Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2009 » 04 OCT 09 - FEAST OF THE HOLY ROSARY

The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was celebrated in Xaghra as usual on the first Sunday of October. But that was all that was usual because this year this devout religious celebration centred on the suburb of Nazzarenu.   Nazzarenu celebrates the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday 18 October. However, the Church there is this year celebrating the first centenary of its Blessing in 1909. So, exceptionally for this year, the Feast of the Holy Rosary was held there opening a fortnight of religious and social celebrations.   Mass was held in the open in Triq Mannar, the street on the side of the Church. The artistic statue of Our Lady of the Rosary from the Basilica was placed at the beginning of the said street facing Triq Mannar. An altar was raised about fifty metres away from it and in between sat the congregation.   Mass was celebrated by Mgr Carmelo Refalo, Xaghra Archpriest assisted by Mgr Eucharist Sultana, Archpriest Emeritus of Xaghra, Mgr Carmelo Hili and Can Anthony Refalo Rapa, Rector of Nazzarenu Church. Nine other priests from Xaghra concelebrated. Mass was animated by Mr Carmel Agius. Mr Ronald Camilleri on the organ accompanied the Choir Voci Angeliche under the direction of Mrs Grace Vella.   The three Confraternities then led the procession with the statue following. The Collegiate Chapter and the Clergy followed with Mgr Archpriest carrying the reliquary. The faithful brought the rear of the procession through the kilometre long route from Nazzarenu Church to the Basilica passing through Triq Gnien Xibla and Triq it-Tigrija to Pjazza il-Vitorja. All the way the Holy Rosary was recited. The ceremony ended with benediction with the Holy Eucharist in the Basilica.

C3 Archpriest arrives
C4 Incensing the Crucifix
C5 Incensing the relic of Our Lady
C6 Incensing the altar
C7 Start of Mass
C8 The Congregation
C9 The Congregation
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6 Mrs Grace Vella directing the Choir
D7
D8
D9 First Reading - Mr Joe Azzopardi
E1 Second Reading - Mrs Carmen Borg
E2
E3 The Gospel - Fr Daniel Xerri
E4

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