Both the Primary and Secondary members of the learning community of St Augustine College, have organised a special event for Advent initiative through the Chaplaincy Teams. Students in the Primary wore a Christmas sweater, while the students in the Secondary wore a tracksuit of their choice in exchange of making a donation of foodstuffs, stationery or clothes to the Millennium Chapel run by the Augustinian Community. In this way, students were made aware of children their own age who lack basic needs in this time of year, due to their social circumstances. We thank the students, their families and educators for their generous contributions.

On the evening of Thursday 31 October, a concert by the pianist Naoko Aburaki was held in the corridor of the Convent of St Augustine in Valletta. Aburaki, a Japanese pianist, played pieces by renowned composers such as Bach, Schubert, Debussy and Chopin. After the concert, those who attended the concert had the opportunity to visit parts of the convent and to dine in the refectory of the same convent.

This activity is organised on the initiative of Mrs Xenia Lorenz-Rebers. The aim behind this concert is to offer a particular experience within the convent and to promote the Augustinian cultural patrimony while raising funds for the restoration of the old convent chapel.

This afternoon God called to eternal rest Fr. Rikkardu Attard aged 87 years. Before moving to the Dar tal-Kleru for essential nursing care, he formed part of the Hal-Tarxien comunity. He also gave valuable service for many years in Catania and Brazil.

His funeral will be held on Thursday 28 November 2019 at 9.30 a.m. For those who wish to pay him their last respects, on that morning Fr. Rikkardu Attard’s body will be at the Augustinian Oratory, Hal-Tarxien from 8.15 a.m. onwards.

At 9.30 a.m. the cortege will leave the Oratory for the Church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Hal Tarxien where Mass will be celebrated.

For those who wish to make a donation to the Augustinian Missions instead of sending flowers, the account number at BOV is 400-1018-8817. Alternatively, a donation can be made by SMS as follows:-

506 16117 for a donation of €1.16

506 17357 for a donation of €2.33

506 18085 for a donation of €6.99

506 19206 for a donation of €11.65

If by cheque, this should be made payable to Fr. Mario Abela OSA, Secretary Augustinian Missions, Zammit Tabona Street, Pieta’ PTA 1331.

We continue to keep in our prayers our brother Fr. Rikkardu and the Malta Augustinian Province. O Lord grant him eternal rest.

On Wednesday 13th November, the anniversary of the birth of St Augustine, the Lay Augustinians celebrated the feast of all the saints of the Augustinian Order at the Chapel of the Monastery of the Augustinian Nuns of Contemplative Life in Valletta. Mass was celebrated by the Provincial Fr Leslie Gatt OSA. During Mass, prayers were said for the intention of Augustinian vocations. After Mass, the lay Augustinians had the opportunity to visit the Monastery and meet the Contemplative Nuns while sharing some fellowship. Our thanks go to the Contemplative Nuns for their warm welcome.