Farewell Mass for Xaghra girl
Last Sunday, Melissa Sultana of Xaghra celebrated her joining the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters in Malta with a solemn thanksgiving Mass at the Xaghra basilica. She was joined by her family, led by her parents Maryanne and George, relatives,...
Last Sunday, Melissa Sultana of Xaghra celebrated her joining the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters in Malta with a solemn thanksgiving Mass at the Xaghra basilica. She was joined by her family, led by her parents Maryanne and George, relatives, friends and parishioners. Ursuline nuns and helpers were also present.
Mgr Carmelo Refalo, archpriest of Xaghra, led the concelebration with nine other priests. The parish choir, Voci Angeliche, under the direction of Grace Vella, was accompanied by John Cassar on the guitar, with Salvina Portelli and Marie Claire Zammit assisting the director on the synthesiser. The front rows on the left hand side of the aisle were reserved for young children whom Melissa always looked after in church.
In his homily, Mgr Eucharist Sultana, archpriest emeritus, mentioned the qualities which shone in Melissa.
He exhorted other girls to follow Melissa's example by following their vocation. The first to present the offerings were several of Melissa's young nieces and nephews, donating baskets filled with soft toys. They were followed by her parents, brothers and sisters.
Almost Lm300 in donations for the Ursuline Creche in Sliema, Melissa's future home, were collected during Mass. Melissa later presented a bouquet to Our Lady of Victories.