Students attending the four schools catering for students with special needs, namely Dun Manwel Attard, Guardian Angel, San Miguel and Helen Keller, all within the Special Needs Network, will definitely cherish the 12th of June, 2007, when students and teachers got to meet Archbishop Paul Cremona.

The hall at Dun Manwel Attard School in Wardija was full to the brim with students, accompanied by all the members of staff of the respective schools, the members of the School Councils and some residents of Wardija, eagerly waiting to give a warm welcome to the Archbishop. In fact, as soon as the smiling Archbishop entered the hall, the students wanted to bring the house down with their resounding clapping and shouting, giving a clear signal that they warmly appreciated the Archbishop’s presence in their midst.

The occasion started on a good note with two members of staff playing the Pope’s Hymn on the keyboard and trumpet. This was followed by a welcome speech by the head of Dun Manwel Attard School, who addressed the Archbishop on behalf of all the other Heads of School and staff. The message was aimed at introducing the Archbishop to the special audience, where it was made amply clear that the main goal of this visit was for all the students to meet the Archbishop personally and individually.

The Archbishop celebrated mass, assisted by six priests. The participation of the students throughout the celebration was significant and lively. Students under the guidance of the drama teacher, animated the reading and the gospel to the pleasure of the Archbishop.

The Archbishop passed a very clear message of hope and courage to the students during his homily. He emphasised to the students the love being offered by Our Lord and how important it is for the students to remember that Jesus Christ is there sharing both their happy and difficult moments. He had also words of praise and thanks to all those adults teaching and caring for these students.

After mass, the two percussion bands from Dun Manwel Attard and Guardian Angel Schools, under the direction of the music teacher, joined forces and for the first time ever, played various pieces of classical music.

It was a pleasant experience for all those present not only because it was a warm meeting with the Archbishop. On one part all those present exchanged a few intimate moments with the Archbishop. But there was also the fact that the Archbishop said that he had enjoyed very beautiful moments in the company of these students so close to his heart and that he would appreciate having more occasions to be with them.

This meeting could not have succeeded without the enthusiastic assistance and support of the Network Coordinator, the heads of the respective Schools and all those members of staff who actively contributed to make this event a memorable one for all present.