On the occasion of the Year dedicated to Christian Faith launched by His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Gozo Diocese organised a joint Confirmation Ceremony for all Gozitan adoloscents, which numbered 276.

The ceremony during which the Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred to these students was held on Friday evening on the parvis of the National Sanctuary of the Assumption of Our Lady of ‘Ta’ Pinu.’ The children all wore a scarlet toga, a new introduction this year, the aim of which, the Gozo Bishop said, was to focus on the religioius significance of the ceremony.

The special celebration started at 6pm and it was presided by H.L. Gozo Bishop Mario Grech assisted by four other Bishops who were H.L. Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P., H.L. Auxiliary Bishop Charles J. Scicluna, H.L. Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca and H.L. Bishop Aldo Cavalli, the Apostolic Nunctio for Malta and Gozo.

These were assisted by Reverend Fr. Gerard Buhagiar, the Rector of Ta’ Pinu National Sanctuary, all Gozitan parish priests and several other priests from Malta and Gozo who participated in this unique celebration.

Soon after the homily, the two hundred and seventy six Gozitan students were anointed and received the Holy Spirit conferred to them through this Sacrament.

The Diocesan choir animating this liturgy was directed by Ms. Dorienne Portelli. The students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation were spiritually prepared for this occasion by the MUSEUM members.

The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost on Sunday, the 19th of May 2013. This feast brings to an end the fifty festive days of Easter commemorating the Resurrection of Our Lord.

Permalink: Confirmation Ceremony for 276 outside Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary