Victoria Cathedral parish is en fête for the feast of Santa Marija tomorrow.
This year the cathedral is celebrating its 300th anniversary. It was consecrated by Bishop Giacomo Cañaves on October 11, 1716. A commemorative evening was held last Friday week. It included historical speeches by Stanley Fiorini and Mgr Joseph Bezzina and musical excerpts from the cathedral archives under the direction of Mro Colin Attard. An anniversary logo by Jeremy Scicluna was also launched.
Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona delivered the sermons during the triduum, which ended yesterday.
This morning the Cathedral Chapter will concelebrate Mass at 8am, followed by another Mass for children at 10am with the particpation of the Aurora Youth Choir. At 11am, the band march Tal-Bandiera will leave Cathedral Square for the Leone Band Club with the participation of children who will be carrying a big flag to be raised on the club’s roof at noon. The traditional band march will leave Independence Square to the Cathedral Square at 5.30pm.
Gozo Bishop Mario Grech will lead the translation of the relic at 6pm, followed by Pontifical Vespers. At 7.30pm, parish administrator Mgr Tarcisio Camilleri will lead a sung Mass to mark 41st anniversary of the crowning of the Assumption altarpiece.
Today, eve of the feast, Mgr Grech will lead a night vigil at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary from 8 to10.15pm. The Gozitan Eucharistic Movement will lead an adoration, followed by Mass at midnight. Radju Marija 102.3/107.8 FM will air the celebration.
Transport will be available from all parishes. For more information call 2145 3105.
The Wirja ta’ Santa Marija agricultural and industrial show will open at Rundle Gardens this morning. Horses will be on display tomorrow morning.
This evening, the Visitation Band of Għarb will give a concert at Pjazza Indipendenza, followed by a grand band march along Republic Street with the participation of the Leone and the St Sebastian Band of Qormi and a ground fireworks display at Pjazza Savina.
Tomorrow, Mgr Grech will lead a Pontifical Mass with the Cathedral Chapter. The congregation will be led by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. She will then distribute prizes to winners at Rundle Gardens.
The 12th May Band of Żebbuġ, Malta, and San Ġużepp Band of Ħamrun will perform marches in the centre of Victoria from 11am onwards.
Horse races along Republic Street will start at 2.30pm.
The statue of Santa Marija – sculpted in Rome in 1897 – will leave the cathedral at 6.30pm.
An aerial fireworks display starts at 7pm.