Anniversary Mass

Class of 1977 after their 39th anniversary Mass

Yesterday, with my classmates I concelebrated Mass to commemorate our 39^th anniversary to the priesthood. The actual date was June 19^th, but since it was a Sunday we met together for a Retreat between Tuesday and Wednesday and then in the evening we gathered at Dar il-Providenza at Siggiewi to celebrate this annual ritual, which I have participated in only on a few occasions, since I was in the USA. In fact my last time with my classmates was in 2002 for our 25^th anniversary, when our then-Archbishop Joseph Mercieca was the main celebrant, since he was also the Bishop who ordained us in 1977. Incidentally he passed away only a few months ago. It was good to see all my classmates as well as some of their families, and these photos show all of us at the concelebrated Mass. Dar il-Providenza means House of Providence, a special center for the physically-challenged. 

During my homily, I encouraged my classmates to stay focused on our work at hand, especially in the ever-changing challenges we face, and collaborate together with perseverance, determination, courage and hope for the future. A special mention was made to our parents and siblings who have passed away, as well as the Archbishops who ordained us deacons and priests, both of whom served Malta for a cumulative 65 years. Moreover between all of us, we have served the church since 1977 for a cumulative 507 years so far. Ad Multos Annos.