Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2010 » 7 JUN 2010 - MARIAN VIGIL
This year marks the 2025th birthday anniversary of Our Lady, the Mother of God Jesus Christ. Since the Parish is dedicated to the nativity of the Bambina, Xaghra will be celebrating this event with great religious fervour and solemnity. The main celebration will be a solemn Grand Pilgrimage taking place on Thursday 26 August. For full programme please go to Events Calendar on home page. The festivities however started on Monday 7 June. The titular painting having just been cleaned and restored by Mr Emanuel Zammit of Zejtun Malta was placed in the nave in the Basilica. On Monday 7 June, a Marian Vigil was held in Pjazza il-Vitorja. At 8 p.m. cortege by religious andsocial movements and groups, led by the Xaghra Scout Group started its way from the Primary School grounds to Victory Square.In the streetbehind the Basilica the titular painting was waiting. When the cortege arrived near the Oratory of the Passion it was joined by the three Co Fraternities, altar boys and Chapter and Clergy. The titular painting was carried at the rear. Many hundreds of parishioners were waiting seated in the Square for its arrival. The painting, which was given a warm welcome with Marianhymns,was placed on the parvis facing the Square and the congregation. Readings from the Bible were followed by the Gospel and sermon by Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo. The Voci Angeliche Choir under the direction of Ms Grace Vella and accompanied on the organ by Mr Anthony Theuma animated the singing. Prayers were offered by individuals representing various sections of society. First to go on the rostrum were twins coming from a big overseas family adopted by a Xaghra family. They appealed for funds to help theirbiological family whowas in need and the response was immediate and very generous by the people present. The Blessed Sacrament was then transferred from the Basilica and benediction was imparted. In the end, scores of bouquets were placed in front of the Painting of the Nativity by representatives of all the groups and movements who took part in the Vigil.
Not yet rated
