For the thirteenth year, the Diocesan Curia in collaboration with the National Sanctuary of Our Lady ‘Ta’ Pinu”s administration is organising a vigil on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, popularly known as ‘Santa Marija.’
This religious activity is going to take place on Friday, the 14th of August 2009, between 8.15pm and 10.30pm. The Diocesan Vigil includes a small procession aux flambaux with a replica of the titular painting venerated in the National Sanctuary, psalm singing, prayers and ends with a Solemn Pontifical Mass in front of the Sanctuary led by Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, together with several Gozitan and Maltese priests. Mgr Grech will deliver an occasional homily related to the Mystery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The whole event will be animated by the Nativitas choir of Xaghra together with representatives from several choirs around the island. The ‘mixed’ choir will be under the direction of Mrs Silvana Agius together with organists Joel Azzopardi (Sannat) and Ivan Attard (Xaghra).
Transport from Malta will be organised by volunteers from Radio Maria. The whole event will be transmitted live on Radio Maria (102.3FM) and other community radio stations. For further information, do not hesitate to contact the Rector of the Church, Fr. Gerard Buhagiar, on 99486151.
The Rector Fr. Gerard Buhagiar, Acting Rector Mgr Eucharist Sultana, Vice Rector Fr. Michael Galea and the other priests who help in the pastoral life of the National Sanctuary in Gharb (Gozo) invite everyone to attend this religious activity on the eve of the Assumption of Our Lady – a vigil which closes the fifteen traditional and devotional Wednesdays held at ta’ Pinu in spiritual preparation for the 15th of August’s great Solemnity.
After the Vigil (which ends at 10.30pm), Solemn Eucharist Adoration will be held in the National Sanctuary of Our Lady ta’ Pinu during the whole night. On Saturday, the 15th of August, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation (in which no work can be done and one has the obligation to participate Mass), masses in the Sanctuary will be celebrated according to the Sunday schedule, thus at 6.15am, 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.15am and 5.00pm.