Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2013 » 28 APR 2013 - 325th ANNIVERSARY FOUNDING OF PARISH - MASS
The day, 28th April 1688, remains inscribed in gold as it was then that Bishop Cocco Palmeri decreed the hamlet of Xaghra, a Parish separate from the Gozo Cathedral. It is, therefore, befitting that every year this day, the birth of the Parish is celebrated in style. Celebrations this year were given more importance since the Parish was celebrating the 325th anniversary of its foundation.
By the first church dedicated to St Anthony the Abbott erected in the 13th century and which served the new Parish, the Bishop of Gozo, H.L. Mgr Mario Grech, celebrated open air Mass assisted by Mgr Carmelo Refalo, the 5th Archpriest of Xaghra, and Can. John Sultana, Rector of the Church. Co celebrants included the Chapter and Clergy of the Collegiate. This church was also celebrating the 25th anniversary of its dedication after a great refurbishment took place. So, during the presentation of the offerings, Can. John Bartolo, deputy Rector and Rector for many years before, incensed the marble plaques with crosses fixed to the walls and which were used for the dedication in 1998 by the late Mgr Nicholas G Cauchi, the then Bishop of Gozo.
After Mass, the Holy Eucharist was carried in procession to the Basilica.
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