Blessing of animals

Xagħra celebrated the feast of St Anthony the Abbott at St Anthony church in Tal-Qaċċa last Sunday. The blessing of horses took place at St Anthony square by parish priest Carmelo Refalo in the morning. The statue of St Anthony was carried to the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady on a horse-drawn carriage, with a défilé of horses, ponies and donkeys and the participation of the Victory Band, followed by a dog and cat show. In the afternoon, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech recited the solemn vespers at the basilica, followed by a procession with the statue of the saint. On arrival at the square, Mgr Grech blessed animals and pets.