Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna will inaugurate a series of penitential Lent pilgrimages, on the celebration of the traditional Ħadd in-Nies (People’s Sunday), in Żabbar tomorrow.
In the past, this aspect of thanksgiving and penance inspired our forefathers and fathers to pay visits and join in pilgrimages to the venerated Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar.
The tradition dates back to centuries before the Order of St John came to Malta in AD1530. With the introduction of carnival during the early days of the Order in Malta, visitors to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces increased on Ash Wednesday as an act of penance for any follies committed during the carnival festivities.
People from all walks of life went to the sanctuary to fulfil their vows, pray and ask for God’s blessings. From Ash Wednesday, these visits slowly shifted to the first Sunday of Lent. In the 17th century, this event turned into a festivity similar to Imnarja and San Girgor, until around 80 years ago where the spirit of penance was revived via the use of floats and groups depicting the history and devotion to our Lady of Graces.
In recent years, the annual pilgrimage has reverted back to the original pilgrimage as a sign of penance and thanksgiving to the Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Graces.
The pilgrimage starts at 4pm from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar. It will be accompanied by the statue of Our Lady of Graces as the parish is this year celebrating its 400 years.
Immediately after the pilgrimage, Archbishop Scicluna will lead a concelebrated Mass with the participation of the Notre Dame choir. Everybody is encouraged to participate to feel the true spirit of Lent.
MCI inaugural concert at Imperial Hotel
The Malta Cultural Institute will be presenting its fifth concert for the 2015/2016 season, in the ballroom of the Imperial Hotel in Rudolphe Street, Sliema tomorrow at 6pm. The ballroom entrance is through St Mary Street, Sliema.
The programme of the evening will be on a romantic theme and the MCI Blüthner concert grand pianoforte will be the focal point of the evening. This occasion will be celebrating the 67th anniversary of the MCI and its piano.
Concert pianist Tom Armitage will be giving a recital on the MCI piano. He is a British pianist who is based in Malta. His programme will include works by Sinding, Puccini, Brahms and also his own compositions.
Armitage is a graduate in music with many international awards and acclamations to his name. As well as performing and composing, he is very active as a vocal répétiteur and teacher of piano and composition.
The MCI will be presenting for the first time the Flamenco Dance Group from the Malta Drama Centre. This group, tutored by Renée Saliba, is part of the Directorate for Lifelong Learning of the Department of Education. The vocal and instrumental part of the programme will be featuring the soloists and choir from Marie Therese Vassallo Voice Studio. They will be singing a programme of romantic music, keeping to the theme of the evening.
This month’s exhibition will be featuring the works of well- known painter Ray Piscopo.
All are invited to attend. A small donation at the door, to help cover some of the expenses of the evening, will be appreciated.
More information may be obtained by sending an e-mail to maltacultinst@gmail.com or by calling the MCI director on 2133 8923 or 9980 0409.
The gems of carnival - Talk on the Qarċilla and Maltese jewellery history
Jewellery historian Francesca Balzan will be giving a lecture on a light-hearted subject which delivers novel insights into the jewellery history of Malta.
She will be digging deep into the tradition of the Qarċilla, a burlesque play traditionally held at street corners during carnival.
The lecture, being organised by the Departmen of Maltese and the Department of History of Art of the University of Malta, in collaboration with Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, will be held at Dar l-Ewropa, St Paul Street, Valletta on Monday at 6.30pm.
The lecture will be delivered in English.