The traditional feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot is being celebrated today in Xaghra with a programme of social and religious activitities.

This year, Xaghra Parish is commemorating the 325th Anniversary of its foundation whilst the Church of Saint Anthony is commemorating the 25th Anniversary of its Consecration which happened on 28th April 1988 by H.L. Bishop Nicholas J. Cauchi, the then Bishop of Gozo.

Saint Anthony enjoys great devotion in Xaghra. In fact, he was the first patron saint of Xaghra Parish between 1688 and 1692 before the construction of Xaghra Parish Church which was dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady.

Saint Anthony is an important figure in the Catholic Church and he is considered as the Father of Monasticism which started the solitary life in the desert for the service of God. He is the protector Saint of animals.

Following this morning’s Solemn Mass led by H.L. Bishop Mario Grech together with the Reverend Chapter and Clergy of Xaghra Parish, festive band marches took place by the Victory Band from San Marzjal belvedere to the Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot.

The traditional blessing of horses led by Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo was followed with a defile’ of horses which accompanied the statue of Saint Anthony to Xaghra Basilica.

A dog show organised by the Xaghra Local Council was held in Victory Square and was enjoyed by the competing dogs and their owners! Children’s races took place in Qacca Road,

This afternoon Bishop Mario Grech led Solemn Vespers at the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, after which a procession with the statue of Saint Anthony was held, with the traditional blessing of pets in Saint Anthony’s Square.

The procession ends in the church of Saint Anthony where the hymn ‘Te Deum’ is sung and Eucharistic Benediction is imparted.

Photographs by Alain Salvary.

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