Sunday, 20th December 2009
Joe Mifsud
launches book, exhibition at band club
Lawyer and TV Presenter Dr. Joe
Mifsud presented his new book about Bethlehem during a short
presentation at the St Joseph Band Club, Ghajnsielem. The
book entitled "Bethlehem: Fil-qtiegh il-qalb it-tama"
focuses on his personal experiences as Middle East observer
and gives an insight on the current conflicts and affairs.
The publication includes hundreds of photos showing the daily life
in Bethlehem and
coincides with the locality of Ghajnsielem’s Christmas
initiative ‘Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem.’ The presentation also includies a photo exhibition
at the St Joseph Band Club with photos published from the
book. Dr. Mifsud who also owns a residence in Ghajnsielem
chose to launch his book in our village due to the strong
connection with Bethlehem thanks to the nativity village at
Ta Passi fields.
Friday, 18th December 2009
Annual Christmas
Dinner at Grand Hotel
Over
160 members, bandsmen and guests attended the annual gala
dinner organized by the St Joseph Band Club. The event took
place inside the BanquetHall
at the Grand Hotel, Ghajnsielem.
Thursday, 10th December 2009
Liturgical Feast
of Our Lady of Loreto
Ghajnsielem marked 'Jum Ghajnsielem' with a procession
commemorating the feast of Our Lady of Loreto. This took
place on the eve of the liturgical feast. The
St Joseph Band Club accompanied the statue of the Black
Madonna around the main streets ending with a bonfire
which was lit in the main square - a tradition started
just last year. The
procession was broadcasted live on Radju Lauretana.
Wednesday, 9th December 2009
Committee members
visit the sick and elderly
The
Ghajnsielem Local Council together
with representatives of the St
Joseph Band Club and Ghajnsielem F.C. continued, once
again, their
yearly Christmas tradition by visiting the elderly who
are either sick or housebound or both. As they
narrated their life experiences and memories of old
times,
the majority of these
parishioners were keen to ask about 'Bethlehem f'
Ghajnsielem' adding that they keep updated with what's
happening in Ghajnsielem by listening
to 'Radju Lauretana'. It is worth
noting that the happiness that these visits brought to these
people was tangible and
nothing surpasses the importance of home visiting.
Sunday, 8th November 2009
War Victims
Remembered by St Joseph Band
Club President Gino Cauchi
joined other local organizations
to
mark Remembrance Day to honour the victims of the two
world wars. Several people gathered to pay tribute to
the victims War Memorial in a short but significant ceremony was organized by the
Ghajnsielem Local Council. The commemoration
started with a short prayer by Archpriest Can. Frankie Bajada.
Mayor Francis Cauchi made a short speech for the occasion. Shortly afterwards, the
Mayor together with representatives from the main
organizations and relative of the victims laid
flowers and bouquets around the monument.
Tuesday, 25th August 2009
A Memorable Feast
Concert by St Joseph Band
The St. Joseph Band
directed by Mro Sunny Galea and assisted by Mro Frankie
Debono performed its annual Instrumental Concert in
front of over 300 guests at main square. The event started at 9.00pm when a short
band march started from the Club's premises and ended on
the main square. The event was attended by the newly
appointed Acting President Dr. Anton Tabone.
Some of the excellent
performance included works by Giuseppe Verdi, Nino Rota,
Jean Sibelius and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Some of these
pieces were 'Il Padrino', 'Finlandia', 'The Sound
of Music', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Buongiorno Italia'
and 'Calypso Symphony' composed by Sunny Galea.
Other distinguished guests
included Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo and
Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary. Band Club President
Mr Gino Cauchi and Acting President Dr. Anton Tabone
both made a short speech for the occasion.
Shortly after his speech,
the President of Malta unveiled an abstract painting of
St Joseph, work of local artisth Vince Caruana. This
painting together with that of 'Our Lady of Loreto'
which was unveiled last year will be displayed in the
new committee room.
You can relive the
highlights of the concert thanks to Radju Lauretana by
clicking here
Sunday, 23rd August 2009
Successful Open
Day at the Club
For the second
consecutive year, the St Joseph Band Club
opened its doors to the public during an
Open Day activity which included a talent &
collections exhibition, a vintage car
display and musical performances shows.
The activities started at 9.00am when
several vintage and classic vehicles from
the Old Motors Club Malta were exhibited in
from of the Club's premises. At 9.30am, the
St Joseph Band held its last practical
concert before the Musical Program next
Tuesday. The concert was held in the newly
refurbished main hall and was open for the
general public.
At 11.00am,
Mayor Francis Cauchi together with Club
President Gino Cauchi inaugurated a local
talent and private collections exhibition
which will remain open until Sunday 30th
August. Gozo Minister Hon. Giovanna Debono
and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said were
also present for the inauguration. A Snooker
League trophy presentation was held
afterwards. Many took the opportunity to see
the ongoing refurbishment works on the Main
Hall, the new Snooker Hall and Formal
Committee Room which next year will host the
Musical Archive.
The evening
included several musical performances and
dances from local talents including the band
students (alljievi),
a 1 hour jazz and blues show by 'Mistaken
Identity', several dances and musical
performances by local talents and a rock
show. Meanwhile, the
young children were kept busy in the
'jumping castle'.
The event was organized in joint
collaboration with the Ghajnsielem Local
Council.
Friday, 21st August 2009
2009 Feast
Magazine is out
Several volunteers from St Joseph Band are
currently distributing 2009 Feast Magazine to all
Ghajnsielem households. Once again, this publication is
again offering a plethora of articles spread over 150 pages.
The front cover this year features the 190 years-old titular
paint of Our Lady of Loreto found at the Old Parish Church.
Those who do not receive a copy in the upcoming days can
obtain this magazine from the Bar at our premises against a
fee of €2 or a donation.
Click here to download in PDF
Wednesday, 12th August 2009
Open Day at St
Joseph Band Club
The
St Joseph Band Club in collaboration with the Ghajnsielem
Local Council is again opening its doors to the public
during an OPEN DAY activity which will be held on Sunday
23rd of August. The
Ghajnselmizi will have the opportunity to see the ongoing
works on the new halls. Throughout the day, several
activities are being planned including exhibitions and
talent shows.
Classic and
Vintage
Vehicles from the Old Motors Club
will be exhibited in front of
the Club's premises 9.00am onwards. At 11.00am, the Local
Council will inaugurate a 'Local talent and private
collections exhibition' which will remain open until Sunday
30th August, the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. Several
musical performances and dances from local talents will also
be held throughout the day including a 1 hour Jazz, Pop and
Blues show by Mistaken Identity.
Meanwhile those who want to
exhibit their works during the exhibition are urged to
contact Kevin Cauchi immediately on 99459426.
Tuesday, 28th July 2009
Works on Snooker
and Main Hall in full swing
Work on the
new a
Multi-Purpose Hall and a new professional
Snooker Hall are in full swing as the executive committee in
collaboration with the snooker sub-committee is trying to
finish the first phase of this project in time for the Open
Day planned for Sunday 23rd August 2009.
The first phase consists of the structural
alterations, electrical works and tiles-laying. The second
phase which consists mainly of the gypsum partition, the
roof panelling and lightening is planned to be completed
next year.
Up till a few weeks ago, main hall currently consisted of a
theatre stage which was last used in the 1980s, an open
storage area for the bar and a bingo area. The theatre stage
will now be replaced with the Snooker Hall while the bar
storage will now move to a basement garage which has
recently been acquired and which happens to be situated
exactly underneath the bar counter.
The interior design was left in the hands of
Paul A. Stellini.
Thursday, 2nd July 2009
St Joseph Band
proudly performs in Sicily
The applause, honour and praise where showered on the St
Joseph Band as it proudly represented Ghajnsielem during a
4-Day trip in Sicily for the feast of St Paul in Palazzolo
Acreide near Siracusa.
Such were the comments of the 'Liberta' newspaper of
Siracusa which featured a full page article related with
this trip adding further praise for the performance during a
musical program on the 29th of June, Feast day.
The
strong 80-people delegation
arrived in Sicily on the 28th of June. During the same
evening, the band marched
around the village carrying flags and proudly waving the
Maltese and the Band's flag. A musical program was played on
the 29th of June. The last two days were
dedicated for shopping at several large shopping malls and
open markets and also excursions in Noto, Catania and
Siracusa.
Many were definitely impressed by the feast celebrations
especially the spectacular fireworks, the shouts of the
people, the firecrackers and the bells making so much noise
that makes one hear nothing! There were some touching
moments such as when the St Joseph Band played 'Viva x-Xemx'
as the statue of St Paul passed in front of the Maltese
delegation just before the procession ended.
The band has been invited by UNESCO representative Mr Ray
Bondin.
The delegations included over 50 bandsmen, members of the
executive committee and supporters. Mayor Francis Cauchi and
Archpriest Can. Frankie Bajada were also present.
As part of the plan to renovate and
refurbishment the club's premises, the executive committee
of St Joseph Band is
proudly unveiling a number of exciting projects which
include the upgrading of the main hall into a
multi-purpose hall, the addition of a
professional Snooker Hall and a new storage area.
The main hall currently consisted of a
theatre stage which was last used in the 1980s, an open
storage area for the bar and a bingo area. The theatre stage
will now be replaced with the Snooker Hall while the bar
storage will now move to a basement garage which has
recently been acquired and which happens to be situated
exactly underneath the bar counter.
The interior design was left in the hands of
Paul A. Stellini. The executive committee in collaboration
with the snooker sub-committee is trying to finish the first
phase of this project which consists of the structural
alterations, electrical works and tiles-laying in time for
the Open Day which is planned for Sunday 23rd August 2009.
The second phase which consists mainly of the gypsum
partition, the roof panelling and lightening is planned to
be completed next year.
It is worth noting that the refurbishment of
the multi-purpose hall is being financed by the energetic
snooker sub-committee after raising funds from several
activities including 'Bethlehem f' Ghajnsielem' Christmas
Village.
Meanwhile, works on the musical archive and
refurbishment of the formal committee room will continue as
planned. Chris Mifsud is currently working on the wall
panelling while the main unit of the musical archive is
ready and is now being transferred to Malta for the
sculpture. The committee also ordered over 140 leather boxes
which will hold the music sheets and other related
documents.
In July, the executive committee will again
launch the successful Tile-4-U campaign to raise funds for
these projects.
Tuesday, 19th May 2009
Join the St
Joseph Band in Sicily trip
The Executive
Committee today announced the details of a 4-Day trip in
Sicily
between the 28th of June and 1st of July 2009 for those
who want to accompany the St Joseph Band. The band has
been invited
by Mr Ray Bondin, a UNESCO
representative to take part in the feast of St Paul at Palazzolo Acreide
in Siracusa.
This traditional
and popular feast is celebrated between the June 27 to
29 in a very magnificent way. Their patron is St. Paul.
The Band will play marches the feast eve and a host
musical program on the feast day.
The price is €290 (Lm125) and includes the accommodation,
catamaran tickets, transport (both in Sicily and Malta)
and all taxes. The food is not included in the price
although
Palazzolo Acreide is renowned for its great food and
wine. The group will be
joining the St Joseph Band for the feast of St Paul in
Palazzolo Acreide on the 28th and 29th of June. The
final two days will be dedicated for shopping the large
malls and open markets and also excursions in Noto and
Siracusa.
Places are VERY limited and bookings are strictly
accepted on a first come, first served basis. The
amount must be paid in full by not later then
Wednesday 27th May in order to confirm your place. A
copy of your ID Card or Passport must also be provided.
Sunday, 10th May 2009
Feast of St
Joseph celebrated
On Sunday afternoon, the Ghajnsielem
parish celebrated the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, better
known in Maltese as 'San Guzepp Haddiem'. An orchestra,
with the participation of Lauretana Choir accompanied the High
Mass which started at 5.00pm. Several bandsmen and
Committee members took an active part
in this mass. The St Joseph Band band then accompanied its
patron by a
procession around the main streets of Ghajnsielem.
Meanwhile, on the same day, two
new members proudly joined our band and played for the first time.
Friday, 8th May 2009
St Joseph Band
invited to play in Sicily
The St Joseph Band has been invited by Mr Ray
Bondin, a UNESCO
representative to take part in the feast of St Paul at Palazzolo Acreide, Siracusa in Scicily. This traditional
and popular feast is celebrated between the June 27 to
29 in a very magnificent way. Their patron is St. Paul.
The Band will play marches the feast eve and a host
musical program on the feast day.
The executive committee is also planning to organize a
tour which will be open for the general public although
details have not yet been finalized.
Palazzolo Acreide is a town where history, tradition and
modern life coexist in a wonderful natural setting
between gorges formed by two rivers. The town raises on
hills overlooking a large part of the South-East of
Sicily down to the cost. A visit to Palazzolo Acreide
combines the beauty of the archeological Greek heritage
with fine examples of Baroque architecture, the
religious celebrations in honor of San Sebastiano e San
Paolo with the colourful Carnival parade, the delicious
tastes and smells of the Hiblean mountain food. It has
9204 inhabitants and is situated 670 metres above sea
level. The most
exciting moment of the feast is called: “A Sciuta”, or
the exit which takes place on the feast day at 1.00 pm.
Here, the statue of St. Paul is removed from the main
altar and arranged on the processional array, then
carried out together with the relics of the saint.
Outside the church the sound of bells ringing, the music
of the band, the shouts of the bearers and of the
faithful, the firecrackers, the throwing of thousands of
pieces of paper with “Viva S. Paolo” written on and of
long stripes of coloured paper, called “nzareddi”,
welcome the procession. In a moment the imposing Baroque
façade of the church, which has been decorated since the
morning with hundreds of fire crackers and light guns to
shoot the “nzareddi”, “vanishes” as it were “absorbed”
by the continuous explosions, the guns firing, a huge
cloud of smoke and by the thousands of “nzareddi” that
fall down, wriggling like snakes, over the processional
array, the bearers and the crowd of faithful.
The video below shows the highlights of the feast
including the famous
"A Sciuta”.
Tuesday, 5th May 2009
St Joseph Band
launches new website
The St Joseph Band is
today launching a new website with a contemporary
design which underpins the committee's strategy of giving a modern
identity to the society while preserving its
core values.
Designed by Kevin Cauchi, the new website offers a mixture of news,
multimedia and historic information which aims to promote the
cultural identity of St Joseph Band.
Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Dun Karm
celebrates his 60th ordination anniversary
St
Joseph Band's Honorary President, Dun Karm
Cassar is today celebrating his sixtieth anniversary
of his ordination.
Dedicated his entire life to his native village, Dun
Karm Cassar was heavily involved in many areas which
shaped Ghajnsielem in the 20th century including the
Ghajnsielem Parish, St Joseph Band, Ghajnsielem Football
Club, the Catholic Action Youth Center, Krucjata Ewkaristika
and Circolo Virgo Lauretana. On the 3rd of May,
the Ghajnsielem Parish
concelebrated a thanksgiving mass in his
honour.
We wish him many, many years of
continued good health. Ad Multos Annos!
Club President Gino Cauchi
Club Secretary Kevin Cauchi
Friday, 10th April 2009
St Joseph Band
takes part in Nadur's Good Friday procession
The St
Joseph Band kept its annual appointment of participating
in the Good Friday procession which is held around the
main streets of Nadur. The band,
directed by Mro. Sunny Galea
and assisted by Mro Frankie Debono, played over three
hours of funeral marches around the main streets of the
village. Parts of the procession and several interviews
were broadcasted live on Radju Lauretana.
Earlier
today, the Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Our Lord
is celebrated. The liturgy started at 3.00pm in complete
silence traditionally marking the hour of Christ's death
on the cross. There was then the reading of the Passion
account from the Gospel of John which was read
dramatically, with the priest and the congregation all
taking part. During the celebration, the parishioners
approached a wooden cross and venerated it. Since no
Masses were said on Good Friday the reserved Host from
the Maundy Thursday Mass was used.
Wednesday, 8th April 2009
Sacred Music
Concert at St Anthony's Church
This
evening, the St.
Joseph Band held its annual concert of religious music
which included a mixture of funeral marches and other
works related to the Holy week. The event was held
at the St Anthony's Church dressed in its traditional
red “damask”, was packed for the evening, which
concluded with a reception at the youth centre.
The band
was conducted by Director Mro Sunny Galea A.L.C.M. and assisted
by Mro. Frankie Debono. Throughout the concert,
Fr. Joseph Magro ofm shared some spiritual thoughts for
religious reflections. Notary Josepha Xuereb
was compère for the
evening.
The event opened with 'Innu
lill-Madonna tad-Duluri' composed by Sunny
Galea. Other pieces included 'Al Mio Migliore Amico'
composed by local Bandsman Anthony Galea, 'Dall' Opera
Mose' by G. Rossini and 'La Forza del Destino'
by G. Verdi. Meanwhile, Mro
Frankie Debono directed 'In a Monastery Garden'
from A.W. Keelbey and 'Pilgrim's Chorus' by R. Wagner. Mro
Debono directed the last piece of
music composed by himself, 'L' Ultimo Respiro'
which features prominently in the Sul Calvario Album.
The pieces were played at an astonishing level of
virtuosity which rightly brought those
present to their feet to acknowledge with applause.
The event
was broadcasted live on Radju Lauretana. Those who
missed the event can listen to the recorded podcast by
clicking here
Sunday, 5th April 2009
Holy Week
Exhibition St Joseph Band Club
For the
first time, the St Joseph Band is organizing a 'Holy
Week' exhibition at the club's premises. The exhibition
was officially inaugurated by Mayor Francis Cauchi and
Club President Gino Cauchi and blessed by Archpriest
Can. Frankie Bajada. The exhibition is now underway and
will remain open until the 12th of April, Easter Sunday.
The
exhibition is showcasing over 100 artistic items and is
expected to attract a high number of people both from
Ghajnsielem and other localities. Items on display
include statues, religious paintings, artistic work in
'ganutell', old church vestments and items, paintings, a
section dedicated to the Ghaqda Drammatika Ghajnsielem,
several antique Holy Crosses and several other unique
sacred items.
The event
was sponsored by the Ghajnsielem Local Council and the
Band Club Committee is hoping to start organizing this
exhibition on a yearly basis.
Saturday, 4th April 2009
Final
preparations for Holy Week Exhibition
On
Saturday, several committee members of the St Joseph
Band were seen making the final preparations as the
volunteers started to bring items which will be
showcased for 'Holy Week' exhibition. Franco Ciangura
gave a helping hand in the artistic decorations while
Karmnu Xuereb's skills ensured that everything will be
ready on-time for the opening.
The exhibition
will be officially inaugurated by Mayor Francis Cauchi and
Club President Gino Cauchi and blessed by Archpriest
Can. Frankie Bajada on Sunday 5th April at 11.00am and
will remain open until the 12th of April, Easter Sunday.
The
exhibition is showcasing over 100 artistic items and is
expected to attract a high number of people both from
Ghajnsielem and other localities.
Friday, 3rd April 2009
Our Lady of
Sorrow procession
Friday 3rd April marked the
devotional beginning of Holy Week. All over the islands,
processions and pilgrimages were held with deep
veneration towards Our Lady of Sorrows and in
Ghajnsielem this was certainly not an exception as
hundreds followed the solemn procession of Our Lady of
Sorrow which went round the main streets of the village.
The feast takes place before Palm Sunday and is
considered as one of the most revered in the Maltese
islands.
The
procession started at 6.00pm and took the form of a pageant
with various participants dressed up in period costumes
to represent Biblical personalities.
It was a day of devotion with several volunteers
participating in this procession as an act of sacrifice
or thanks-giving. The St Joseph Band accompanied the
procession with religious and funeral marches.
The pageant started out at the church of Our Lady of
Loreto passing from Chambrai Street (in front of the band
and football clubs), then Dun Guzepp Galea Rapa Street,
Moghdija Street, Gleneagles Street, turned into Ghajnsielem
Street, Our Lady of Loreto Square, Ramon Perellos Street,
Independence Square, down Anglu Grech Street, Apparation
Sqaure and finally Fawwara Street. One could see many people
praying with devotion along the street. Many devotees
decorated their home facade with candles and Holy
figures. The main square was also decorated with large
crosses.
Wednesday, 1st April 2009
St Joseph Band
Club starts Holy Week activities
As the Catholic world
prepares for the Holy Week, this evening, Fr Joe Cardona
delivered a spiritual message at the St Joseph Band
Club. The meeting which also included a multimedia
presentation was held at the Concert Hall which will
soon host the Holy Week exhibition. The meeting was well
attended by several bandsmen and members.
Holy Week Activities by
the
St Joseph Band Club
Friday 3rd April, 6.00pm
- Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows Sunday 5th April, 11.00am - Inauguration of the
Holy Week Exhibition Wednesday 8th April, 7.15pm - Concert of
religious music at St Anthony's Church Friday 10th April, 5.30pm - Good Friday
Procession, Nadur
Friday, 13th February 2009
St Joseph Band
Club committee re-elected
As
expected, the Musical Archive and the Refurbishment
of the Committee room were high on the agenda as the
St Joseph Band Club held its Annual General Conference.
The well-attended meeting started with a short
introductory speech by President Gino Cauchi who
emphasized on the need for everyone to collaborate
together in order for the Society to succeed.
Shortly afterwards, Club Secretary Kevin Cauchi
presented a detailed administrative report covering all
projects, activities and other related analysis.
Treasurer Elvin Tabone explained all the revenues and
expenditures of the society, covering during the last 12
months. A series of initiatives to finance the second
phase of the projects were unveiled.
Joe
Galea was then appointed to monitor the re-election of
the new committee for 2009/10. None of the present
members were contested.
The
committee will now hold the first meeting on Tuesday
17th February focusing on the Holy Week preparations.
Fr. Joe Cardona, the society's spiritual director is
also expected to attend to discuss a number of spiritual
activities which will be organized throughout the year.
Thursday, 1st January 2009
New Years Eve
celebrations at St Joseph Band Club
We are bringing you some photos taken at the St
Joseph Band Club on New Years Eve as the Ghajnslemizi
celebrated the night in style.
The Ghajnsielem Parish Center also hosted a countdown
party and the year-in-review video was shown just a few
minutes before the countdown began.
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