Christmas Mass in San Francesco Catholic Church in Tripoli this year was introduced by the Maltese tradition of il-priedka tat-tifel, delivered by the eight year old Ervin Florian Farrugia, son of George and Marisa Farrugia, Maltese Consul General in Tripoli. This was a first in San Francesco Catholic Church, which ministers to Catholic foreign workers in Libya, coming from different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

After the priedka tat-tifel, delivered in English, and written by Fr. Marcello Ghirlando OFM, a multi-lingual Christmas Mass was celebrated in English, French, Italian and Arabic by Bishop Giovanni Martinelli OFM, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, together with the Franciscan Friars who work in the same Vicariate. After the homily, prayers were read in Italian, English, French, Maltese, Arabic, Polish, Spanish, German, Malayalam, Tagalog and Swahili. It was the Maltese Consul’s idea to introduce the tradition of il-Priedka tat-Tifel for the Christmas eve mass. The multi-national congregation who participated in the mass welcomed this Maltese tradition during the special Christmas mass.

Christmas Mass in Benghasi was led by Bishop Sylvester Magro OFM, Apostolic Vicar of Benghasi, together with the Franciscan Friars who collaborate with him.