Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2014 » FEAST of ST ANTHONY THE ABBOT » 13 JAN 2014 - DAY 1 FEAST OF ST ANTHONY THE ABBOT
The Liturgical Feast of St Anthony the Abbot falls on the 17th day of January. In Xaghra, for long, it has been celebrated with great devotion on the third Sunday in January, this year on Sunday, 19th January. Celebrations centre around the Church dedicated to the Saint in the area known as Ta' Sant'Anton. The church is one of the oldest chapels in Gozo reportedly having been there in 1400 and has a long history. Celebrations opened this year's festivities today, Monday 13th January, with the day dedicated to Altar Boys and Vocations. As appropriate, Solemn Mass in the evening was celebrated by Can Brian Mejlak, Archpriest of Kercem and Diocesan Director of Altar Boys. After the homily, the investiture took place of young Jonathan Formosa as the new altar boy. He will be the twelfth altar boy serving the Church and, as Can Mejlak commented, their number was similar to that of the Apostles and he exhorted them to serve the altar with diligence and devotion like the apostles served the Church. Ms Louise Teuma animated the Liturgy. The service came to a close with recitation of the kurunella, singing of the hymn to the Saint and benediction with the Holy Eucharist being imparted. Afterwards, the people present could view and admire the filigree works by Mr Theddy Refalo embellishing the niche of Our Lady of Fatima, and which he donated to the Church.
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