Mgr. Giovanni Martinelli OFM celebrated his 72nd birthday during a concelebrated Mass at San Francesco Catholic Church in Tripoli on Wednesday the 5th February at 16.30hrs. Besides the priests who work in the Tripoli Vicariate Mgr. Martinelli also concelebrated with the Maltese Franciscan Provincial, Fr. Sandro Overend OFM and his secretary Fr. Alexander Borg OFM. Frs. Sandro and Alexander were present as they were conducting the Canonical Visitation of the Friars in view of next May’s Provincial Chapter in Malta.

At the beginning of the Mass Mgr. Martinelli thanked God for the gift of life and remembered his parents. The homily was delivered by Fr. Sandro who was asked by the bishop to speak about the importance of Religious life. The Religious Sisters of the Vicariate were also present for the celebration.
After the Mass all present gathered in the hall behind the Church for a festive meal.