Coming up

• The feast of Our Lady of Graces is celebrated at the Capuchins Church in Victoria today with Pontifical Mass led by Bishop Nikol Cauchi at 9 a.m. The Fjur t'Assisi Choir will take part. The traditional motorbike and bicycle pilgrimage leaves Ta' Pinu Square at 11 a.m. Fr Remig Galea celebrates Mass at 6 p.m. Evening festivities start at 6.30 with marches by the Leone Band, followed by a procession led by Cathedral archpriest Joseph Attard, with the participation of the Leone Band at 7 p.m. The procession ends with a Eucharistic celebration and a sacramental blessing, with the participation of the Fjur t'Assisi choir, under the direction of George Cremona, and organist Marita Cassar. The Society of Christian Doctrine (MUSEUM) is holding a discussion on contemporary issues in the light of the Gospel, prayer experience, counselling and other activities related to the life and teachings of San Ġorġ Preca, in front of St Augustine's church, Victoria, today from 6.30 p.m.

• An abstract photography exhibition by Claire Borg is on at the Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria, until Wednesday. It is open from 8 a.m. until noon.

• Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono will open the Gozo Fine Art & Sculpture Exhibition at the Citadel on Friday. This is the second major exhibition that the Rotary Club Gozo has presented at the Citadel. Works by over 100 well known and up-and-coming local artists, and, for the first time, works from students of The Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts, will be on display and on sale. Proceeds will go to the Rotary Club Gozo's charities: The Friends of the Sick and the Elderly, Oasi, Wirt Għawdex and Happy Moments in Kenya. The eight-day exhibition opens to the public on Saturday.

• The Friends of the Sick and Elderly is organising the first of its winter car boot sales at the Marsalforn car park on September 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The €10 fee per car is payable on the day. For more information call 2155 3336 or e-mail admin@fsegozo.com. Hawkers and commercial sellers are not allowed.

• Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will preside over the official Independence Day ceremony at Independence Square, Victoria, next Sunday at 5 p.m. On the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Health, Mgr Karm Farrugia will lead a concelebrated Mass at Qala parish church on Sunday at 5 p.m. A pilgrimage with the miraculous painting of Our Lady will be held afterwards.

• An exhibition of photographs by George Saguna is being held at the art..e gallery, St Augustine Square, Victoria, until October 3. Viewing times are Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.

cspiteri@timesofmalta.com