First Friday Mass at Palazzo d’Aurel
The First Friday Mass for the month of September was held at Palazzo d’Aurel, also known as Bettina Palace in Gudja, home of Baron Iginio Trapani Galea Feriol and his family.
The Maltese Association, led by its President, Dr Michael Grech and Members of the Council, together with Members, and Aspirants wanted to give homage to their confere Iginio Trapani Galea Feriol to thank him for long years of service to the Association. Baron Trapani Galea Feriol was instrumental with former Presidents Roger De Giorgio and Philip Attard Montalto in the acquisition of Casa Lanfreducci and its refurbishment, and for many years gave generously of his time as a member of the Council in all its activities both in Malta and in Lourdes.
.
Palazzo d’Aurel was built in 1670 during the time the Order was in Malta. It became known as Bettina Palace after Marchesa Lady Elizabeth Testaferrata d’Aurel, a former Lady in Waiting to the Queen of Naples. It also served as the Headquarters of the British Forces under General Graham during the French blockade (1798-1800).
Mass was celebrated at the private chapel of the Palace. The main altar piece, commissioned by Baron Trapani Galea Feriol, depicts the Virgin Mary, flanked by St Nicholas, patron saint of the Baron’s father, together with Saint Iginio, Saint Michael, and Saint Thomas.
.
Monsignor Brendan Gatt, Principal Chaplin of the Association, celebrated Mass together with Monsignors Carmel Paul Vella and Victor Zammit McKeon. The lessons were read by Baroncino Michael Trapani Galea Feriol, Member of the Association and his son, Thomas – son and grandson of Baron Iginio. The responsorial prayers were read by the Vice President, Dame Helene Zammit.
.
At the end of Mass, those present passed to the beautiful gardens of the Palazzo for refreshments, where President Dr Michael Grech thanked Baron Trapani Galea Feriol for his distinguished career within the Association, and assured him that all Members will keep him in their thoughts and prayers to overcome present health issues.
.
.
Baroncino Michael Trapani Galea Feriol, on behalf of his father and family, thanked the President and the Members for their attendance and expressed their gratitude for such a meaningful gesture shown towards his father.
NBS
More images are available at the gallery below:
.
