The canonisation of Dun Gorg Preca will be marked by a school holiday for students attending state, Church and independent schools – it will take place on 4 June, the day after Pope Benedict XVI declares Mgr Preca a saint, the Education Ministry said.

Education Minister Louis Galea said a number of teachers, including members of the MUSEUM Christian doctrine society, have asked for vacation leave to be able to attend the canonisation ceremony in Rome.

All schools will not open on 4 June to facilitate the teachers’ participation in this historic event. SEC and MATSEC examinations programmed for that day, and other exams organised by other entities, will still be held, the ministry said.