Fr Michael Galea of Xaghra recently celebrated his first solemn Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in his hometown.

A défilé, with the participation of the Victory Band, was followed by seminarians and prospective ones carrying the Mass vestments. Fr Galea was flanked by his parents Victoria and Eucharist, Xaghra archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo and archpriest emeritus Mgr Eucharist Sultana.

Also present were Bishop Mario Grech, Fr Galea's brother Roderick and his fiancée, Canon Michael Camilleri, OP, who delivered the homily during Mass, the new priest's uncle, Canon Emanuel Galea, and other relatives.

A delegation from New Jersey, where Fr Galea spent his mid-term year at the Holy Saviour parish church, also attended. This was made up of Fr Tom Newton, Fr T. Odien, who was parish priest at the time, Sr Bianca Camilleri and Mr and Mrs Dolores Werrel.

At the basilica, Fr Galea was greeted by parishioners whom he blessed with holy water at the door.

Louis Bajada read out biographical notes on Fr Galea, while the orchestra and the Maria Bambina choir, under the direction of Mro John Galea, performed during the event.

After blessing the congregation, Fr Galea placed a bouquet of flowers in front of the statue in the nave.

He then returned to the high altar to have his hands anointed with balsam to be kissed by all of those present. The congregation included Mr Speaker Anton Tabone, Minister Giovanna Debono and her husband Anthony, the mayor and Mrs Spiteri, Frederick Azzopardi, MP, and Mrs Azzopardi, Dr Anton Refalo, MP, and Dr Justyne Caruana, MP, and her husband.

After Mass, Fr Galea and his parents hosted a large reception in the grounds of Fr Mattew Sultana School in Xaghra, attended by around 1,500 guests.