The full programme of religious activities for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady celebrated at the National Sanctuary of Our Lady ‘Ta’ Pinu’ in Gharb Gozo is listed below:
Wednesday 11th August 2010:
Last Wednesday of devotion in honour of Our Lady.
5.00am, 6.00am, 7.00am, 8.30am and 9.00am: Masses at the Sanctuary.
Between 11.30am and 5.30pm: Eucharistic Adoration in silence at the chapel of Our Lady.
5.30pm: Solemn Mass with homily about the Blessed Virgin Mary led by Reverend Can. Carmelo Curmi. The Nativitas Choir animates this liturgy under the direction of Silvana Agius and accompanied by organist Ivan Attard.
6.30pm: Holy Mass.
7.00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary in the Chapel of Our Lady transmitted live on Radio RTK.
8.00pm: Solemn Mass with special prayers for all the Gozitan and Maltese families.
8.45pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary on the parvis of the Sanctuary presided by H.L. Mgr Mario Grech, Diocesan Bishop. All the families are being invited for this celebration. During the chanting of the Litany, a procession is held with the replica painting of Our Lady ta’ Pinu. At the end of this celebration, the Bishop consecrates all the families to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Eucharistic Benediction is imparted in the Sanctuary.
Thursday 12th August and Friday 13th August: Days of Triduum in honour of the Assumption.
7.00am and 8.30am: Holy Masses at the Sanctuary.
6.00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary in the Chapel of Our Lady and impartation of Eucharistic Benediction.
6.30pm: Mass with homily about the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Saturday 14th August: Eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady.
7.00am and 8.30am: Holy Masses at the Sanctuary.
8.15pm: VIGIL OF PRAYERS ON THE EVE OF THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY – Procession with the replica painting of Our Lady, Singing of Psalms inspired by the Eastern Liturgy and Solemn Concelebrated Mass presided by H.L. Mgr Mario Grech, Diocesan Bishop, together with several Gozitan and Maltese priests. The diocesan choir animating this liturgy will be under the direction of Silvana Agius and accompanied on the organ by Ivan Attard.
For the benefit of the sick and the elderly, this Marian celebration will be transmitted live on Radio Maria. From 10.15pm onwards: A Night of Eucharistic Adoration in silence in the Sanctuary.
Sunday 15th August 2010: Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady in Heaven.
Masses in the Sanctuary are celebrated according to the normal Sunday schedule, that is 6.15am, 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.15am and 5.00pm.
6.00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary in the chapel of Our Lady ta’ Pinu and impartation of Eucharistic Benediction, bringing to an end these festivities.
The Rector of the Sanctuary, Rev. Fr. Gerard Buhagiar, would like to extend his invitation for all the families and individuals to attend these celebrations in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated at her National Sanctuary and wish you all a HAPPY FEAST!!