We were all looking forward to experiencing the last two feasts in the 2019 festa season, but with Valletta’s feast being cancelled this weekend, it seems like our Independence Day weekend has unexpectedly freed up.

The surprising cancellation comes in the wake of a police investigation that saw the chaplain of St Augustine chapel, Fr Debono charged for his involvement in the theft of religious artefacts and paintings worth approximately €100,000.

Considering the scandal, the Order of St Augustine announced that all exterior festivities for the feast are cancelled, however the liturgical celebrations are expected to occur as per previous years. It is extremely rare that village feasts are cancelled, and when it does happen it is usually due to some uncontrollable event such as the death of a village priest or a fireworks factory explosion.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna has intervened to temporarily withdraw all the chaplain’s priestly duties and the church has urged the public not to interfere with the unfurling police investigation.

Can it be a classic Robin Hood: taking from the rich and giving to the poor?