Last Friday, the Feast of Bishop Saint Publius and the Last Day of Triduum in honour of Saint Paul, the music score of a hymn and antiphon dedicated to Saint Paul were presented to the church of Marsalforn.

The music score was presented to Rector Canon Michael Borg by the composer himself, Mr. Ivan Attard. The lyrics of the hymn are taken from the kurunella, written by Fr. Krispin, a capuchin friar. At present, Ivan is the Assistant Director of the Nativitas Choir belonging to the Victory Philharmonic Society of Xaghra and the organist of the National Sanctuary of the Assumption of Our Lady at ta’ Pinu. He gives regular services at the church of Marsalforn and in other parish churches around Gozo. He is studying to obtain a diploma in music theory under the guidance of Mro. Joseph Grech.

The hymn was sung for the first time on Friday by the Nativitas choir who animated the solemn liturgy of the Last Day of Triduum which was led by Canon Mario Borg. The Rector of Marsalforn expressed its satisfaction for this presentation and said that he is very happy that the Marsalforn church is beginning to collect exclusive music.

Immediately after the presentation, Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. Chris Said, inaugurated the Pauline manifestation ‘FAITH, ART AND CULTURE’ in Marsalforn as part of the titular feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul.

The festivities reached their climax on Sunday with the solemn procession with the titular statue of Saint Paul along the streets of Marsalforn bay and the Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by H.L. Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, with the participation of the Reverend Chapter and Clergy of the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady from Xaghra.

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