Xaghra mourns Mro Nazzareno Refalo

Mro Nazzareno Refalo, the maestro di cappella of Xaghra Basilica, recently passed away at the venerable age of 89.

The funeral cortege on January 13 was held in the main streets of Xaghra with the Victory Band playing Mro Refalo's own compositions.

The Bishop of Cauchi accompanied by another 70 priests, presided over the funeral Mass. In his homily Mgr Cauchi highlighted two aspects which characterised Mro Refalo's life: God and family.

A family man devoted to his 13 children, Mro Refalo always managed to find time to serve God, the Bishop said.

For many years music master in government school Mro Refalo was also a leading tenor who used to sing during village feasts.

Having composed various hymns, his Missa San Antonio, which he wrote for his son's first solemn high Mass in 1968, is sung annually on the anniversary of the crowning of the titular statue.

It is also played whenever a priest celebrates his first solemn High Mass.

He also wrote band and funeral marches. He was also the Victory Band's musical director from 1970 to 1977.