The Vatican have announced the itinerary for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Malta between the 2 and 3 of April.

This will include a celebratory mass on the Granaries in Floriana, meeting with migrants at the Peace Lab in Ħal Far, as well as a prayer meeting at Ta Pinu Sanctuary in Gozo.

Below is the full itinerary:

Saturday 2 April

8:30am – Departure by airplane from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport to Malta

10am – Arrival at Malta International Airport / Welcome ceremony at airport

10:50am – Visit to the President of Malta at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta

11:35am – Meeting with the Prime Minister at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta

11:50am – Meeting with the authorities and the Diplomatic Corps at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta

3:50pm – Departure by catamaran from Grand Harbour to Gozo

5pm – Arrival at Mgarr Harbour

5:30pm – Prayer meeting at the national shrine of Ta’ Pinu in Gozo

6:45pm – Departure by ferry from Mgarr Harbour to Malta

7:30pm – Arrival at Cirkewwa Harbour and transfer to the Apostolic Nunciature

Sunday 3 April

7:45am – Private meeting with the members of the Society of Jesus at the Apostolic Nunciature in Rabat

8:30am – Visit to the Grotto of St Paul at the Basilica of St Paul in Rabat

10:15am – Holy Mass at the Granaries in Floriana

4:45pm – Meeting with migrants at the Peace Lab in Ħal Far

5:50pm – Farewell ceremony at the Malta International Airport

6:15pm – Departure by airplane for Rome

7:40pm – Arrival at Rome/ Fiumicino International Airport

I facilitated a very productive meeting recently with both Health Authorities of Malta and South Africa. These key roles players, including representation from the IT department of the National Department of Health, are keen to find a solution for Vaccinated South Africans to enter Malta / EU.I will pursue the coordination between the countries and keep you updated.

Are you planning on travelling here soon and want to be kept updated? email merle@maltalifestyle.com

Freedom Day, 31 March marks the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979. This annual feast which usually features a variety of activities, such as the traditional regatta race was cancelled due to the situation of COVID-19.

Says Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela, “This is the modern Freedom Day we are fighting now – freedom from a pandemic… and, once we succeed in this, we can keep dreaming and achieving things for our country.” Abela added that he was convinced that the country would emerge victorious from “this period of collective sacrifice.”

Once again Malta’s resilience in times of trouble is evident in showing a robust health system and leadership which lead by Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci has been acclaimed by WHO European regional director Hans Kluge who says Malta is a ‘country to follow’ as he praises the measures introduced to fight the spread of Coronavirus in Malta.

As a country that welcomes people from around the world for work, investment, retirement and tourism this island of around 450,000 population are vulnerable to a fast spread of the virus without stringent measures. First diagnosed around 3 weeks ago, there have been no deaths related to the virus and a number of recoveries have been recorded. In true Maltese spirit, people have rallied to assist each other, the elderly and those in service to the country. In collaboration with the government, a volunteer group of chefs are #feedingheroes.

Photo Credit: The Malta Weather Page

During WWII Malta was caught between its proximity to Sicily with Mussolini’s visions of a New Roman Empire and its pivotal position close to North Africa. It was also vulnerable because of war in the air as well as on the water. The small island became a target under siege. From 1940 to 1942 it fell victim to a plethora of high-altitude bomber raids and lower level Stuka attacks. Supply convoys were sunk by German U boats. Even when supplies reached the deep-water harbour of Valletta, they were bombed. Malta suffered more bombs in two years than even the Blitz in London; with the tragic accolade of being the most bombed place in the war.

Lack of food, medicines and water led to starvation, outbreaks of Polio, malaria and Typhus. The populace had been ordered not to wash hands because of the shortage of water. People hid in caves and dug tunnels to shelter from the raids. Through January to April
1942, some 30,000 buildings were destroyed, which included the classical opera house. George VI wrote to the Governor of the island on 15th April 1942 awarding the George Cross to the Maltese, “to bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people”. It is one of only 2 collective awards of the medal.

The 7th March 1942 brought the arrival of the first squadron of 15 Spitfires and the first scramble on the 9th brought down a German 109. More were to arrive through the autumn of the same year. Their supremacy of speed and height in the air turned the tide and would impact on the success of the 8th Army at El Alamein. By June, Malta was desperately low on supplies and in danger of collapse. A huge relief convoy was planned, including a loaned American oil tanker, the Ohio. Nicknamed ‘Operation Pedestal’, the convoy set sail from Britain and as it crossed the Mediterranean, the Axis forces threw everything at the fleet, the HMS Eagle, an aircraft carrier, was the first to be sunk, 4 more navy warships and 9 merchantmen were also sunk or scuppered. On 15th August, after terrifying attacks throughout its journey, the remnants of the convoy arrived in Valletta with 55,000 tonnes of supplies. The food and fuel were jubilantly welcomed and were crucial to the war around the Mediterranean.

Islands with history make great places to visit. People who have gone through centuries of upheaval and survived conflict emerge with character.

extract By Paul Davis
https://www.kcwtoday.co.uk/2019/10/malta-under-siege/