MALTESE COMMUNITY IN ITALY CELEBRATES MNARJA 2000

MALTESE COMMUNITY IN ITALY CELEBRATES MNARJA 2000

On Wednesday, 28 June 2000, the Embassy of Malta in Rome co-ordinated a day of activities for the Maltese community in Italy on the occasion of Mnarja 2000.

Over two hundred members of the Maltese community in Italy began the day in St. Peter's Square to participate in the general audience granted by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. In welcoming pilgrims, the Pope made a special reference to the presence of the Maltese group and the special significance that Mnarja, the feast of St.Peter and St. Paul, has for the people of Malta and Gozo.

Later in the afternoon the Maltese community gathered at the Convent of the Nuns of St.Joseph of the Apparition. A concelebrated Mass in Maltese was said in the Chapel followed by a reception in the beautiful convent gardens which enjoy a magnificent view overlooking St. Peter's Basilica. Maltese folk music and band marches provided an appropriate atmosphere for the event where guests could taste the flavours of Maltese cuisine.

A fund-raising draw in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund was held. H.E. President Guido de Marco sent a special message of thanks to the participants, sponsors and organisers of the festivities, which was read out by Malta's Ambassador in Rome, H.E. Dr. Joseph Cassar.