It is expected that over 700 members from the MUSEUM will be attending Dun Ġorġ’s canonization in Rome. The celebration of the society’s 100th anniversary has taken on special significance since Blessed Dun Ġorġ Preca, the society’s founder will receive sainthood on the 3rd June 2007.
Frank Chetcuti, member with the Regional Executive Council of MUSEUM explained that around 600 males and 150 female members will be attending the Vatican functions. He added that preparations are under way so that the group will depart as one on the 3rd June 2007.
The activities that will be held in Rome will form part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary since the foundation of the MUSEUM. The society was set up by Dun Ġorġ Preca himself in 1907, when he gathered a group of youths to discuss Catholicism in a building he rented in Ħamrun.
AirMalta General Manager Marketing and Product Brian Bartolo announced that for the occasion it is expected that around 30 extra flights will be coordinated between the 1st and the 4th June 2007.
Yesterday, the Government said that Maltese travelling to Rome for the Canonisation Ceremony of Dun Ġorġ Preca will be exempt from paying airport taxes.
The exempt flights include those departing from Malta on the 1st June and return back to the island from Rome on the 4th June. In a statement the Ministry of Finances said it came to this decision because it believes that the late priest’s canonization is a unique occasion for all Maltese and Gozitan citizens.
In turn, the Education Division informed Heads of schools that requests for unpaid leave from teaching staff and school administrators between the period 31st May and 6th June 2007 will not be entertained. The time frame mentioned in the memo coincides with the canonisation of Dun Gorg in Rome.
The internal memo from the director of operations was sent to all Heads of schools, and it will affect more than 3,000 teachers and hundreds of other staff in the education division.
