Coming up

¤ The Capuchin Friars in Victoria today celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Grace at Our Lady's sanctuary.

At 9 a.m., Bishop Nikol Cauchi will lead a concelebrated Pontifical Mass and deliver the panegyric.

At 6 p.m., Provincial Minister Fr Joe Alessandro, OFM Cap. will lead a solemn concelebrated Mass, followed by a procession with the statue of Our Lady, led by Mgr Gregory Grech. The Leone Band of Victoria will play marches along Capuchins Street and will accompany the procession.

The faithful are invited to gather near the Civil Protection Station in Capuchins Street and accompany the last stretch of the procession aux flambeaux. Celebrations end with a Eucharist celebration and sacramental blessing.

¤ The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is being celebrated at the Jesus of Nazareth church in Xaghra on Tuesday.

Xaghra Archpriest Eucharist Sultana will lead the first vespers of the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross tomorrow at 6.45 p.m. at Jesus of Nazareth church, Xaghra, at 6.45 p.m. The church's pavement, presbytery, tabernacle, pulpit and altar will be blessed.

At 7 p.m., the Victory Band will play marches along Mannar Street to the church square. It will then accompany the translation of the relics, led by Archpriest Sultana, followed by the litany at 8.15.

At 8.45, Fr Tonio Mifsud, OFM Conv. will lead a prayer vigil.

On Tuesday, Bishop Cauchi will lead concelebrated Mass at 6.45 p.m., with the participation of the Maranathe Choir.

A pasta night will be held on the church square at 8.15 p.m. The San Gwann Scout Group will animate the evening.

On Wednesday, Fr Joseph Cini will celebrate Mass for the sick and elderly at 9 a.m., followed by a get-together at the centre.

On Friday, Fr Joseph Bajada, vice-rector of the Gozo Seminary, will celebrate Mass. Sr Mikela Calleja will mark the 25th anniversary of her religious ordination. There will also be the renewal of promises of the altar boys and novices. The Neocathecumenal Community will take part.

A tombola will be held on the church square on Saturday at 8 p.m.

¤ Adoration, to mark the fifth apparition of Fatima is being held at Ta' Hamet church tomorrow at 5.30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 7.30 p.m., followed by an aux flambeaux procession.

¤ On Thursday, the Gozo Diocese will celebrate the 140th anniversary of its foundation. Mass will be concelebrated by the Gozo Cathedral Chapter at the Cathedral at 7 p.m., followed by the singing of the Te Deum. At 7.30 p.m., the bells of all the churches in Gozo will ring in unison to commemorate this anniversary.

¤ The Bethel Charismatic Movement is organising a national conference, entitled "Hajti fid-Dawl tal-Ewkaristija", at Ta' Pinu Sanctuary from Friday to Sunday. For more information phone Stella Vella on 2155-3110; Mary Ann Brincat on 7920-4058, or Fr George Bezzina, Fontana parish priest, on 2155-6097.

¤ The Nadur council is organising a floral art exhibition by local resident Maria Galea, at Kenuna Tower from Saturday to September 26.

¤ Step Back In Time... by visiting the stunning collection of maritime art from the original oils of Thomas J. Burnell. From speedy Clippers to the smoky scenes of famous battles, from the historic meeting between Nelson and Archpriest Saver Cassar to the exhilarating ride on a J-Class yacht.

The exhibition, at the Exhibition Hall, St Francis Square, Victoria, opens tomorrow and ends on September 30. Opening hours are from Mondays to Fridays from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.; and on Saturdays and September 21, from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is free.