Xaghra Parish » Gallery » Randan 2008 » 21 MAR 08 ADORATION OF THE CROSS
Before Christ`s crucifixion, the cross was a symbol of desperation and an object to be detested. After Jesus died on it, the Cross became a symbol of hope and salvation. It was an object to be revered, and so on Good Friday, a service is held during which the Adoration of the Cross takes place in all Catholic Churches. This normally takes place some time during which Christ was in agony. In Xaghra the Archpriest was the one to conduct the Liturgical Action. The Solemn Reading of the Passion of Christ was undertaken by Mgr Archpriest, Canon Anthony Refalo and Canon John Sultana. Adoration of the Cross followed afterwards. Meantime the veiled Cross lay behind the front door of the Basilica. The Buhagiar family was chosen to carry the Cross up the nave. The Archpriest accompanied them and in three stages he unveiled the figure of Christ crucified and each time intoning the verse: œBehold the Wood of the Cross. Each time the Clergy replied singing aloud œOn which hung the Saviour of the World. The faithful then joined the Voci Angeliche Choir and Clergy in singing aloud œCome Let us adore. When they arrived in front of the presbytery they handed the Cross to the Archpriest who turned to the congregation holding the Cross high up fully unveiled. Putting it down on the presbytery two altar boys were entrusted to hold it upright one on each side. Archpriest and Clergy then went in procession towards the Cross kneeling down and kissing the Cross. All the faithful followed suit. Animator was Louis Bajada with the Curmi couple, Peter and Maria, introducing the prayers. The Choir Voci Angeliche was directed by Grace Vella with its musical director Ronald Camilleri accompanying on the organ. During the time it took all the faithful to go up and kiss the Cross, John Cassar and Raymond Bonello playing guitars alternating with the Choir sang hymns related to the Adoration of the Cross. The service ended with Holy Communion.
Rating 4.0 (3 votes)
