Activities were held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the granting of the penitentiary indulgence to those who pray in front of the Marija Bambina niche in Church Street, Xagħra. The festive evening included Mass celebrated by Xagħra archpriest Carmelo Refalo in front of the niche, followed by the recitation of a poem written and read by Francesco Pio Attard and a commemorative speech by Michael Spiteri. Also included were a march by the Victory Band, fireworks and a reception for the audience, including Xagħra mayor Joe Cordina.

On September 10, 1768, Bishop Bartholomeo Rull decreed 40 days penitentiary indulgence to whoever recites the Holy Father, the Holy Mother and the Glory in front of the Marija Bambina stone statue found in the niche. The origin of the statue is not known, neither the sculptor.

Fifty years ago, the Spiteri family reintegrated the niche in the façade of their newly-built residence. To mark the event then, Fr Michaelangelo Apap, who used to look after the niche, together with the Spiteri family, organised a band march and an open air Mass led by then Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi. The event was recorded by The Times of Malta on September 18, 1968 with the title ‘Celebrations at Xagħra’. Fifty years later, the children of the Spiteri family took the initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this historical niche.

Commemorative postcards and stamps were printed and date-stamped to mark the date when Bishop Rull decreed the indulgence. They can be obtained from Aaron Attard-Hili.