Tribute to Our Lady for two historic victories

Malta yesterday celebrated one of its national holidays, September 8, also known as Our Lady of Victories.

The feast has a triple significance for Malta: It commemorates the birth of Our Lady, the historic defeat of the Turks by the Maltese in the Great Siege of 1565 and the collapse of fascism in Italy in 1943 which ended the siege of Malta in World War II.

The parishes of Senglea, Naxxar, Mellieha and Xaghra commemorate the feast in a special way as they are dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. The official commemoration of the victory over the Turks began with President Eddie Fenech Adami inspecting an Armed Forces of Malta Guard of Honour outside St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta. This was followed by a concelebrated Mass led by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca at the cathedral which was attended by numerous dignitaries including the President, the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers.

After Mass, Dr Fenech Adami laid a wreath at the Great Siege Monument in Republic Street, Valletta.

In the afternoon the traditional regatta was held in the Grand Harbour.