Group's 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Church Parade and Thanksgiving Mass

Report by CSL Anita Muscat
6th October 2013

As part of the celebrations commemorating its 50th anniversary, the Victoria Scout Group organized a church parade and a thanksgiving mass at the Gozo Cathedral on Sunday 6th October 2013. The Ħamrun Scout Pipe Band led the parade.

Mass was celebrated by Mgr Joseph Mercieca, Archbishop Emeritus. Co-celebrants were Mgr Joseph Attard, Archpriest of the Cathedral parish, Mgr Joseph Farrugia, Group Chaplain, Fr Anton Briffa, OFM, Chaplain of the Scout Association of Malta, Fr John Muscat and Fr Albert Xerri, former Scouts and Fr Joseph Xerri, Guardian of the Conventual Franciscans in Victoria. Special guests for the occasion were the Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo, the Chief Scout Dr Arthur Azzopardi, the Chief Commissioner Leslie Bonnici, Mr Joseph Borg Asst Commissioner for Administration, as well as former Chief Scouts James Rizzo and Vincent Cassar and former Chief Commissioner and Group Scout Leader Joseph G. Grech. Mr Dave Clements, an English Scouter and an old friend of the group came over from England for this special occasion. Numerous parents and supporters were also present.

During the mass, the Group Scout Leader, Lorrie Saliba together with the Scouts reaffirmed the Scout Promise. Accompanied by the band, the group marched back to headquarters. At Independence Square, the group saluted the Chief Scout. Back at headquarters, the Minister unveiled a commemorative plaque and Mgr Mercieca blessed it. The Thanks Badge was then presented to group council members Mrs Celine Portelli, Mr Raymond Caruana and Mr John Xerri as recognition for their contribution towards the group.