On Wednesday, the 28th of April 2010, the Xaghra Local Council concluded the festivities related to the commemoration of the 322nd Anniversary of the Xaghra Parish foundation.

This day has very strong historical ties since in 1688, the then Bishop, Davide Cocco Palmeri, separated four zones from the Gozo Mother Church, today the Diocesan Cathedral and established them as independent parishes with their own respective pastor. The parishes were Xaghra, Sannat, Nadur and Zebbug. Therefore, the present Local Council chose this day to be commemorated as Xaghra Day.

The programme of activities reached its climax with a Solemn Thanksgiving Mass celebrated at the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady (Xaghra). This mass was presided by Reverend Mgr Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest of Xaghra Parish, together with Reverend Mgr Eucharist Sultana, Archpriest Emeritus and Dean of the Collegiate Chapter. The animation of the singing during this liturgical celebration was led by the Nativitas Choir belonging to the Victory Philharmonic Society of Xaghra, directed by Mrs. Silvana Agius and accompanied on the Basilica’s organ played by resident organist Mr. Ivan Attard. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles was read by Xaghra Mayor Mr. Joseph Cordina while the prayers of the faithful were read by councilor Mr. Joseph Bartolo. The offerings were brought to the high altar decorated for the secondary feast of Saint Joseph by Vice-Mayor Dr. Christian Zammit, councilors Mary Carmen Bajada and Dr. Kevin Cutajar together with Executive Secretary Mr. Joseph Azzopardi. Mass animator was Mr. Michael Spiteri.

Since this day coincided with the first day of Solemn Triduum in honour of Saint Joseph, the co-patron saint of Xaghra Parish, Reverend Canon Michael Galea preached his first homily in which he praised Saint Joseph and compared him to Joseph mentioned in the Old Testament of the Holy Scripture. At the end of the Holy Mass, Mgr Archpriest invited all those present to respect Xaghra since it was the village which gave us identity. He also encouraged all people to participate in the several initiatives which the present council is taking for the benefit of our locality. Yesterday’s celebration ended with the singing of the Antiphon Exsurgens Josef and impartation of the Eucharistic Benediction.

The Xaghra Local Council organised a reception for all those involved in the preparations for the activities related to Xaghra Day 2010. This reception was held at the council’s administrative office in 8th September Avenue. Present for this reception were Mgr Archpriest Carmelo Refalo, Canon Michael Galea, members of the Nativitas Choir, the Victory Philharmonic Society’s Secretary and other residents who had the opportunity to meet the council in an informal manner.

The Xaghra Local Council has said that it would like to thank all those involved in the preparations for the Xaghra Day activities.

Xaghra Local Council said that it is now organising the next large scale event, which will be a ‘TASTE OF SUMMER,’ which is going to held near the Calypso Cave, on Saturday, the 12th of June 2010, starting from 6.30pm onwards. There will be a professional dance show by the Body Art Dance Group coordinated and directed by Mr. Angelo Bonello, activities for children, local and established DJs etc etc. More details will be announced by Xaghra during the next few weeks.

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