for all citizens in the region," the statement read. www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/134977/38_maltese_nationals_evacuated_from_libya_
Miriana Conte will Serve in the Eurovision final after breaking Malta’s qualifier jinx Diva not down: Miriana Conte makes it to the final of the Eurovision
15 May 2025, 11:18pm by Kurt Sansone
Miriana Conte
Miriana Conte has made it to the final of the Eurovision, breaking Malta’s qualifier jinx with a high-energy performance on Thursday night in Basel. Conte was on fire at the St Jakobshalle arena, being the ninth semi-finalist on stage with her song Serving. Her performance, which kept the costume change and the gym balls, also saw the words DIVA NOT DOWN, emblazoned on stage at the end of the song. Conte wooed the audience inside the arena to secure Malta’s place in Saturday’s final. Malta last made it to the final of the Eurovision in 2021 with Destiny. Conte’s song earned buzz among Eurovision fans for its provocative lyrics that had to be changed after an EBU decision in March. Saturday’s final will see the 20 countries that qualified from the two semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday, join the big five—France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK—and host country Switzerland. This is the 69th edition of the Eurovision. Malta's Destiny was one of the guest singers on Thursday night after the organisers invited a handful of singers from the 2020 Eurovision edition that was cancelled because of the pandemic. www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/music/134979/miriana_conte_will_serve_in_the_eurovision_final_after_breaking_maltas_qualifier_jinx
Gozo chamber says ‘grave situation’ at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa terminals leading to long waiting times Gozo Business Chamber says situation at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa ferry terminals is ‘grave’, and claims there is lack of transparency in the way passes are being handed out to people to skip the queue
15 May 2025, by Karl Azzopardi
Gozo Channel ferry terminal in Mġarr (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Updated at 3:30pm with Gozo Channel statement The Gozo Business Chamber has slammed the “grave situation” at the Gozo Channel terminals at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa. “The serious lack of planning and forward thinking which have undermined both the infrastructure and the service, show once again that Gozo is not being given the attention it merits,” the chamber said. Longer queuing times stem from the MV Nikolaos being out of service from 5 to 19 May for maintenance. “Though the situation at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa has already reached the limit, and much harm has been averted through extensive coordination, the docking of the MV Nikolaos during the past weeks (until 19th May) has shown once again Gozo’s vulnerability at its only access point in Mġarr, which is now very small compared to Gozo’s needs and its expanding economy. The delays that have been experienced in the past weeks have negatively impacted the community and its economy,” the chamber stated. It said there is a serious lack of transparency in the way passes are being handed out to people to skip the queue. “Transparent and consolidated criteria which are publicly available should be in place, with Gozo Channel providing information on the number of passes issued on a quarterly bases and the reasons why these are being issued. Passes should also be reviewed by an independent board at particular time intervals to ensure that these are not being abused or that these are not being used by other persons other than those to whom they have been issued,” the chamber said. It called for the car queueing area to be properly manned, the chamber is informed there have also been several instances where queues were skipped by vehicles entering the Ċirkewwa queue. “The Government must understand that Gozo completely depends on Mġarr Harbour and the service being offered by Gozo Channel, and that this is the lifeline for both the economy and the community,” the Gozo Business Chamber said. On the fast ferry, the chamber said the rising number of tourists visiting Gozo has resulted in Gozitan people being left stranded as the vessel was full. “Due to the success of the service, it is important to ensure that it continues to respond to the continuous changing exigencies of people travelling between the two islands,” the chamber concluded. Press statements should include ‘whole truth’ – Gozo Channel In reaction to the chamber’s comments, Gozo Channel specified the delays were caused due to the MV Nikolaos being out of service. Furthermore, it said the UHM (Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin) has issued directives instructing workers to delay each trip operated by the company by five minutes. This has led to further delays and, consequently, increased complaints from passengers, the company said. “This fact was not mentioned anywhere in the GBC's statement,” it said, Regarding the Priority Boarding permits, Gozo Channel Operations Ltd insisted the procedures have always remained the same as they were even before 2013, and nothing has ever changed in this regard. “Gozo Channel Operations Ltd stresses that when a statement is issued, it should include the whole truth,” the statement concluded. www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/134969/gozo_chamber_says_grave_situation_at_marr_and_irkewwa_terminals_leading_to_long_waiting_times
Il-Gvern iqassam €1M lill-għaqdiet tal-festi Minn Albert Gauci Cunningham
14 ta' Mejju 2025
Il-gvern qassam miljun ewro lil għadd ta’ każini madwar Malta sabiex ikunu jistgħu iwettqu proġetti ta’ fejda għall-komunità jew għall-avvanz mużikali, pirotekniku jew fl-arti tal-armar. Il-Ministru għall-Wirt Nazzjonali, l-Arti u l-Gvern Lokali Owen Bonnici ħabbar il-lista tal-applikanti għall-Iskema għall-Wirt Artistiku 2025. Investiment ta’ miljun ewro li ġie allokat għal din is-sena u li jfisser €300,000 aktar mis-sena li għaddiet. Il-finanzjament se jkun immirat lejn għaqdiet volontarji ffukati fuq mużika strumentali għall-festi, għas-saħħa u s-sigurtà f’kmamar tan-nar, jew għal tiżjin tal-festi, sabiex b’hekk ikunu jistgħu jiffinalizzaw il-proġetti tagħhom. Inizjattivi bħal dawn, li jġibu l-arti u l-kultura fil-qalba tal-komunità, huma pprijoritizzati mill-Istrateġija 2025. TVMnews tkellem ma’ volontarji li jaħdmu ma’ tliet għaqdiet marbutin mal-festa li se jibbenefikaw: is-soċjetajiet mużikali, l-għadiet tal-armar u l-għadiet tan-nar. Proġetti bħal dawn li tkun tixtieq tagħmilhom, però minħabba fondi ma tagħmilhomx allura jiswew ħafna biex dawn il-proġetti jsiru. Għandna proġetti varji qed naraw għandna soċjetajiet mużikali, soċjetajiet tal-armar. Pereżempju fil-każ tagħna għamilna proġett ta’ mużika kreattiva. Gordon Dalli – Segretarju tas-Soċjetà De Paule, Raħal ĠdidNagħmlu affarijiet ta’ kanen tan-nar u hekk. Għal dawn l-affarijiet. Dawn l-affarijiet jiswew ħafna flus. Eluf. Saviour Schembri – Għaqda tan-Nar Santa Liena 18 ta’ Awwissu, BirkirkaraDawn il-fondi huma ta’ appoġġ kbir fejn tidħol dik l-imbuttatura sabiex dawk il-proġetti li nkunu qed naħdmu fuqhom ikunu jistgħu jitwettqu. Sarah Camilleri – Għaqda tal-Armar San SebastjanMatul il-konferenza, il-Ministru Bonnici faħħar ix-xogħol imprezzabbli li jagħmlu l-għaqdiet volontarji marbuta mal-festi u żgura lil dawk preżenti li l-gvern se jkun qiegħed ikompli jappoġġja u jħares dawn it-tradizzjonijiet. Huwa qal li ta’ kull sena dan l-investiment qed jiżdied u dan ifisser li l-identità kulturali se tkompli tiġi protetta. L-Uffiċjal Ewlieni tal-Operat tal-Kunsill Malti għall-Arti Mary Ann Cauchi qalet li dawn l-inizjattivi għamluha possibbli biex ikun offrut appoġġ kontinwu b’mod sostenibbli.
Repubblika: No place for a ‘Czar’ over the judiciary in a democracy By Jurgen Balzan - May 14, 2025
Ritratt: Miguela Xuereb Rule of law organisation Repubblika has issued a stark warning against government plans to create a Standards Commissioner to oversee the judiciary, describing the proposal as a potential threat to judicial independence. The NGO’s statement comes in response to justice minister Jonathan Attard’s recent tabling of a motion to amend the Constitution, which would establish a commissioner to investigate ethical breaches by judges and magistrates, similar to the existing role for parliamentarians. “Repubblika expresses serious concern following reports that the government is considering appointing a so-called ‘Czar’ to oversee the conduct of judges and magistrates,” the organisation said in a statement issued today. The government claims the constitutional amendments aim at “providing citizens with greater access to remedies” and would complement previous reforms that enhanced judicial autonomy. Attard said the changes would “enhance the rule of law” and follow recommendations made by Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, who in October 2023 called for an internal structure to monitor judicial standards. However, Repubblika has challenged these justifications, arguing that allowing any government-appointed figure to exercise disciplinary powers over the judiciary fundamentally undermines democratic principles. “A fundamental principle of any functioning democracy is the complete independence of the judiciary from interference or oversight by other branches of the state—including both the executive and the legislature,” the organisation said. ‘Protection for citizens, not privilege’Repubblika stressed that judicial oversight should remain within the judiciary itself, rejecting the notion of external disciplinary authority. “In a democracy, there can be no place for a ‘Czar’ to preside over the judiciary,” the organisation added. “This is not a privilege for the judiciary, but a vital safeguard for all citizens. It ensures that the judges who determine their legal rights do so without influence or fear of consequence from government or political figures,” Repubblika said. The proposal comes amid an already troubling pattern of behaviour by the government toward judicial decisions it finds unfavourable. The statement specifically cited “remarks made directly by prime minister Robert Abela, along with targeted campaigns in state-controlled media” that create “a climate of pressure and intimidation.” Double standards allegedThe government’s focus on judicial oversight appears particularly controversial given its own record with similar institutions. Critics point out that the existing Standards Commissioner for MPs has proven largely ineffectual in holding government officials accountable. Recently Abela himself refused to apologise after breaching ethics by appearing in a government advert, demonstrating what his critics see as hypocrisy in the government’s approach to ethical standards. Observers note this is a government that shows little restraint in undermining judicial independence, making the introduction of any additional mechanism that could pressure judicial activity deeply troubling for rule of law advocates. Questions remain as to whether the proposed oversight body would wield substantive authority or simply function as a cosmetic exercise – allowing the government to tick another procedural box while achieving only nominal progress on paper. Call for transparencyRepubblika has called on the government to publish a White Paper outlining the proposed reforms to allow for public consultation. “This process should not be confined to private negotiations with judges, as judicial independence is not a matter for the judiciary alone—it concerns every citizen,” the statement urged. The organisation also appealed to the judiciary itself to “engage publicly in this debate and to assertively defend its independence, free from concerns that doing so might adversely affect negotiations over retirement or remuneration.” The constitutional amendments, which also propose raising the retirement age of judges from 65 to 70, would require a two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass, necessitating opposition support. “We reiterate our longstanding call for the establishment of a Constitutional Convention—a promise made by the party in government more than a decade ago, yet consistently unfulfilled,” Repubblika concluded. “In the meantime, the Constitution continues to be weakened, bit by bit.” Parliament is expected to debate the introduction of a standards commissioner for the judiciary before the summer recess. newsbook.com.mt/en/repubblika-no-place-for-a-czar-over-the-judiciary-in-a-democracy/
“L-ebda Kummissarju u Prim Ministru mhuma se jwaqqfuna milli nikxfu kif xekklu l-ġustizzja” – Robert Aquilina Minn Francesca Gauci
13 ta' Mejju 2025
Ritratt: Repubblika Robert Aquilina, ir-Rappreżentant tal-Fondazione Falcone f’Malta, kompla jinsisti li l-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija Angelo Gafà missu uża l-għodda leġislattiva tal-interrogazzjoni. Dan wara li l-Pulizija qalet li Gafà “b’mod car” ċaħad l-allegazzjonijiet u rrimarka li kien hemm proċeduri kriminali immedjati mmexxjia mill-uffiċju tal-AG bl-għajnuna tal-Pulizija. Din ir-reazzjoni ġiet wara li qal Aquilina lill-pubbliku u lid-Dipartiment tal-Investigazzjonijiet Kriminali tal-Pulizija – li Gafà xekkel il-prosekuzzjonijiet li rriżultaw mill-inkjesta maġisterjali dwar il-frodi u l-korruzzjoni fil-kuntratti tal-isptarijiet. Robert Aquilina jakkuża l-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija bi xkiel f’inkjesta Aquilina qal li fil-ġimgħat ta’ bejn meta tlestiet l-inkjesta u meta tressqu l-madwar 40 akkużat il-Qorti, hu kellu juża l-għodda tal-interrogazzjoni mal-akkużati u “jagħmel ħiltu biex jikkonvinċi wieħed jew aktar minn dawk l-akkużati biex isiru state witnesses”. Huwa żied jgħid li billi ma mexiex mal-prassi stabbilita, Gafà ta daqqa t’id lill-eks-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat, lil Keith Schembri, lil Konrad Mizzi, u lill-kompliċi tagħhom. Aquilina stqarr li Gafà, bil-kompliċità tal-Avukat Ġenerali, ma riedx li xi ħadd iċedi għall-interrogazzjoni u b’hekk ra li ma jkunx hemm min jixhed kontra. Għall-istqarrija ta’ Gafà li qal li mhux xieraq jikkummenta fid-dettall biex ma jxekkilx il-proċeduri kriminali, Aquilina wieġeb li huwa “gimmick” li Gafà ma jistax jgħid fiex jikkonsistu u lanqas jurihom – “Ngħid lil Gafà biex ma jkomplix jipprova jgħatti x-xemx bl-għarbiel”. Aquilina rrimarka li l-għodda tal-interrogazzjoni kienet wasslet bex fil-każ tal-assassinju ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia, Melvyn Theuma ċeda, kixef lill-kompliċi tiegħu, u sar state witness, kif ukoll kienet wasslet biex Kenneth Camilleri ċeda u ammetta mal-pulizija li Keith Schembri kien bagħtu jkellem lil Melvyn Theuma. Aquilina qal li rigward Melvym Theuma, kien hemm pjan li falla. Aquilina qal li meta Melvyn Theuma kien issejjaħ mill-pulizija biex ikellmuh, kien inħadem pjan biex l-Assistent Kummissarju Ray Aquilina jkun preżenti għall-interrogazzjoni u jiżgura li Theuma ma jikxifx. Intant, Aquilina jibqa’ konvint li ssir ġustizzja – “L-ebda Kummissarju u l-ebda Prim Ministru mhuma se jwaqqfuna milli nikxfu kif huma xekklu l-proċess tal-ġustizzja.” Niżżel l-app b’xejn. Żomm ruħek aġġornat. newsbook.com.mt/l-ebda-kummissarju-u-prim-ministru-mhuma-se-jwaqqfuna-milli-nikxfu-kif-xekklu-l-gustizzja-robert-aquilina/
Iweġġa’ gravi wara ħabta bejn karozza u mutur f’Għajnsielem Minn Francesca Gauci
13 ta' Mejju 2025
Ritratt: Google Maps Read in English. Sewwieq ta’ mutur kien iċċertifikat bi ġrieħi ta’ natura gravi wara ħabta ma’ karozza f’Għajnsielem. L-inċident seħħ għall-ħabta tal-11:15am fi Triq l-Imġarr, kantuniera ma’ Triq Sant’ Andrija, li fiha regolari jsiru inċidenti u l-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Għajnsielem kien ilu jappella għal miżuri tat-traffiku f’dan il-post. F’kitba fuq Facebook, is-Sindku tal-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Għajnsielem Kevin Cauchi qal li dan huwa l-istess post fejn ftit tal-ġimgħat ilu għamlu appell biex jitwaħħlu speed cameras, bollards, u jinstab mezz kif titnaqqas il-veloċità. Huwa stqarr li l-Kunsill se jibqa’ jiġġieled biex it-triq tkun iktar sigura għar-residenti u s-sewwieqa. Uffiċjali tal-Pulizija marru fuq il-post u s-sewwieq tal-mutur, raġel ta’ 70 sena residenti x-Xewkija, ittieħed l-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex. Il-karozza kienet misjuqa minn ragel Taljan ta’ 41 sena, li miegħu kellu mara Taljana passiggiera, bejn wieħed u ieħor tal-istess età. Dawn it-tnejn ma weġġgħux. newsbook.com.mt/mutur-involut-fhabta-fghawdex/
Quddiesa f gheluq il-158 sena mil-konsagrazjoni tal-knisja tan-Nadur. Ritratti Mario Muscat
Lil Għawdex Tiegħi Mill Kav Joe M Attard Rabat - Għawdex
Din il-gżira li wellditni Ma nibdilha żgur ma’ ħadd, U sakemm in-nifs dlonk nieħu Li niċħadha ma jkun qatt.
Għax għalkemm hi gżira ċkejkna Issaħħar lil min iżurha, U fl-aħħar minn tal-ġurnata Lilha żgur jibda jadura.
Għaliex lil dir-roqgħa art tagħna Alla ħabbha żgur bi sħiħ, Ma ngħidx illi ppreferiha Imma għolliha wisq, qatigħ!
Ma tiġix ġurnata waħda Li x-xemx ma ssaħħanhiex; Ma nistgħux ingengmu, ngergru, Li lilha ma xxarrabhiex!
Għoljiet sbieħ lilha jżejnu U ma’ dawn widien ħadrana W hekk kif ir-rebbiegħa tasal Magħhom niġru żgur tarana.
U kif Gunju jsellmilna Ċuff fil-baħar naqbżu żgur Ġewwa l-ilma ċar u safi Qalb il-ħut minn kull kulur.
Fis-sajf erħilna ngawdu Festi sbieħ kollha kulur Ngħid għalija kollha nħobbhom - Lil kull raħal jiena nżur.
Imma kemm tingħafas qalbi Meta tant spekulaturi ‘Flats’ bl-addoċċ jibnu bla rażan U addio siġar, fjuri!
Hemm bżonn nieqfu waħda sewwa Ma nħallux dan ir-rigress F’niesna joħloq niket, dwejjaq – Dan mhux il-veru progress!
Dan il-poplu żgur jixraqlu Li jgħix hieni fl-armonija F’din il-gżira Għawdxija tagħna Mżejna b’paċi u bżulija!
Lions, leopard seized from unregistered enclosure to be move to secure Rabat site Four big cats held illegally in Għallis have been relocated to a secure site in Rabat, the Veterinary Regulation Directorate announces on Monday
12 May 2025, by Karl Azzopardi
Four big cats held illegally in Għallis have been relocated to a secure site in Rabat, the Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) said on Monday. The move follows an inspection which revealed the animals were being kept without authorisation in breach of regulations. The case came to light on 27 December 2024, when authorities discovered four lions and a leopard held without the required permits, in violation of laws regulating the possession of dangerous animals. An immediate inspection confirmed that although the site did not meet minimum animal welfare standards, the animals were in good health. They were being fed, showed no signs of trauma or psychological distress, and had adequate access to water. "The animals were microchipped soon after discovery and placed under ongoing veterinary monitoring," the directorate said on Monday. "They were formally placed under the authority of the Veterinary Regulation Directorate, as required by law." Authorities explored options to relocate the animals in Malta, including to zoos, but no viable solution was found. As a result, discussions with foreign organisations were also initiated in case international relocation became necessary. Eventually, a suitable alternative site was identified in Rabat, and the animals were safely moved under strict supervision by police and veterinary officials. The new enclosures have been deemed appropriate, and the VRD confirmed it is satisfied with the conditions. The animals are now in the process of being formally registered under Legal Notice 43 of 2025. However, this registration does not grant immunity from legal consequences. Proceedings are underway against the individual responsible for keeping the animals illegally and failing to meet welfare standards. Under Malta's Animal Welfare Act, a first conviction can result in a fine ranging from €2,000 to €65,000, up to three years in prison, or both. Repeat offences carry harsher penalties. "The VRD remains fully committed to safeguarding public safety and the welfare of all animals, including those previously kept at Għallis," the directorate said. www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/134932/lions_leopard_seized_from_unregistered_enclosure_to_be_move_to_secure_rabat_site_
Ara: “Insellem lill-pellegrini Maltin” – Il-Papa Ljun XIV fl-ewwel Regina Caeli Minn Francesco Pio Attard
Read in English. Il-Papa Ljun XIV sellem minn qalbu lill-pellegrini Maltin minn tal-ewwel, meta laqa’ l-Insara preżenti fi Pjazza San Pietru għall-ewwel Regina Caeli tiegħu mil-loġġa ċentrali tal-Bażilika ta’ San Pietru dagħodu. Ħadd ir-Ragħaj it-TajjebWaqt li fakkar li llum hu Ħadd ir-Ragħaj it-Tajjeb, il-Papa fisser bħala “don mingħand Alla” l-fatt li l-ewwel Ħadd tas-servizz tiegħu bħala Isqof ta’ Ruma qed jiċċelebrah f’jum li fih il-Vanġelu jkellimna dwar kif Ġesù jqabbel lilu nnifsu mar-Ragħaj veru “li jagħraf u jħobb lin-nagħaġ tiegħu u jagħti ħajtu għalihom”. Illum hu wkoll il-Jum Dinji ta’ Talb għall-Vokazzjonijiet u l-aħħar jum tal-pellegrinaġġ Ġubilari tal-membri tal-baned u d-dinja tal-ispettaklu. Il-Papa Ljun sellem lil kulħadd u rringrazzjahom għall-mużika u l-wirjiet tagħhom li “jagħmlu aktar ħajja l-festa ta’ Kristu r-Ragħaj it-Tajjeb: Dak li jmexxi l-Knisja bl-Ispirtu Qaddis tiegħu”. Ngħinu lil xulxinIl-Papa Ljun imbagħad esprima l-ferħ tiegħu li kien qed jitlob flimkien mal-Poplu kollu ta’ Alla għall-vokazzjonijiet, speċjalment dawk għas-saċerdozju u l-ħajja kkonsagrata. Qal li l-Knisja għandha “bżonn kbir tagħhom”, kif għandha tagħna lkoll li nissapportjawhom fil-vjaġġ vokazzjonali tagħhom biex jistgħu “jsibu min jaċċettahom, jismagħhom u jinkuraġġihom fil-komunitajiet tagħhom” flimkien ma’ “mudelli kredibbli ta’ dedikazzjoni ġeneruża lil Alla u lil ħuthom”. Fakkar fil-Messaġġ tal-Papa Franġisku għall-Jum Dinji ta’ Talb għall-Vokazzjonijiet, u ħeġġeġ lil kulħadd “jilqa’ u jsieħeb liż-żgħażagħ” aħna u nitolbu lil Alla jgħinna lkoll ngħixu “f’servizz lejn xulxin… b’ħila li ngħinu lil xulxin nimxu fl-imħabba u l-verità”. “Qatt iżjed gwerra” –Eku tal-predeċessuri tiegħu fl-ewwel Regina CaeliHuwa u jindirizza liż-żgħażagħ b’mod partikulari dwar il-vokazzjonijiet, f’eku tal-Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II, il-Papa Ljun ħeġġiġhom u qal: “La tibżgħux! Ilqgħu l-istedina tal-Knisja u ta’ Kristu l-Mulej!”. Din kienet l-ewwel Regina Caeli li mexxa l-Papa Ljun, u fi kliemu kien hemm eku wkoll tas-sejħa, kważi karba, tal-predeċessuri tiegħu għall-paċi. “Fil-kuntest drammatiku tal-lum ta’ tielet gwerra dinjija miġġielda f’biċċiet… jiena wkoll nappella lis-setgħanin tal-art billi ntenni dawn il-kelmiet dejjem relevanti: qatt iżjed il-gwerra!”. Karba għall-Ukrajna u GażaFakkar l-ewwel “it-traġedja immensa tat-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija”, li ntemmet 80 sena ilu, fit-8 ta’ Mejju, “wara li kkawżat 60 miljun mewt”. Il-Papa Ljun imbagħad dar fuq il-gwerer moderni li qed jifnu lid-dinja tagħna: “Inġorr f’qalbi t-tbatija tal-maħbub poplu Ukren”, huwa qal, u ħeġġeġ biex “isir kull sforz biex malajr kemm jista’ jkun tintlaħaq paċi vera, ġusta u fit-tul”. Imbagħad dar fuq il-katastrofi umanitarja fl-Istrixxa ta’ Gaża: “Inħoss għafsa qawwija ta’ qalb għal dak li għaddej”, huwa qal. “Jalla l-ġlied jieqaf immedjatament, jalla l-għajnuna umanitarja tasal għand il-popolazzjoni ċivili mifnija. Jalla jinħelsu l-ostaġġi kollha, u jalla t-tfal jirritornaw fil-familji tagħhom”, huwa qal. Tama u appell mill-qalbB’sens ta’ tama, il-Papa Ljun XIV imbagħad laqa’ t-tħabbira riċenti ta’ waqfien mill-ġlied bejn l-Indja u l-Pakistan. “Nittama li, bin-negozjati li ġejjin, ftehim fit-tul jista’ jintlaħaq ma jdumx”, qal. Imma kompla jistaqsi: “Kemm kunflitti oħra għandna fid-dinja?”. Fl-aħħar, il-Papa Ljun fada dan l-“appell mill-qalb” lil Marija Omm il-Paċi, “biex tista’ tippreżentah lill-Mulej u tiksbilna l-miraklu tal-paċi”. Huwa kanta b’vuċi sabiħa l-antifona Marjana tal-Għid, ir-Regina Caeli, li tieħu post l-Angelus f’dan iż-żmien ta’ ħamsin jum. Dalgħodu l-Papa Ljun XIV żar il-Kripta tal-Vatikan, fejn iċċelebra l-quddiesa fuq il-Qabar ta’ San Pietru, l-ewwel Papa, u talab fuq l-oqbra tal-predeċessuri tiegħu Benedittu XVI, Ġwanni Pawlu I u Pawlu VI, fost l-oħrajn. Kien hemm min innota wkoll li fl-istess quddiesa, li għaliha kien preżenti wkoll ħu l-Papa, intuża s-salib ta’ Ġwanni Pawlu II bħala baklu f’idejn il-Papa l-ġdid. Mal-150,000 persuna fi Pjazza San PietruAktar minn 150,000 persuna, ġejjin minn kull rokna tad-dinja, laqgħu lill-Papa Robert Francis Prevost fl-ewwel dehra tiegħu f’din il-funzjoni liturġika ta’ wara l-Għid. Fost dawn, kien hemm ukoll għadd kbir ta’ artisti mill-baned mużikali u mill-arti popolari, li ġew Ruma biex jiċċelebraw il-Ġublew tagħhom – avveniment li ħa tifsira speċjali bil-ħatra riċenti tal-Papa l-ġdid. Bi preparazzjoni għall-massa ta’ pellegrini u turisti, ġew imħejjija miżuri ta’ sigurtà estensivi li jinkludu l-impenn ta’ eluf ta’ uffiċjali tal-forzi tal-ordni, appoġġjati minn network stabbli ta’ voluntiera li diġà joperaw madwar San Pietru u l-inħawi tal-madwar. Għal dan l-avveniment, ġew ippjanati żewġ livelli ta’ kontroll tas-sigurtà: screening inizjali barra ż-żona ċentrali, segwit minn kontrolli b’ditekters tal-metall fil-punti ta’ dħul. 3 baned Maltin għall-Ġublew tal-Baned fil-VatikanMalta tinsab rappreżentata minn tliet baned fil-Ġublew tal-Baned fil-Belt tal-Vatikan, mil-Banda tal-Immakulata Kunċizzjoni tal-Ħamrun, dik ta’ Santa Katerina taż-Żurrieq u dik tal-Madonna tal-Karmnu tal-Fgura. Il-banda Santa Katarina V.M. fi Piazza di Pietra f’Ruma għada s-Sibt Il-Ġublew tal-Baned beda uffiċjalment il-Ġimgħa b’għadd ta’ wirjiet f’31 pjazza madwar iċ-ċentru storiku ta’ Ruma. “Invadejna Ruma,” ċċajta Monsinjur Rino Fisichella, delegat tas-Santa Sede għall-Ġublew, b’entużjażmu. “Din hija s-sbuħija tal-folklor tan-nies tagħna – is-sbuħija li nkunu preżenti hawnhekk.” Il-belt qed tiċċelebra b’mużika, spettaklu u talb, hekk kif l-artisti minn madwar id-dinja miġbura flimkien jimxu f’pellegrinaġġ lejn il-Bieb Imqaddes. “Din hi ħolma li saret realtà għal ħafna minna,” tgħid Maria, waħda mill-għalliema tal-banda Messikana Panteras Rebolledo Marching Band minn Coapetec, Veracruz. Id-direttur tagħhom, Jesus, liebes ilbies abjad simboliku, jżid: “Il-mużika hija d-dinja tagħna, imma fuq kollox hi rigal mingħand Alla.” It-tnabar u l-kitarri se jakkumpanjaw ukoll l-ewwel Ħadd bħala Papa lil Robert Francis Prevost. Pjazza San Pietru u t-triq ewlenija Via della Conciliazione se jkunu mgħammra b’screens kbar, bħalma sar għal funeral tal-Papa Franġisku, biex il-fidili jkunu jistgħu isegwu l-ewwel Regina Caeli ta’ Leone XIV mid-Loggia ċentrali tal-Bażilika. Dan l-avveniment se jservi bħala prova ġenerali għall-insedjament uffiċjali tal-Papa, ippjanat għal nhar il-Ħadd 18 ta’ Mejju. newsbook.com.mt/live-il-papa-ljun-xiv-bl-ewwel-talba-tar-regina-caeli-mill-bazilika-ta-san-pietru/
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Nadur, Gozo Sunday 16th June: 5:30 pm Pontifical Mass at the Sacred Heart Church. With the participation of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Mass for the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul 27 June, 2023 Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Mass for the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul 27 June, 2023 Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta. Group photo: The Knights and Dames of the Confraternity with the Archpriest Mons. Jimmy Xerri and the Clergy of the parish.
l-ewwel jum tat -tridu
Quddiesa ta l-ewwel jum tat -tridu immexxija mis-Sacerdot novell Dun Mario Mercieca li fiha jiccelebra l-ewwel Quddiesa tieghu fil komunita taghna .Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo Ritratti minn Mario Muscathttps://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
The Basilica of Nadur Yesterday Photo by Mario Muscat
Jitnizzlu l-linef ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Jibda jintrama l-Altar tal- kor ghal festa Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Il-villagg Tal-Hali fin-Nadur jizzejjen ghal festa Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Nadur in pictures Dahlet Qorrot Bay Photo by Mario Muscat
L' artal tas-Sagrament fin-Nadur Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Qala windmill and Nadur skyline under a misty sunset By Alessio Sultana
Fountain at Xandriku Street Photo by Mario Muscat
Il vara ta' San Pietru u San Pawl mahduma minn Galard f' Marseille
Il vara ta San Pietru u San Pawl tan Nadur Ghawdex ingibet min Franza fil 1882. F dan ir ritat narawa kif kienet meta waslet l Ispirtu Santu zdied xi snin wara . Dan ir ritrat grazzi lil Darren Vella
IL-KONSAGRAZZJONI TAL-KNISJA
Il-lum, 12 ta’ Mejju jaħbat il-153 sena mill-konsagrazzjoni tal-knisja. Il-Konsagrazzjoni ssir billi l-artal jindilek biż-żejt u jitwaħħlu dawk is-slaleb ta’ madwar il-knisja. Il-Konsagrazzjoni tfisser li dik l-art u l-binja tal-knisja ġew mogħtijin lil Alla. Bħalissa lanqas nistgħu nersqu wisq lejn il-knisja. Nistennew il-jum li nerġgħu niltaqgħu hemm. Sadanittant il-knisja kkonsagrata hija kull wieħed u waħda minna li qed nippruvaw inkunu Knisja fid-dar tagħna.
MOMORJI SBIEH TAL-HADD 25 GUNJU, 1967 Il-Parrocca tan-Nadur giet mgħollija ghad Dinjita ta' Bazilika Ritratt kortesija ta' Mario Muscat - Nadur
MEMORIES OF THE PAST IN NADUR Courtesy of Mario Muscat - Nadur
Mill lum c-centru tan-Nadur jerga jiehu ftit hajja meta mistennija jifthu certu hwienet. Dan wara li ghall-ahhar kwazi xahrejn kienu qed jifthu biss l-bank, spizeriji u hwienet tal-ikel, stationery u ironmongeries.
Nappellaw lil kulhadd biex xorta wahda jimxi mad-direttivi kollha tal-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u nirrispettaw lil xulxin.
The stripes flag to commemorate the Parish birthday in Nadur
Nadur invokes Our Lady’s intercession Photo: Charles Spiteri
A 1689 painting depicting Our Lady breastfeeding Jesus has been placed near the main altar at St Peter and St Paul Basilica in Nadur to invoke Our Lady’s intercession against the COVID-19 pandemic. The painting, donated to the church on the occasion of the inauguration of the new parish in 1688, must have been commissioned by someone who most probably ex-perienced the 1675-1676 plague which left around 11,300 persons dead. However, Gozo, Lija and Mdina recorded no fatalities. Besides Our Lady, the painting depicts St Michael Archangel, St Roque and St Sebastian, and a lady on the bottom left-hand side, reciting the rosary. Since the Middle Ages, St Sebastian and St Roque were regarded as protectors from various epidemics, including the bubonic plague.
Old farm house in Upper Ramla
Photo by Mario Muscat
THE SHIELD OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL Made by Chevalier Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak of the Grand Chapter of Malta. The shield will form part of the furniture in the Office of the Confraternity in Nadur, Gozo. Well done Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP
San Koronatu fin-Nadur
Tissebbah in-nicca ta San Koronatu Martri li tinsab gewwa l-Bazilka tan-Nadur minn Mark Falzon.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL Grand Chapter of Melbourne. Today, the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul organized its Annual BBQ to raise money for charity. As always, it was a very successful event and all the patrons were very happy. Thank you to all the volunteers who came to help yesterday and today. God bless you all. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master and the Supreme Council.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL Our mission is to helping the poor in Peru. Medic by day, priest by night: a Gozitan missionary in the Amazon By John Paul Cordina.
Photo from left: Chevalier Joe Louis Meilak, Fr. Raymond Portelli and Chevalier Carmel Saliba presenting a donation to the mission in Peru.
What’s it like to be a doctor and a priest in one of the most remote cities on earth? Fr Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest who has called Peru his home for the past 26 years, recounted his experiences on 103 Malta’s Heart, on the programme Newsbook Hour presented by Fr Joe Borg. Fr Portelli is based in Iquitos, a city of around 400,000 people located in the Amazon basin. The city is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road: it is only accessible by river or air. Fr. Portelli is the parish priest of the St Martín de Porres parish, with a population of 18,000 people. Around a fifth of his parishioners are comfortably middle-class, but the vast majority are poor, with around a tenth living in extreme poverty. Households do have running water and electricity, but many live in simple wooden shacks on dirt roads. Due to the city’s isolation, job creation efforts are limited and unemployment is a significant problem. Many people try to eke out a living through fishing, agriculture or by selling trinkets on the streets of the city. Caring for the body and soul As the only priest in the parish – though a number of laypeople do help out – Fr Portelli seeks to look after his community’s pastoral needs. But he also identified another need: for healthcare. “I have always been interested in medicine, even before I joined the seminary,” he explains. Consequently, he obtained a dispensation from Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi to study medicine at Iquitos’ university part-time, and graduated as a medical doctor after nine years. He often sees patients at the parish, but notes that his parishioners clearly distinguish between his two roles. “They call me doctor by day, and father by night,” he notes. Helping out in the jungle Though he is based in the city, Fr Portelli regularly ventures outside the parish to provide religious and medical services to isolated communities along the Momón River, a small tributary of the Amazon. Travelling by speedboat to reach a series of tiny villages, with the most distant one 12 hours away, the priest encounters a completely different reality. These communities are virtually inaccessible most of the year, as a drop in water levels reduces the river to a muddy path, and are thus mostly self-reliant. People live in small huts with no doors – theft not being a concern in such an isolated place – in communities with no shops or facilities. Stocking up on medicines for the journey, Fr Portelli takes care of common ailments such as diabetes and malaria. If more serious health issues are identified, he offers to take patients to the city, but they often refuse, as they are unwilling to leave their families behind. Once all patients are treated, Fr Portelli holds a catechism session and celebrates mass, often illuminated by candlelight or kerosene lamps – electricity is unheard of so deep in the jungle. Though most are baptised Catholics, even non-Catholics attend mass out of respect. Living conditions may be harsh, but Fr Portelli also notes that there is a strong sense of community in these villages, with people helping each other out. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone helps out whenever a new house is built. But every so often, village inhabitants try their luck in the city, effectively severing their ties with the community they grew up in. And as a result, they often feel lost among the city’s 400,000 inhabitants, struggling to fit in.
FLAG OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
The flag of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul created by the Grand Master Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and put in details by Ross Sabatini.
The flag is now registered as a Trade Mark in the Australian Federal Government IP Australia. Our aim is that one day the flag will fly in St. Peter Paul Square in Nadur during the feast of Mnarja.
Nadurama Poezija ta' Peter Paul Vella
Ghana fic-Centru Kulturali Malti gewwa Melbourne, l' Awstralja
Gustav TonnaPROSET L-GHANNEJJA IL-KITARISTI U LODJENZA TA KULL NHAR HAMIS IMORRU ALBION JIEHDU PJACIR U NISA JITGHALMU IL BIZZILLA .GRAZZI IL BARMAN U NNISA TA TEA BAR U L-KOK +++
Giacinta GrechNice to keep the Maltese folk singing going on so far from Malta. Was nice to have met a few of you some weeks ago. Best Wishes to ALL, especially Peter Paul Portelli.
Kelinu Vella Haber (1913-2014) Imwieled fin-Nadur fl-1 ta’ Ottubru tal-1913, Kelinu, kif ħafna kienu jsibuh, kien wieħed mill-aktar Nadurin li taw sehem attiv fit-tiswir u t-tisħiħ tal-ilsien Malti matul is-seklu għoxrin. Kien edukat fisSeminarju t’Għawdex u wara filKulleġġ tal-Ġiżwiti f’Birkirkara. Għamel xi żmien novizz mas-Soċjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl u kien hemm li ltaqa’ mal-poeta Karmenu Vassallo. Fost il-ħafna inizzjattivi siewja tiegħu favur il-Malti, huwa waqqaf ‘ix-Xirka għat-Tixrid tal-Ilsien Malti’, u miegħu kien hemm Anton Buttigieg, Ġużè Bonnici, Ġużè Chetcuti u Ġorġ Pisani, li nislu wkoll huwa min-Nadur. L-ewwel laqgħa saret fil-15 ta’ Jannar 1939. Fl-1940 Vella Haber waqqaf din ix-Xirka wkoll ġewwa n-Nadur u din ħadmet bis-sħiħ favur aktar edukazzjoni u tixrid tal-lingwa Maltija kif ukoll biex jinxtered il-litteriżmu. Dan għen lil ħafna żgħażagħ kif ukoll lill-isforzi favur l-emanċipazzjoni tal-mara. Ħeġġeġ ħafna żgħażagħ jibdew jiktbu u mbagħad il-kitba tagħhom kienet tinqara fuq irrediffusion. Fost iż-żgħażagħ li kienu msieħba u ffurmata fl-għaqda li waqqaf Kelinu nsibu persunaġġi bħal Guido De Marco, Charles Camilleri u Frans Ebejer. Kien ukoll membru għal xi żmien fl-Assemblea Nazzjonali tal-Gvern. Miet nhar it-28 ta’ Jannar 2014, fl-età ta’ 100 sena.1 Bħala rikonoxximent tal-ħimda tiegħu kien ingħata Ġieħ irRepubblika fl-1997 mill-President tar-Repubblika l-Eċċ. T. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Fost il-ħafna kitbiet tiegħu, in-Nadur kellu post prominenti. Forsi l-aktar li jispikkaw huma l-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ u l-poemett bl-istess isem: ‘Nadurjana’. Il-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ li huwa kiteb bħala rakkont f’650 vers joħroġ fil-beraħ il-karattru tan-Nadur u n-Nadurin, dejjem marbuta mal-baħar u mal-agrikultura. Dan kollu fl-isfond tal-istorja li tibda miż-żmien tal-qedem u li twaħħad fiha l-kult lejn San Pietru u San Pawl ma’ dak pagan. Dan irrakkont jimxi mbagħad maż-żmien tal-ħbit tal-furbani, tattwelid tal-parroċċa, taż-żmien li fih saru l-qniepen fl-1815, iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal-Imnarja fil-Buskett, li inċidentalment qed tagħlaq tliet mitt sena (kien fl-1720, skont ma jikteb Giovanni Agius de Soldanis li l-Imnarja bdiet tiġi ċċelebrata b’dan il-mod fil-Buskett), għall-bini tal-knisja, it-tkabbir tagħha u l-leġġendi marbuta mar-raħal. Hawn se nagħti silta ċkejkna ħafna li anke toħroġ fil-beraħ il-kuntest li fiha nkitbet. Billi din il-folkdrama nkitbet għall-okkażjoni tal-festi triċentinarji mit-twaqqif tal-parroċċa fl-1688, u billi dak iż-żmien qamet il-kwistjoni pjuttost taħraq bejn in-Nadur u l-Qala dwar min minnhom kellu leġittimament jiċċelebra t-300 sena tiegħu, Vella Haber kiteb hekk:
‘In-Nadur kien sar parroċċa maqdes bnew in-Nadurin għax kien ġie Cocco Palmeri amar fis lil Bernardin knisja ibni mar amarlu f’dik il-wesgħa ta’ Nadur qim ġie’ fiha ’l Pietru u Pawlu sadattant aħraq il-bħur ġewwa l-Qala l-Kunċizzjoni fost il-poplu żomm l-unjoni.2
Fih ukoll dawn il-versi patrijottiċi: Jiddomina n-Nadur tagħna minn kull fejn tħares lejh kif mill-port ta’ Malta toħroġ dlonk jisraqlek dwal għajnejk!
Iktar ma qribu tersaq iktar ’il fuq jogħla u kien minħabba f’hekk li nħatar biex għall-Għawdxin ikun gardjola!
Il-widien u l-miġriet tiegħek il-għerien u l-bajjiet ismijiet ta’ nisel juru minn tal-eqdem żminijiet kif il-ġonna u l-kampanja it-triqat l-inħawi sbieħ ismijiet tal-qedem għandhom jixhdu nisel xiħ bis-sħiħ!
Għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tas-sena tal-Fidi u tal-1900 sena mill-martirju ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl kienu saru festi kbar fin-Nadur, li l-Knisja Kolleġġjata tiegħu kienet għadha 2 Duminku Camilleri, 125 Sena Kkonsagrata. 125 Sena Bażilika, Vigilat 4, (Nadur 1992), 86-98.
hemm ġiet mgħollija għad-dinjità ta’ Bażilika Minuri. Waqt Akkademja mużiko-letterarja nhar il-Ħamis 27 ta’ Ġunju 1968 kienet inqrat il-peożija ta’ Vella Haber li ġġib l-istess isem ‘Nadurjana’. Dan huwa wkoll xogħol patrijottiku fuq l-istess temi ta’ dak imsemmi aktar ’il fuq:
Wiret in-Nadur fuqani l-isbaħ u l-ogħla fost kull panorama li jiflaħ joffri l-arċipelagu tagħna ... ... In-Nadur kiseb foħrija kiseb ġmiel u dija kiseb ruħ Nadurija mill-erwieħ tal-Għawdxin l-oħra.
3 Fost diversi poeżiji oħrajn li huwa kiteb dwar in-Nadur insibu għadd fil-ktieb ta’ Karm Caruana In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali. ‘Il-Bajja ta’ San Blas’ li hija ddedikata lil Girgor Buttigieg ‘Naduri li għex u miet ta’ qaddis,’ u fiha jiddeskrivi l-bajja bħala ‘s-sebħ u l-kobor tan-Nadur,’ blistess stil romantiku ta’ poeti oħrajn ta’ qablu: ‘San Blas nitgħaxxaq bik: / Seħer il-ħajja nsibu kollu fik!’4
Imbagħad insibu wkoll diversi poeżiji oħrajn b’laqta patrijottika. Vella Haber kiteb ‘Il-Kanuni tan-Nadur’ bħala ‘tifkira tal-Professur Lazzru Pisani li Pitter ilMaqdes tan-Nadur.’ Fiha l-kanuni li xi darba kienu jisparaw fuq ‘il-misħut Nofs Qamar’ sabiex jiddefendu lir-reliġjon Nisranija, issa jinsabu sektin. Kanuni oħrajn ‘qniepen saru,’ b’referenza għall-manuvra li kien għamel il-kappillan Dun Anton Scasciato (1772-1834) fl-18151816 meta rnexxielu jakkwista kanuni bil-permess tal Gvernatur Sir Thomas Maitland (1760-1824) sabiex jagħmilhom qniepen ġodda.5 F’ ‘Żernieq il-Maqdes tanNadur’ iddedikata bħala ‘Bukkett qronfol lill-Professur F.S. Sciortino’, il-poeta jibda mill-leġġenda tal-bini talKnisja meta Girgor għabba l-ħmara bil-ġebel u fejn din waqfet, allura nbniet din il-binja u jinfexx f’ħafna tifħir:
Maqdes gwapp ħafna n-Nadur inbena Nixxiegħa sar tal-ogħla sebħ u faħar; Ġieħ dan il-maqdes jiktor, le jinfena.
6 Fuq laqta reliġjuża, fil-poeżija ‘Luminaria Magna’, ‘B’tifkira u żżih il-ħajr lill-Artista Piju Cellini’, Vella Haber jeżalta lil San Pietru u San Pawl fil-ġrajjiet ta’ Attila s-Salvaġġ. Kienu huma li ‘ħarġu għalih bil-qilla, / ħanqu lill-għadu bir-rabtiet tal-lġiem.’ Hekk ukoll ‘aħna nirbħu żgur ... il-Kruċjata Mqaddsa ...’ Dan kollu bit-tarka tal-Imnarja, voldieri tażżewġt idwal li huma San Pietru u San Pawl.7
Anke fix-xogħol tiegħu ‘Quddiem San Koronatu Martri. Fit-Tempju Monumentali tan-Nadur,’ Kelinu jinseġ għanja ta’ tifħir lil dan il-bniedem li sa minn żmien ilu n-Nadurin qisuh bħala Kon-Patrun tagħhom flimkien ma’ San Pietru u San Pawl:
L-osservazzjoni li jagħmel meta jikteb li ‘mhux ta’ b’xejn b’ismek imgħammda / ħafna wlied minn tan-Nadur!’ kienet tapplika b’mod tajjeb għall-1953 meta dehret din il-poeżija ppubblikata, iżda llum iż-żminijiet inbidlu u huma ftit jekk xejn, dawk it-tfal Nadurin li jiġu msemmija għal San Koronatu. Jolqtok ukoll kif Vella Haber jitratta mal-fatt li ma nafu xejn dwar dan il-korp, iżda hu joħroġ b’dan: ‘Aktar m’Int mostur u moħbi, / aktar fostna sirt magħruf ...’ U tassew għaliex f’dawn iż-żminijiet li fih kien qed jikteb San Koronatu kien għad għandu ħafna popolarità fin-Nadur, xi ħaġa li bħal dik tal-ismijiet, illum ixxejnet ukoll.
3 Duminku Camilleri, 200 Sena mit-Twelid ta’ l-E.T. Mons. M. Buttigieg. 100 Sena Arċipretali, Vigilat 5, (Nadur 1993), 94-95. 4 Karm Caruana, In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali, (Nadur 1953), 23.
5 Ibid., 120 6 Ibid., 125 7 Ibid., 133. Kelinu Vella Haber jingħata ġieħ mill-Akkademja tal-Malti f'għeluq il-mitt sena tiegħu - 2013 Storja, Kultura u Attwalità36
'In-Nadur' Poezija ta' Patri Mattew Sultana
Jekk f’sidri nħoss nifs qawwi, Jekk bqajt sal-lum bil-ferħ qalbi trid tfur, Ngħid li mill-arja, mid-dehriet ta’ seħer U l-ħlewwa tan-Nadur.
Fejn il-ħolqien jitbissem Kont nilmaħ qalb dawk l-oqsma, żara’ u ħdura; Widien, għoljiet, siġar tal-frott fejn tħares; Kemm xtaqtni ma ġejtx lura!
X’jiem hienja! X’jiem ta’ seħer, F’raħal sabiħ, f’ġenna tal-art qattajt! Sirt naf in-nies, tħabbibt, ħabbejt, ħabbewni; Nies bħalhom, ftit, jekk rajt! Sal-lum bqajt nistħajjilni
Inħoss il-fewġa tonfoħ f’dawk l-ibruħ, Tmelles fuq wiċċi u fuq uċuh ir-raba’ U nħossha ‘ttini r-ruħ. U għalkemm minkejja fija
Tlaqt f’qasir żmien u ’l min sirt naf ħallejt, Ġmiel in-natura mżiegħed f’dawk l-inħawi U r-raħal qatt ma nsejt. Għax dawn in-nies dħulija ...
Maqdes San Pietru Pawl, ġmiel kull fejn tmur, Ħallewni noħlom b’dawk il-jiem mgħoddija F’dil-‘Ġenna ta’ Nadur’.
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi receives Gieh in-Nadur 23 November, 2019
Members of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul of the Grand Chapter of Malta, during the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi Deputy Chancellor.
Photo from left: Chevalier Adonai Camilleri Cauchi, Dame Marlene Muscat, Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, Chevalier Chancellor Joseph Louis Meilak, Brother Matthias Mercieca and Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi.
Message from the Grand Master H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Photo: The Secretary Chevalier Carmel Saliba is reading the message from the Grand Master for the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Deputy Chancellor Michael Camilleri Cauchi.
The Grand Master His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is very honoured to have Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi one of its own.
He has been a very dedicated and honourable member of our Confraternity. He is always ready to give advice to help our Confraternity to achieve more.
We are very happy to say that on Tuesday this week, we donated $10,000 to the Royal Women’s Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The money was raised from a Fund Raising Lunch we had last month and some donations from individuals and sponsors.
This year we donated others sums of money to the Australian Farmers who were suffering from drought-ravaged part of the State of Victoria and to our missions in Peru.
Our Confraternity is still small but it’s making a big impact to help those in need.
We like to Congratulate Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, on receiving the honour Gieh in-Nadur 2019.
God bless you.
H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP
Gozo Channel ship damaged after crashing into pier - MinisterMonday, 25 November 2019, Gozo Channel is operating with only two ships after one of the ferries was damaged today due to the strong winds and rough seas, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana told Parliament. It had already been announced that the MV Nikolaus, which was leased by the company to operate as a fourth vessel, was to undergo repair work that will last till mid-December. The company was operating with three vessels until this morning when one of the remaining three ships was damaged and needs repair work.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL Melbourne. Australia. By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
On Tuesday 19 November, 2019 the Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Royal Women's Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Every year more than1,600 babies who are born sick or prematurely are cared for by the specialist NICU team at the Women's.
The money was raised from a Lunch organised by theGrand Chapter of Melbourne on the 13 of October, 2019.
The Supreme Council has agreed to donate money to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital at the Good Friday Appeal.
Photo from left: Chevalier Saverio Greto, Dame Gail Vas, Dame Carmela Barbaro, Chevalier Vincenzo Galtieri. H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master presenting the cheque to Sue Jacobs Deputy Clinical Director - Neonatal Paediatrician, Laura Bignell Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Dame Angela Greto and Dame Mimma Sabatini.
HELPING THE POOR IN PERU
Yesterday Bishop Giovanni Cefai a missionary priest in Peru celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Nadur. After the Mass the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul donated money to his mission. Thanks to the Supreme Council of the Confraternity in Melbourne and the Grand Chapter of Nadur for the money. Thanks also to Mons. Jimmy Xerri Parish Priest of Nadur for his support.
This was the second time that the Confraternity donated money to missions in Peru in the last couple of months.
God bless His Excellency Bishop Giovanni Cefai for his work to help the poor and the sick.
God bless the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP
Dahlet Qorrot Bay from Sopu Tower in San Blas Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Nadur Bailica Church from San Blas
Sopu Tower built in 1667 by the Knights of Malta
Sopu Tower is situated on the cliffs between St. Blas and Dahlet Qorrot bays in Nadur.
Black statue of St. Peter on the throne
I saw this statue while visiting the church of St Anselm and St Cecilia Roman Catholic church in Kingsway, Holborn, London.
Just like the one in Rome and Nadur.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL Nadur. Gozo. A meeting of the Confraternity was held in the Nadur Council Board Room on Monday 24th June where two newly Knights were appointed by Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul. These are Chev Joe M. Attard of Rabat Gozo and Chev Joe Meilaq. Congratulations. Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
After the meeting of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul we attended for the 25th Anniversary Mass of Fr Raymond Portelli at Nadur Basilica. Donations to Fr Raymond were presented to be used in his mission in Peru. Congratulations to Fr Raymond. Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.