Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2015 » TITULAR FEAST MARIA BAMBINA 2015 » 27 AUG 2015 - PRAYER VIGIL FOR BISHOP DESIGNATE FR GEORGE BUGEJA OFM
It is customary for a Prayer Vigil to be held annually on the eve of the start of the Novena in preparation for the Titular Feast - The Nativity of Our Lady celebrated on the 8th of September. This year the vigil took another twist. Fr George Bugeja OFM, who hails from Xaghra, being designated as Bishop Coadjutor of Tripoli in Libya, this year's vigil was held on Thursday 27th August in preparation for his Episcopal Ordination on 4th September at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Metropolitan Archbishop of Malta assisted by H.L. Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo led the Vigil. After delivering the homily H.E, Mgr Scicluna blessed the insignia of the Bishop designate, the Crosier offered by the Franciscan Province, the Mitre offered by the Parish of Xaghra, the Pectoral Cross offered by the Community of Ghajnsielem and the Signet Ring offered by Propaganda Fidei. As his personal coat of arms, Fr Bugeja chose the image of Our Lady with the inscription 'Sub Tuum Praesidium' meaning 'Under your Protection'. The Choir Voci Angeliche under the direction of Ms Grace Vella with Mro Ivan Attard on the organ animated the singing. In the end, the celebrants moved in procession towards the image of the Bambina in the niche and sang the Salve Regina. Before the Vigil started Celebration of the Holy Eucharist took place with Fr Mark Bonello celebrating Mass with co celebrants Xaghra Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo and Fr Alex Refalo. Also co celebrating were two priests from the Parish of Avila in Spain, Padre Jesus and Padre Fernando. At present, their parish hosts Seminarian Joseph Hili hailing from Xaghra who is in his fourth year of his formation to the priesthood.
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