The Victory Philharmonic Society (A.D. 1898) of Xaghra, Gozo, has announced its services related to the Holy Week festivities. During this year 2010, this Philharmonic Society is commemorating the 75th anniversary since it began participating in the annual Holy Week procession which emerges from the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, Xag]ra (1935 – 2010). The services of the musical band and the Nativitas Choir are as follows:

Friday 26th March: Popular and devotional feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

6.00pm: The Victory Philharmonic Society accompanies the devout procession with the artistic statue of Our Lady of Sorrows (made by the renowned Luigi Guacci firm of Lecce – Italy) along these streets: 8th September Avenue, Maria Bambina, Windmill, Imqades, Fran[isk Camilleri and Victory Square. A Solemn Concelebrated Mass follows in the Basilica.

Saturday 27th March:

7.30pm: In the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady (Xag]ra), a Musical concert of sacred music is held. During this concert, the Cantata “It-Triq tas-Salib” (The Way of the Cross) will be held. This cantata has lyrics by Friars Rev. Marcello Ghirlando and Raymond Camilleri OFM and music by Mro. Joseph Galea LCM. The concert will be organised jointly by the Victory and L’Isle Adam Philharmonic Societies with the participation of the Nativitas Choir.

The musical programme will be under the patronage of Hon. Dr. Chris Said LLD MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Affairs, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Dialogue. During the concert, commemorative speeches and presentations will be done.

Sunday 28th March: Palm Sunday. Opening of Holy Week.

In the church of Saint Francis in Victoria: 9.15am: Blessing of palm on the parvis of the church. Procession with the Triumphant Cross along Saint Francis Square. 9.30am: Solemn Concelebrated Mass which opens the Holy Week festivities led by Rev. George Attard, Guardian of the Franciscan Community in Victoria. The Nativitas Choir animates mass. 7.00pm: In the ‘{ie\u’ church (Rabat Malta), a repetition of the concert performed on Saturday in Xaghra will be held.

Thursday 1st April: Maundy Thursday.

In the church of Saint Francis: 6.30pm: Solemn Concelebrated Mass during which we commemorate the foundation of two important sacraments: Eucharist and Holy Orders. The symbolic rite of the feet washing is held after the homily. At the end of this solemn mass, the Holy Eucharist is carried in procession from the main Altar to the Altar of Reposition where it is venerated by the Christians. The Nativitas Choir animates Mass.

Friday 2nd April: Good Friday. Commemoration of Jesus’ glorious death.

In the church of Saint Francis: 3.00pm: Liturgical Action of the Adoration of the Cross animated by the Nativitas choir. 6.00pm: The Victory Philharmonic Society accompanies the Good Friday procession (which is organised by the Xag]ra Parish) by playing funeral marches.

Saturday 3rd April: Easter Saturday.

In the church of Saint Francis: 8.00pm: Solemn Easter Vigil animated by the Nativitas Choir – blessing of new fire, lighting of the Easter candle, Easter Announcement, Liturgy of the Word, Blessing of new water, Liturgy of Baptism and Liturgy of Holy Eucharist. This vigil will be led by Guardian Rev. George Attard and animated by the Nativitas Choir.

Sunday 4th April: Easter Sunday.

In the church of Saint Francis: 9.30am: Solemn Concelebrated Mass animated by the Nativitas Choir. From 7.30pm onwards: The Victory Philharmonic Society accompanies the statue of the Risen Jesus along the main streets of the town playing festive band marches.

On the occasion of Holy Week festivities, the Victory Philharmonic Society had just launched a CD of funeral marches. This CD can be obtained at a payment of €12 only from the Victory Band Club in Maria Bambina Street.

Musical Director: Mro. Joseph Galea LCM Assistant Director: Mro. Joseph Debrincat

Musical Directress Nativitas Choir: Mrs. Silvana Agius Assistant Director and Organist Nativitas Choir: Mr. Ivan Attard.