Liturgical feast of Saul of Tarsus
The feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta is being celebrated today as, for the first time in nearly 80 years, February 10 will mark the start of Lent, also known as Ash Wednesday.
Religious celebrations start with the Solemn Pontifical Mass led by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna at 9.15am. Reverend Philip Cutajar ofm Cap. D.D. will deliver the highly-awaited Paniġierku.
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna will at noon provide a full-gun traditional salute fired from the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barrakka, while at around 12.45pm, the traditional march ‘tas-siegħa’ by the Società Filarmonica Nazionale La Valette will start and lead the growing crowd into St Paul’s Street.
The main procession with the titular statue of St Paul starts at 5.30pm and makes its way around the main streets of Valletta amid the joy of all the Maltese, with the most exciting closure being planned for 9.30pm.
The celebration ends with singing of the antiphon Sancte Paule composed by Paolo Nani and impartation of Eucharistic Benediction.
To this day the interior of the church lit by crystal chandeliers is a rich and colourful mix of artistry – an outpouring of religious fervour in all its splendour, laden with the rich silver and gold utensils.
In an unfortunate case of bad weather on festa day, the external festivities will be postponed to tomorrow.
For this occasion the Għaqda tal-Pawlini is launching a publication having different historical information and a detailed programme of the internal/external activities, a new website www.sanpawl.com and an exhibition at Dar tal-Pawlini, 8, Archbishop Street, by Joeaby Vassallo on the theme Għeliem.
Zumba classes in Mqabba
The Women’s Commission within Our Lady of the Lily Musical Society of Mqabba is holding zumba classes.
An introductory session is being held today and sessions under the supervision of a qualified instructor will be held every following Saturday at the Lily Band Club, Church Square, Mqabba at 3pm.
Bookings can be done on 7953 9542 or 9927 5037.
More information may be obtained online at www.talgilju.com.