Benedictine Torch to be lit in Malta

The Benedictine Order has chosen Malta for its annual event of peace, hope and fraternity, known as the Benedictine Torch.

Every year, since 1964, the Torch is the main feature of a pilgrimage beginning from the city chosen to light the torch and ending in Monte Cassino in Rome at the Shrine of St Benedict.

This year, the Benedictine Torch will be lit in Malta by Archbishop Paul Cremona on March 4, during Mass which he will celebrate with Mgr Pietro Vittorelli, Archabbot of Montecassino Abbey, and Mgr Renato Boccardo, Archbishop of Spoleto, Norcia.

The Mass, at St John's CoCathedral at 5.30 p.m., will be animated by the Benedictine Choir of Monte Cassino.

On March 14, the Torch will be taken to the Vatican to be blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, and will then be taken to the Shrine of St Benedict in Monte Cassino on March 20.