The village of Bahrija, renowned for its annual "turkey fair" (being held next Sunday) to coincide with the feast of St Martin, Bishop of Tours, is celebrating the feast of its patron this week.

Today at 9 a.m., a new bronze Way of the Cross by sculptor Anton Agius will be inaugurated during sung Mass. At 5 p.m. the translation of the relic from the chapel to the church will be followed by the blessing of the new niche, from which the statue of St Martin will be taken out.

Tomorrow, which is dedicated to children, another statue of St Marin will be carried in procession from the chapel to the church at 5.30 p.m., followed by Mass and distribution of the traditional borza ta' San Martin to children.

On Tuesday, which is dedicated to youths, the 6 p.m. Mass will feature rehabilitated former drug abusers recounting their experiences. There will be a reception after Mass.

On Wednesday, first day of the triduum, the newly ordained priest, Fr Damian Xuereb, will celebrate Mass for the elderly and administer Extreme Unction. On Thursday, the 6 p.m. Mass will include the presentation of babies baptised during the year; couples who have celebrated their tenth, 20th, 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries will be special guests. Friday will be dedicated to the sick and invalids of the community. The 6 p.m. Mass is for all residents of Bahrija.

On Saturday, the feast day proper, the rector of the church, Fr Timon Mercieca, will lead a concelebrated Mass at 6 p.m., and Fr Martin Schembri, O.Carm., will deliver the panegyric.

After Mass, the statue of St Martin will be taken out in procession through the streets of the village, accompanied by the L'Isle Adam Band of Rabat.

On Sunday, day of the fair, there will be Masses at 6, 9, 10, and 11 a.m. and at 4.30 p.m. Throughout the day there will be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel, while a Blood Transfusion Unit will be available for those who wish to donate blood.