A grand feast in Toronto, a big prosit
On April 26, once again, the Canadian and Maltese and Gozitans in Toronto and neighbouring cities in Canada and the US, have celebrated the feast in honour of St George. This was the 22nd annual such event held by the Festa San Ġorġ Association in...
On April 26, once again, the Canadian and Maltese and Gozitans in Toronto and neighbouring cities in Canada and the US, have celebrated the feast in honour of St George. This was the 22nd annual such event held by the Festa San Ġorġ Association in Toronto.
A huge and colourful dinner dance took place in the massive Rizzo Hall on Albion Rd in Rexdale - a suburb north west of Toronto - where the Malta Band of Toronto played various entertaining marches and marched through the hall which was adorned by "pavaljuni" acquired by the Festa San Ġorġ Association from the Ġorġjani in Qormi.
A statue of St George which had been in Toronto for many years, was carried around the hall to the enthusiasm of all those present. The band played Ġorġi Tagħna - the Gozitan hymn and Fjur tal-Martri the Qormi hymn both dedicated to St George.
Both hymns were greeted enthusiastically by the close to 700 people who were present.
Bishop of Gozo Mario Grech offered grace before dinner and after the appetizing meal, a band entertained the guests with a selection of beautiful songs to which many joined in the dancing.
On Sunday, the religious feast took place at St Paul the Shipwreck Church on Dundas St West, in Toronto. This year's special guest was Bishop Grech who was welcomed with great enthusiasm by all the Maltese and Gozitans in Toronto and those who came from nearby cities. Bishop Grech was accompanied by his personal assistant Fr Eddie Zammit and his secretary Fr Charles Sultana. Bishop Grech is giving special treatment to two Gozitan priests who this year are marking their fortieth year of priesthood.
They are Fr Alfred Grima, from Xewkija, and Fr Joseph Sultana, from Xagħra. Other guests of honour were the Maltese Consul Edwin Abela, and the BOVI Canadian representative.
Mgr Grech celebrated Mass and delivered a homily honouring St George and welcoming all the Maltese/Gozitans who attended the function.
This feast is not a Qormi/ Victoria feast, but a Maltese/Gozitan Feast and all present join in the celebration to honour St George and it is a chance for them to get together with other people of their own nationality.
It's a grand annual feast and a big prosit goes to the Festa San Ġorġ Association for their initiative and for their dedication which has made this feast a truly successful annual Maltese/Gozitan celebration in honour of the Martyr, St George.