Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2009 » 02 AUG 09 - CONSIGLIA AND JOE GRIMA GOLDEN JUBILEE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
The marriage took place on 2 August 1959 between Joseph Grima, son of Emanuel Grima and Josephine nee Buttigieg, and Consiglia Sultana, daughter of Carmel Sultana and Giuseppa nee Farrugia. In the Xaghra Collegiate Parish Church on Sunday at 0700 hrs, the normal hour for tying the knot in those days, in front of Archpriest Mgr Michael Angelo Cauchi, the couple exchanged their marriage vows and sealed the bond of love for each other. Witnessing the service were Emanuel Buttigieg and Joseph Buhagiar. The bridesmaid was Victoria Buhagiar while Emanuel Buhagiar was page boy. The Reverend Father Angelo Bartolo celebrated nuptial mass. Reception at the Catholic Action Centre of Xaghra followed the religious service. Toni Galea, Ta Fonzu, was entrusted with the catering buying sweets from Rubino Catering in Valletta. The couple and their close relatives then left for the family house of the bride where they had lunch. In the afternoon, a visit to Our Lady of Ta Pinu at the National Shrine brought to an end the day Joseph and Consiglia were never to regret or forget. Six days later they went on their honeymoon staying at the Belleview Hotel in Valletta. Familiarity breeds contempt but not when it is built on strong love. And that holds true for Joseph and Consiglia. Fifty years later, exactly to the date and the day, kneeling in the same church now Basilica and in front of the same high altar the couple again renewed their marriage vows. With the passage of time, many who were present fifty years ago were missing. Others were present for both occasions and these included their siblings and relatives. New ones were there and topping the list were their offspring, the fruit of their love, their two daughters Maria and Joan. The latter was accompanied by her husband and their two young sons. In his homily, Mgr Archpriest paid tribute to the couple who were not only an exemplary family but who also gave unceasing voluntary service to the parish and society. After Mass, Consiglia and Joseph laid a bouquet at the foot of the statue of Maria Bambina in her niche thanking Our Lady for the graces they received all these years. The couple and the guests then moved to Villa Fiorita where there was a reception with a difference from that of fifty years ago. Many things did change over the years but the moon which shone brightly that calm summer night was the same bringing back to Joseph and Consiglia memories of their honeymoon in Valletta. Congratulations to Joseph and Consiglia and may you continue living happily for many more years to come.
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