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¤ The feast of the Immaculate Conception is being celebrated this week.

In Victoria the feast will be marked by the Franciscan Friars. Horses will be blessed on St Francis Square, today at 9.30 a.m.

The La Stella and Santa Margherita bands play marches in the village streets on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Traditional horse and donkey races will be held in Republic Street on Thursday at 8.30 a.m.

Vicar-General Mgr Giovanni B. Gauci leads a concelebrated Mass at 9.30. The Laudate Pueri choir will participate. Xaghra archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo leads solemn vespers at 5 p.m. The procession with the statue of Our Lady, accompanied by the Stella Band, starts at 5.45, as the Mnarja Band gives a concert on the main square.

The feast will be marked in Qala with a concelebrated Mass led by Bishop Nikol Cauchi on Thursday at 9.30 a.m. The traditional car and motorcycle pilgrimage leaves Ta' Pinu Sanctuary at 1.30 p.m. for Conception Square where Canon Joe Zammit will bless the vehicles. Motorists will be presented with mementoes to mark the pilgrimage's 50th anniversary.

There will be solemn vespers at 4, after which the procession with the statue of Our Lady, led by former Senglea archpriest Canon Vincent Cachia, starts at 5 p.m. The Ite ad Joseph Band will participate.

¤ The 45th Rally of Catholic societies, ecclesiastical groups, and parish council members, on the theme 'The Lay Ministries', will be held at the Catholic Action premises in Sir Arturo Mercieca Street, Victoria, today from 8.30 a.m. to noon. A forum, led by Bishop Nikol Cauchi, starts at 10.30 a.m.

¤ The Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria will be organising its fourth annual book fair at the exhibition hall on St Francis Square, Victoria, on Tuesday and Wednesday during office hours and on Thursday from 4.30 to 8.30 p.m.. There will be a wide selection of books and a Maltese melitensia section.

The latest published etching of Ggantija by Italian artist Rosalia Ferreri will be on sale at a special price. This etching is published annually in a very limited edition and signed by the artist. Ghawdex bil-grajja tieghu by G.P. Agius de Soldanis will also be on sale.

¤ Nadur council is holding a recital by Italian soprano Eva Zampieron at St Peter and St Paul Basilica, Nadur, on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m.

¤ Schola Cantorum Jubilate holds its third Carols by Candle Light at St Augustine's Cloister, Victoria, on Saturday at 7.30 p.m.

A gala dinner, prepared by Ta' Frenc Restaurant's chef, will be held afterwards. The proceeds will go to Dar Guzeppa Debono, a centre for single mothers.

For more information phone 7905-5207. Tickets are obtainable from D'Amato Record Shop in Valletta and Bargate bookshop in Victoria.

¤ A bazaar with food and traditional Maltese Christmas sweets is being held at a shop by Our Lady of Victory parish church in Xaghra on Saturday and Sunday from 6.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information phone Frances Busuttil on 7920-5316.

¤ The Friends Sick and the Elderly are holding their annual buffet lunch at Palazzo Margherita in Sannat on Sunday at noon. There will be spot prizes and a raffle.

Tickets at Lm7 for adults (children Lm3) are obtainable from Vittorina Mizzi (2155-1059), Antoinette Frendo (2155-1849), Mary Micallef (2155-2936), Grace Galea (2155-1757), and Audrey Pace (2155-3336). All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a mammography machine for Gozo General Hospital.

¤ A Christmas high tea to raise funds for the feast of Our Lady of Victory is being held at Villa Fiorita in Marsalforn on Sunday from 3 p.m. Transport will be provided from every village. Tickets are obtainable from Miriam Sultana, Captured Memories, in Main Gate Street, Victoria, or by phoning 2155-0450 or 9982-6367.

¤ A coffee morning is being held at the Respite Centre in Ghajnsielem on December 14 at 9 a.m. Tickets from the centre or by phoning 2156-5773, 2155-5803 or 2156-0905.

¤ The Mnarja Youth Commission is organising a weekend break at the Baystreet Hotel in St Julian's from December 16 to 18. For more information phone 7920-4646, 9925-6501 or 7926-6881 or contact the Mnarja Band Club.

¤ The Manresa Jesuit community is organising a variety show at the Catholic Action headquarters in Victoria, on December 18 at 6.15 p.m. There will be entertainment for all the family.

Proceeds will go to Arka Respite Centre and Fr Joseph Mizzi's mission in Egypt. For bookings phone Manresa House (tel: 2155-6635). For information call David Mario Fenech (7926-8652).

¤ KIDZ Football School for boys and girls will be held at the Sacred Heart Seminary Sports Complex between January and June. Sessions will be held on Sundays from 9 a.m. For more information phone the seminary (2156-5602), Patrick Vassallo (7947-2035) or Govann Bugeja (2155-6255).

¤ A Christmas crib and window competition is being held in Xaghra. For information contact Victor Agius (7959-4508).