Between Tuesday the 9th and Saturday the 13th of June, the Franciscan Community in Victoria Gozo celebrates with great solemnity the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the greatest Doctors of the Church.

The saint’s devotion is spread in several countries around the world and many people pray his intercession in different life instances.

In the church of Saint Francis in Gozo’s capital city, the devotion is unique.

This can be seen easily during these days when several people from Gozo visit the church and pray in front of Saint Anthony’s statue held inside its niche on the left hand side of the main aisle.

His altar is also decorated for the occasion.

The programme of activities will be as follows:

Between Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th June: Solemn Triduum.

6.00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary.

6.30pm: Solemn Concelebrated Mass led by Reverend Renato Said, personal secretary of H.E. Mgr Nicholas J. Cauchi, Bishop Emeritus of Gozo. The choir Nativitas under the direction of Silvana Agius and organist Ivan Attard animates mass. After mass, there will be the chanting of the hymn Si Queris Miracula, Antiphon O Proles Hispaniae and Eucharistic benediction. At the end of celebration, the saint’s relic is exposed for veneration while the choir executes the popular hymn to Saint Anthony of Padua O tal-Mirakli.

Friday 12th June: Eve of the Feast.

6.00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary.

6.30pm: Solemn Concelebrated Mass led by Reverend George Attard, Guardian of the Franciscan Community in Victoria. The Laudate Pueri Choir under the direction of Mro. Rev. George Frendo animates mass. After mass, there will be the chanting of the hymn Si Queris Miracula, Antiphon O Proles Hispaniae and Eucharistic benediction. At the end of celebration, the saint’s relic is exposed for veneration while the choir executes the popular hymn to Saint Anthony of Padua O tal-Mirakli.

Saturday 13th June: Solemn Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Masses are said at 6am, 6.30am, 7am, 7.30am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am and 12pm.

5.00pm: Solemn Pontifical Mass for children presided by H.E. Mgr Nicholas J. Cauchi, Bishop Emeritus of the Gozitan diocese. The Nativitas choir animates the solemn liturgy of the day under the direction of Silvana Agius and organist Ivan Attard. At the end of the mass, the traditional blessed ‘Saint’Anthony’s Bread’ will be distributed.

6.00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary.

6.30pm: Solemn Concelebrated Mass led by Mgr Paul Cardona, Archpriest of the Collegiate-Basilica of Saint George (Victoria) together with the Chapter and clergy of the same parish. The Laudate Pueri choir under the direction of Mro. George Frendo animates mass.

At the end of mass, there will be the chanting of the hymn Si Queris Miracula, Antiphon O Proles Hispaniae and Eucharistic benediction. At the end of celebration, the saint’s relic is exposed for veneration while the guest choir executes for the last time the popular hymn to Saint Anthony of Padua O tal-Mirakli.

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