Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2014 » CHRISTMAS 2014 » 25 DEC 2014 - MIDNIGHT MASS
The Church Service on Christmas Night started at 11.00 pm with Carol Singing by the Choir Voci Angeliche standing in front of the High Altar. Directing the Choir was its Director, Mrs Grace Vella, with Organist Mr Ivan Attard accompanying the Choir on the organ. At 11.30 pm Celebration of the Office of the Readings of the Office of Christmas started with the Archpriest leading the service, choir and congregation taking part. By now the Basilica was packed and many had to stay standing at the back of the aisles as all seating capacity was taken up.
Five minutes to midnight, Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo approached the side altar where the image of Baby Jesus lay covered with a white sheet. After exposing the image, Archpriest Refalo incensed it and, holding it high, moved in procession up the nave to the High Altar. Meantime, the lights in the Basilica were subdued and spotlights accompanied the image of Baby Jesus. Half way through the nave, an altar boy delivered the Christmas message from the pulpit welcoming Baby Jesus. For some moments Archpriest Refalo faced the congregation, holding high the image of Baby Jesus. He then handed it to the Parish Vicar, Fr Joseph Bajada who, on the stroke of midnight, placed Baby Jesus in the ornamental throne (gilandra) on top of the High Altar. All lights in the Basilica were turned on and intonement of the Gloria took place initiating the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Archpriest Carmelo Refalo was the principal celebrant at Midnight Mass with six other priests, Parish Vicar Fr Joseph Bajada and Canons George Farrugia, Joseph Sultana, John Bartolo and John Sultana from the Collegiate Chapter co celebrating. The Choir Voci Angeliche under the direction of Mrs Grace Vella animated the singing. The Choir was accompanied by Mr Ivan Attard on the organ and Mr Christian Magrin with the trumpet. Ms Maria Grima and Mr Louis Bajada were Mass animators.
With a still fine cold night outside, after end of Mass, the faithful congregated on the Church parvis for Agape exchanging greetings personally to each other while enjoying a cup of hot drink and cake and hot cheesecakes.
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