The Collegiate Chapter of St Paul Shipwrecked and the Għaqda tal-Pawlini have requested a meeting with the health authorities on their request to organise a reduced Feast of St Paul. The organisations said they are proposing a reduced programme this year, which does not include any band marches.

In a joint statement, they referred to media reports about a meeting held on Friday between the civil and ecclesiastical authorities and the Għaqda Każini tal-Banda.

They said that a request for the Archpriest of the Collegiate of St Paul to be present for the meeting was refused and no official statement about the conclusions of the meeting was issued.

“It is apparent, from what was reported that the current circumstances of the feast of St Paul Shipwrecked were not considered, though a copy of the proposed protocols and measures for its organisation were provided ahead of the meeting,” they added.

The organisations clarified that the programme which is being proposed for this year’s feast is greatly reduced from the usual programme of festivities, and when compared with other summer feasts, as it does not make any requests for the organisation of band marches. The programme only envisages the organisation of a religious procession in reduced format.

“In this light, a meeting with the Health Authorities is being requested in order to clarify the proposed programme, including the organisation of a religious procession in reduced format and with all the necessary protocols to protect public health.”