43rd Holy Name Society diocesan congress

Last Sunday, the 43rd diocesan congress of the Holy Name Society was held in Xaghra. Pontifical Mass was held in the basilica; a procession was held along 8th September Avenue in the morning, and a similar event took place on Victory Square in the evening. The Diocesan Youth Choir participated.

Bishop Mario Grech presided over the event for the first time. The society's national and diocesan committees, the Xaghra clergy, religious orders, and people from all Gozitan parishes took part.

The Victoria Scout Group and the Victory Band accompanied the statue of the Good Shepherd.

Local primary schoolchildren performed a mime and young people from The Guiding Light group presented a dialogued message on the vice of blasphemy on Victory Square.

Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo delivered a short speech on the importance of clearly distinguishing between fact and fiction in religious matters.

Bishop Grech exhorted the crowd to experience the Word of God as handed down by the Apostles who were authentic witnesses of the Truth.

Fr Joseph Vassallo, OP, also addressed the gathering before Diocesan Congress chaplain, Mgr Eucaristico Sultana, imparted benediction with the Holy Eucharist.

Diocesan Congress president Joseph Refalo announced that next year's congress will be held on Sunday, April 22, in Ghajnsielem.