We are indeed very happy that the two Congresses our Society held recently in Malta and Gozo respectively were successful in more ways than one.

We cannot let these two occasions pass without expressing our thanks and gratitude to so many who generously gave their help and support. We would like to thank Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, for presiding over the diocesan congress that was held in Sannat. Thanks also to Mgr Paul Cremona OP who presided over the National Congress that took place in Safi. We are also grateful to Fr Paul Gatt OP, Provincial of the Dominican Order who honoured us with his presence.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Can Tarcisio Camilleri, archpriest of Sannat, and to Fr Joe Cilia, archpriest of Safi. Both welcomed us warmly in their respective parish and gave us their time to formulate a programme of activities and generously gave us all the help we needed to spread our message against the horrible vice of blasphemy and to praise the Holy Name of God. This we could do, not only in their respective churches, but also in the open - in the streets and square of their villages. We thank the numerous priests and religious for attending our activities. Their support was very encouraging indeed.

The Holy Name Society would also like to thank all the presidents and committee members of the various band clubs, political clubs and other clubs, the presidents of religious societies, heads of schools, owners of wine bars and cafeterias, all of whom welcomed us and gave us the opportunity to speak to the people present. We are sure that our messages did not fall on deaf ears. We were very happy to see such a large attendance at the Masses and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Our thanks go to the bands, the choirs, the 'fratelli', the bearers of the statue of The Good Shepherd, the bearers of the banners of our Society, the members of the Muzew of Safi, the helpers of the parishes, the readers, animators, staff of Radju Marija who transmitted the Gozo Congress 'live', the various radio stations that interviewed us, the Dominican sisters of Safi, and the staff of Manresa retreat house in Gozo, the Police Corps and the newspapers who so generously give us the space we need to report our activities and to publish our writings.

There is no doubt that organising such events requires hard work, courage and a lot of patience. We are indeed grateful to the Gozo committee led by the diocesan president, Joe Refalo who is so hard-working and so zealous. We are happy to have Chev. Stanley Mangion as national president, as he continually instils in us a sense of purpose and encourages us not to give up. There is no doubt that our national chaplain, Fr Joe Vassallo, is a godsend as his great sense of humour, his kindness and caring attitude never falter and these attributes help to keep the committee united at all times.

The Holy Name Society would like to thank all who took part. Their presence filled us with courage to continue organising activities for the glory of God. May His Holy Name be praised now and forever.

Maria Lewis

Secretary

The Holy Name Society

GUARDAMANGIA