The Curia of Malta has announced that John Galea’s Mass ‘In Fractione Panis’ has been selected out of six entries by a board set up at the Vatican, to be performed during the High Mass that Pope Benedict XVI will be leading at the Granaries Square in Floriana. John Galea is the musical director of the Chorus Urbanus, he composed the piece for the 25th anniversary celebration of the ordination into the priesthood of HE Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo.

The Mass will be the highlight of Pope Benedict’s short visit to Malta which takes place on the 17th and 18th of April 2010.

Two choirs of 120 members each, one adult and one children’s, are expected to participate in this High Mass and auditions for choristors will be held at the end of January. Members of the Chorus Urbanus are expected to feature prominently in the performance of Mro Galea’s Mass.

The Curia also gave details of the preparations for the Papal visit. The official logo, by Gozitan, 26-year old, Mario Abela, was also unveiled. His design was chosen from 24 that had been submitted in the competition, Mario is a teacher at the St Theresa College in Birkirkara. The logo was chosen by the Maltese bishops because it symbolises St Paul’s visit to Malta. The design shows a sailing vessel with the holy cross as the boat’s mast, riding the wave. The message, ‘Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island,’ will accompany all the acitivities on the Papal visit. The theme that was chosen is a verse from the Acts of the Apostles which refers to St Paul’s Shipwreck on Malta.

The Chorus Urbanus said that the news that John Galea’s musical piece had been selected was received with great pride by all the members of the Choir. Mro Galea made everyone feel proud of the great talent Gozo possesses. The members of the Chorus Urbanus, are looking forward to such an unique experience for all of them and for their musical director.

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