Next Sunday, 19th October 2008, the picturesque village of Xaghra will be en fête for the celebration of the feast of Christ the King. This devotion goes back for more than hundred years since in 1903, the foundation stone of the present church was blessed and laid. The Church was consecrated on 15th November, 1931, and it boasts of several pieces of artistic work.

Some of the renowned artists who have left their touch in this marvellous church include the Italian professor Virgilio Monti and the famous locals Giuseppe Calì and Ganni Vella. The titular painting (see photo) is a really formidable work by the Maltese painter, Lazzaro Pisani.

This year’s feast began on Thursday, 9th October, with a vigil of prayer in preparation for the feast and for the official opening of the Diocesan Mission, announced by H.E. Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo. Last Monday, there was a feast for all the families of Xaghra Parish in which they renowned their matrimonial vows. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Reverend Anthony Teuma. On Tuesday, the community expressed their joy with four Xaghra priests who celebrated their 40th Anniversary of the Priesthood.

The feast will reach its climax from the days between Thursday and Sunday. On Thursday early morning, the solemn Quarant’Ore will officially open during a concelebrated mass presided by Mgr Archpriest Carmelo Refalo, Apostolic Protonotary. In the evening, the community welcomes the Reliquary of St. Paul, venerated in his Collegiate Church in the Maltese capital city, Valletta. During the night between Friday and Saturday, there will be continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On Saturday evening, the solemn first vespers of the feast will be sung and a solemn concelebrated mass by Reverend Ignatius Borg will be celebrated.

The feast reaches its highest and most important point on Sunday. Masses will be celebrated at 6am, 7.30am and 10.30am. At 1pm, the Eucharistic adoration opens. At 4.30pm, there will be a Solemn Pontifical High Mass led by Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, with the participation of the Reverend Collegiate Chapter and Clergy of Xag]ra parish and other Gozitan priests. Soon afterwards, there will be the annual procession with the Holy Eucharistic along the main streets of the Nazzarenu community. The Victory Band of Xaghra (A.D. 1898) will participate. The procession, which will be led by Mgr Bishop of Gozo, ends up in the square where Solemn Benediction will be imparted. The external festivities conclude with the traditional Wine Tasting Competition and an evening full of entertainment with the participation of several local and foreign entertainers.

The Rector of the church, Can. Anthony Refalo Rapa, is inviting all Gozitans to attend for the Pontifical High Mass, for the procession of the Holy Eucharist and to enjoy the evening with the whole Nazzarenu community during the entertained event which closes the feast. He and the organisers wishes a happy feast to everyone and especially to the community of Nazzarenu at Xaghra parish.