● The feast of St John Bosco is being celebrated at the Don Bosco Oratory in Victoria today. This morning at 8.30, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech will lead a High Mass at the Oratory's chapel. Another Mass will be said by the cathedral archpriest, Mgr Joseph Attard, at 4.30 p.m. Mgr Attard will later lead the procession with the statue of St John Bosco accompanied by the Leone Band.
The new synthetic pitch football ground at the Oratory will be inaugurated this morning at 9.30 by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono.
This evening, the Gozo Youth Wind Band, directed by Joseph Grech, will perform a concert at the Don Bosco Theatre Hall at 7.30. Entrance is free.
The blessing of pets and other animals will be held this morning at 10.30 at St Augustine's Square in Victoria. An animal parade from St Francis Square through Vajrinġa Street will precede the blessing. The parade starts at 10 a.m.
● The Padre Pio Prayer Group is holding a prayer meeting at the Capuchin Friars' Our Lady of Graces Sanctuary, Victoria, on Friday. There will be the recitation of the Rosary at 5.30 p.m. followed by Mass.
● The general meeting of the male section of Catholic Action will be held today from 8.30 a.m. at its headquarters in Sir Arturo Mercieca Street, Victoria. A forum will be held followed by the election of a new council.
● Mgr Grech will accompany Gozo seminarians on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land between today and February 18.
● The Cana Movement is organizing marriage preparation courses for couples. They will be held on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. The courses start on February 22. Interested couples should call 2155-6513 between 5.30 and 8 p.m. and apply at the Cana centre in Victoria.
● Archpriest Paul Cardona will lead a sung Mass on Saturday at 6 p.m. at St George's Basilica to mark the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. An aux flambeaux pilgrimage will follow.
● A bazaar in aid of Lourdes and Carolina Cauchi Homes will be held at Lourdes Home, Għajnsielem, between tomorrow and Thursday from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
cspiteri@timesofmalta.com