Newly laid marble paving will be inaugurated and blessed at the presbytery of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Valletta on 18 April.

It has been a time-consuming task: work started in 2000 when Chev. Joe D’Amato came up with the designs. An Italian marble firm, the Coperattiva Lago Marsini of Massa Di Carrara was contracted. The laying was done by Italian workers, with the Mosta firm of Francesco Fenech responsible for it.

The marble inlay conveys a Christian message, with references to Our Lady, stars, the Evangelists, the rosary and the Holy Father.

The day will be marked with Thanksgiving Mass at 6.30pm.