Coming up

• On the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Succour, at Kercem parish today, Bishop Mario Grech leads a Pontifical Mass, with the participation of the St Gregory choir, under the direction of Mro P. Grech, maestro di cappella, at 9 a.m.

At 11.30, joyous marches played by the Maria Mater Gratie Band from Zabbar, in the main streets.

At 7 p.m., the parish community gathers at the church for evening prayers, led by Fr Michael Curmi, with the participation of the St Gregory choir.

At 7.45, a procession with the participation of the St Gregory band of Kercem and the San Gregorio da Sassola band. The Mnarja and Ite ad Joseph band give a concert in front of the parish church.

At 10.15, the statue of the Madonna of Succour re-enters the church, accompanied by the singing of the antiphon Beata me dicent. Bishop Grech will give the Sacramental Blessing.

The feast comes to a close with marches by the Ite ad Joseph band.

• Events as part of the Victoria International Arts Festival at the Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia, St George's basilica, Victoria, include a concert by the Olden Ensemble for Contemporary Music of France, today at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow at 8 p.m., a 10th anniversary concert at St George's basilica, with the participation of the National Orchestra (Malta), Laudate Pueri Choir (Gozo), Edinburgh University Chamber Choir (Scotland), King's Junior School and Ely Choristers (England), violinist Marcello Canci (Italy), tenor Leonardo Alaimo (Italy). The programme includes Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and Mro Joseph Vella's Symphony 3 (Apocalypse Verses).

• Participants of the Theology Course for the Laity, organised by the Gozo Diocese, over the past four years, will be presented with their diplomas at the Heart of Jesus Seminary hall, Victoria, on Friday at 5.30 p.m.