Xaghra Parish » Gallery » Randan 2008 » 16 MAR 08 PALM SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
Under a clear blue sky and a bright sun Palm Sunday was celebrated with the ceremony of the blessing of palm and olive branches followed by concelebrated Mass. At 9.15 a.m. the Collegiate Chapter and Clergy left the Basilica in procession with Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo carrying the statue of Christ Crucified. Choristers, accompanied by many girls playing guitars, sang hymns on the way. Passing through Shaft Street and Bullara Street the procession came to a halt at the crossroads in Church Street. Waiting there was a sizeable crowd of faithful with children clad in Jewish robes typical of the time of Jesus. Following the reading of extracts from the Bible, Archpriest Refalo blessed the palm and olive branches happily waving them high up by young and old. The procession then continued up Church Street to the Basilica again with the choir and guitarists singing hymns. Since the World Day of Youth was being celebrated that day, young people were invited and fully participated taking a prime role in the ceremonies. Mass followed with Mgr Refalo being the main celebrant. Concelebrating with him were Archpriest Emeritus of Xaghra, Mgr Eucharist Sultana, and Canons Angelo Bartolo, Anthony Refalo Zammit, George Farrugia, Joseph Sultana, Julian Refalo Rapa and John Sultana. Youths animated Mass while the young Voci Angeliche directed by Mrs Grace Vella animated the singing. The music was provided by a quartet made up of Raymond Bonello, Richard Grech and Paul Tabone led by John Cassar. The Basilica was packed with the congregation filling the nave and aisles. The Congregation in the in the aisles could follow thanks to monitors placed in each of the two. Youths were conspicuous with them reading Lessons, Prayers of the Faithful and making the Offerings. Besides, all this year`s candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, Form I students, each presented envelopes containing a declaration of their Faith in God to Mgr Refalo. After Mass, the faithful were presented with palm crosses and olive leaves fixed to a memento quoting a verse from Psalm 21 œMy God, My God, why have you forsaken me?
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