Tunnel Workers Celebrate Santa Barbara Day at JV AF Ghella Construction Site

Tunnel Workers Celebrate Santa Barbara Day at JV AF Ghella Construction Site

(IN BRIEF) The JV AF Ghella construction site in Oslo celebrated Santa Barbara Day on December 4 with a Catholic mass, choral performances, and a ceremonial tunnel blast. Santa Barbara, the patron saint of tunnel and mine workers, was honored in an event led by Father Cornelius Arinze Onwuekwe, with participation from the St. Hallvard boys’ choir. Italy’s ambassador to Norway, Stefano Nicoletti, praised the collaboration between Italian firm Ghella and Norwegian company AF Gruppen on the critical clean water tunnel project. Deputy Project Manager Maurizio Romano recognized workers for their dedication, citing the completion of blasting and progress on drilling. The event concluded with a festive Italian meal, symbolizing unity and appreciation for the team’s efforts.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 7-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Santa Barbara Day celebration brought a blend of faith, tradition, and camaraderie to the JV AF Ghella construction site in Oslo on December 4. Workers and guests gathered in the TBM cavern to honor Santa Barbara, the patron saint of tunnel and mine workers, with a Catholic mass, choral performances, and a ceremonial blast symbolizing progress on the clean water tunnel project.

Honoring the Patron Saint of Tunnel Workers

The event, held on the memorial day of Santa Barbara, celebrated the saint’s role as a protector of those working in challenging environments, including tunnels, mines, and professions involving explosives. Father Cornelius Arinze Onwuekwe led the mass, with choir singing provided by the St. Hallvard boys, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for the workers, many of whom are Catholic.

A Symbol of Collaboration

Italy’s ambassador to Norway, Stefano Nicoletti, attended the celebration, emphasizing the importance of the clean water tunnel project for Oslo’s residents. He praised the partnership between Italian company Ghella and Norwegian firm AF Gruppen, which is delivering the project:
“This tunnel will serve Oslo for decades to come. I am particularly proud of the strong collaboration between Ghella and AF Gruppen in this critical endeavor.”

Recognizing Workers’ Contributions

Deputy Project Manager Maurizio Romano highlighted the achievements of the team, noting the completion of blasting in the Stubberud tunnels and over three kilometers drilled by the tunnel boring machine.
“None of this would be possible without your hard work, dedication, and sacrifices,” Romano told the workers before the celebration concluded with a symbolic blast in the tunnel.

A Festive Finish

The event ended with a festive meal featuring Italian delicacies, including porchetta, parmigiano cheese, and panettone, sent directly from Ghella’s headquarters in Rome, further underscoring the cultural connection between the Italian and Norwegian teams.

Remembering Santa Barbara

The story of Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century Christian martyr, resonated deeply during the celebration. Known for her steadfast faith and strength, she serves as an enduring symbol of protection for those who work in demanding and often dangerous professions.

The celebration not only honored tradition but also reinforced the spirit of unity and dedication driving the clean water tunnel project forward.

Media Contact:

Tel: +47 22 89 11 00
email: kommunikasjon@afgruppen.no

SOURCE: AF Gruppen