Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2010 » 07 NOV 2010 - FEAST OF ST FORTUNATUS MARTYR
Throughout the year, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast of many saints, all known by their names. However many many more are those saints enjoying the face of God in Heaven but who are unknown to us. Among these are men and women who suffered martyrdom in the amphitheatre during the persecution of the Christians under Roman Emperors in the early days of the Church. They were many and of all ages whose remains were discreetly moved away after suffering martyrdom and taken to be buried in catacombs spread around the city of Rome. Because they were not prepared to deny God they chose to suffer martyrdom for their faith in Him, and they, therefore, could not but be saints. The number was so great no records could be kept in those difficult times for Christianity. To honour these martyrs in a particular manner, bones recovered from those Catacombs were distributed to churches around the world and placed in statues as a relic and given a name. In Xaghra, bones from the Catacombs of St Callistus arrived. These were a donation to the Church by Bishop Michael Buttigieg who had served as Parish Priest of Xaghra from 1823 to 1848. Tohouse them, a statue was made by Antonio Gerada and the name of Fortunatus chosen for this saint. His feast is celebrated annually on the first Sunday in November.Accordingly, on the evening of Sunday 7th November 2010, solemn Mass was solemnly celebrated in honour of this saint in the Basilica. Canon Michael Galea was the main celebrant with Canons George Farrugia, John Bartolo and Anthony Refalo Rapa and Fr Michael Curmi co celebrating with him. Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo was missing as he was away from the island. Canon Galea delivered the homily. As is customary, on this feast, students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation within nine months were present.Members of the Choir Voci Angeliche under the direction of Mrs. Grace Vella, with Seminarian Mario Curmi on the organ, animated the singing while Ms Theresa Theuma animated Mass. The programme this year was for procession to leave the Basilica at 4.30 p.m. to be followed by Mass at 5.00 p.m. However, due to inclement weather, vespers and recitation of the Rosary took place instead of the procession and Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament was imparted before Mass started at 5.00 p.m.
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