Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2009 » CHRISTMAS 2009 » 15 DEC 09 - FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

Tuesday, 25th December saw the start of the Christmas Novena. Four Eucharistic Celebrations were held in Xaghra, the first one at 6.00 a.m. in the Basilica with Holy Eucharist celebrated by Can. Noel Saliba Archpriest Emeritus of Zebbug Gozo. Can Saliba will celebrate all morning Novena Masses. In the evening Holy Eucharist was celebrated at 6.00 p.m. in the Basilica, same time at Jesus of Nazareth Church (In-Nazzarenu) and another one at 6.30 p.m. in theChurch of St Anthony the Abbot.In the Basilica, Fr Savio Vella OSB was the celebrant of the Holy Eucharist with Can Joseph Sultana concelebrating. The first day's theme was Mary and Joseph are attracted to each other. The message was for us to become more consciousand aware ofthe true call of love. Fr Vella based his sermon on this theme. The offerings at Mass were preceded by children carrying red balloons with messages describing true and real love.After Mass, these balloons were then taken out on the parvis and let off into the night sky symbolising spreading love all over the world. The singing was animated by a group of guitarists. For the days of the Novena and other forthcoming events go to the EventsCalendar http://www.xaghraparish.org/calevents.phpon this website.

C3 The Offerings
C4 The Offerings
C5 Balloons left on the side of the presbytery
C6 The Offertory
C7
C8
C9 Washing of hands
D1 The preface
D2 The Crucifix on the altar
D3
D4 The Sanctus
D5 Elevation of the Holy Host
D6 Elevation of the Chalice
D7 Post consecration
D8 Can Sultana reciting prayers
D9
E1 The Lord's Prayer
E2 Embrace in peace
E3 Lamb of God
E4 Holy Communion

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