Feast of St Anthony of Padua in Għajnsielem
Events to include relic translation, band march and concert
The feast of St Anthony of Padua will be celebrated at the Franciscan church in Għajnsielem on Sunday. Tomorrow will mark the final day of the triduum. Rosary will be recited at 6pm, followed by adoration and a concelebrated mass led by Mgr Joseph Sultana. After mass, there will be the recitation of the chaplet, the antiphon and Holy Eucharist benediction. Dinner will be held in front of St Anthony’s church at 8.30pm.
On Saturday, eve of the feast, the translation of the relic will take place at 6.45pm, led by the Franciscan Provincial Minister Ramon Farrugia OFM, followed by Pontifical mass by Bishop George Bugeja at 7pm. The Ite ad Josef Band of Qala will hold a band march at 9.30pm, followed by the traditional raising of the statue of St Anthony onto its pedestal.
On Sunday, Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma will lead a concelebrated mass at 8am, followed by the blessing and distribution of bread.
Għajnsielem archpriest Fr Joseph Hili will celebrate mass at 11am. Vespers will be held at 5.30pm, while Fr Farrugia will celebrate mass at 6pm.
The procession with the statue of the saint will leave the church at 7.30pm, accompanied by the St Joseph Band of Għajnsielem. During the procession, the Mnarja Band of Nadur will perform a concert at the church parvis.
All liturgical celebrations will be broadcast on Radju Lauretana 89.3FM and on www.radjulauretana.com. During the triduum, the music will be directed by Mro Tony Galea, while on Saturday and Sunday the choir and orchestra will be under the direction of Mro Frankie Debono.