Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary since the statue of the Immaculate Conception was brought to Qala Sanctuary were celebrated on Wednesday at the Franciscan church at Ghajnsielem.

Activities included a musico-literary evening, presided over by Minister Giovanna Debono, with the participation of soprano Rita Dimech, St Anthony's Choir and the Ghajnsielem Orchestra Ensemble, under the direction of Mro Frank Debono. A prayer vigil for peace was also held by Fr Christopher Farrugia and Fr Charles Wickman.

The highlight of the Marian week was a pilgrimage from St Anthony's church in Ghajnsielem to the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception in Qala.

Accompanied by the statue of Our Lady, the pilgrimage was also held with the participation of the confraternities of the Rosary of Ghajnsielem and Nadur as well as the confraternity of the Immaculate Conception in Qala and the Franciscan Friars.

Concelebrated Mass was led by Fr Paul Galea at the sanctuary. Fifty years ago, in 1954, a pilgrimage was held to mark the first centenary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The statue of Our Lady was then taken to St Anthony's church in Ghajnsielem, where it remained for some days.