Salesian Oratory - Sliema

The Family Picnic on the 1st of May has become an annual event. Early in the morning a group of parents gathered at the Youth Centre for the important ritual of preparing packed lunches consisting of ‘ftajjar’, potato chips, a chocolate and a bottle of water for the 80 ramblers who by 9 o’clock had assembled in front of St. Patrick’s School. A coach and a mini-bus dropped the group at the vicinity of Dar tal-Providenza (in the limits of Siggiewi). From there the group started walking towards the Chapel of San Niklaw. This is a chapel newly refurbished by a group of devotees of the Divine Mercy. Every Wednesday they meet here for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It seems the chapel was built by a community of contemplative monks who had their monastery here in the countryside. It is an ideal place for prayer. Our group celebrated Mass under the suggestive image of the Divine Mercy. As it was already 12 noon the packed lunches were opened and devoured! The old ‘lions and tigers’ game seems to be popular among the young and not so young judging from the good number that took part.

The second part of the walk took the group towards Wied iz- Zurrieq. On the way to the Zurrieq Bus terminus, where the coaches had to wait for them, they had some time to make use of the public playing field. Frs. Eric Cachia and Joe Forte along with Bro. Clive’s ultra energetic character provided a much appreciated Salesian presence. It was a lovely sunny day and they enjoyed this walk thoroughly. By evening they looked like fried chickens!

May we give a suggestion for next year? ... bring with you some sun block!