Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2009 » 02 FEB 09 - CANDLEMAS
The Feast of the Presentation, called Candlemas, commemorating the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the temple, which took place 40 days after his birth was celebrated in Xaghra on Monday 2 February. Candles were blessed in the Oratory and then taken in procession from the Oratory to the Basilica via Victory Square. Mass was then celebrated by Mgr Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest, with Can John Bartolo and Can Anthony Attard co celebrating. The children who are due to receive their First Holy Communion this year played a major role during Mass. During the reading of the Gospel by Can John Bartolo, five of them staged the day's Gospel. In front of the altar came Joseph and Mary with the child Jesus, Joseph carrying two white pigeons as the Holy Family's offering to God. The just and good man Simeon came taking Baby Jesus in his arms thanking God that he saw the Messiah before his death. Finally the prophetess Anna joined the group praising the Lord. During the Homily, Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo lit a candle from the Paschal Candle. After the homily the candidates for First Holy Communion went up one by one onto the Presbytery and lit a candle from that held by the Archpriest. Mass offerings were delivered by five of them. Ms Marion Portelli animated Mass; the Choir Voci Angeliche directed by its Director Ms Grace Vella accompanied on the organ by Fr Michael Curmi animated the singing.
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