State and religious functions mark Victory Day
The victories in the sieges of 1565 and of World War II were recalled yesterday during Victory Day in activities by the state and the Church which started with a pontifical high Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta and the keenly contested...
The victories in the sieges of 1565 and of World War II were recalled yesterday during Victory Day in activities by the state and the Church which started with a pontifical high Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta and the keenly contested traditional regatta in Grand Harbour.
Led by the Archbishop, Mgr Joseph Mercieca, the Mass was attended by the President and Mrs Eddie Fenech Adami, the Prime Minister and Mrs Lawrence Gonzi, cabinet ministers and MPs.
The congregation included also Police Commissioner John Rizzo, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, members of the diplomatic corps, the judiciary and Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
After Mass, which ended with the singing of the Te Deum, President Fenech Adami laid a wreath at the foot of the Great Siege monument in Republic Street, Valletta, a ceremony that attracted the attention of numerous tourists.
Prior to the celebration of Mass the band and guard of honour of the Armed Forces of Malta marched from near Christ the King monument in Floriana down Republic Street.
The feast of Our Lady of Victories was yesterday also celebrated in Senglea, Mellieha, Naxxar and Xaghra.