David Grech, a talented local florist is making Malta super proud. He was chosen to be a member of a select group that assisted in decorating St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City for the holiest day on the Catholic calendar.

In a recent Newsbook interview, a friend of his got in touch with him while he was doing some humanitarian work in Turkey, and asked him if he would be interested in assisting with the floral arrangements at the Vatican during Holy Week. David was over the moon and agreed without hesitation.

David worked alongside the Vatican's senior florist, two Slovenians, and two Sicilians, preparing and arranging the flowers which included baby roses, carnations, and stock flowers, all identified with the Holy Week.

“One cannot just place the flowers haphazardly. The weather and their transportation must also be considered,” said David.

He admitted that the whole process was not a simple one. A sample of the flower arrangement set-up is made first, followed by a high-up version. Only once this is approved can the real work on the flowers begin.

After many international discussions within the team, decisions were made to use spring colours such as white, yellow, and pink for the Holy Week displays. David added that the selection of flowers was made based on their variety and ability to survive extreme variations in the weather.

He also stated that he is proud of having participated and of having represented Malta internationally, despite the many challenges that this task provided.

Well done, David and keep up the good work!