All the different sections within Mqabba are currently pulling their socks up as the village is this year commemorating an important occasion – the 140th anniversary from the arrival of the statue of Our Lady of the Lily.

“Everything indicates that we will have another honourable feast,” says Marvin Sciberras, public relations officer of Our Lady of the Lily Musical Society in Mqabba.

Celebrations started yesterday and activities are being held all week until the fulcrum of activities is reached on the feast day, Sunday, June 19.

The ceremony of the exposition of the statue of Our Lady of the Lily is being held tomorrow at 10.30am. The statue will be placed at the centre of the parish church for a fortnight of public veneration.

A vocal and instrumental programme is being presented on Tuesday.

Various national and international talent will be participating.

A large-scale project initiated during the past years will be unveiled on Thursday. It will be accampanied by a multivisual display with lights and fireworks at around 10pm.

After a year full of activities, the youth section continued to decorate the streets of the village. The climax of their work will be reached during the grand march on Friday.

The fireworks section will be giving aerial and ground displays during the whole week. The highlight will surely be on the eve of the feast, on Saturday.

Presentation of babies and children

On the occasion of the feast, parish priest John Curmi will be leading a ceremony with the presentation of babies and children to Our Lady on Monday at 5.30pm.

A souvenir will be given to all children taking part. Registration free of charge can be done on 9982 3332.

A Mass with the participation of children and youths will afterward be said by Fr Trevor Fairclough.