This year, the traditional and popular feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot will be celebrated on Sunday, the 18th of January 2009. In Xaghra, there is an old chapel dedicated to this saint, founder of Monasticism. The church is one of the oldest in Gozo, reported to have been in existence since 1400.

However, the church was rebuilt in 1601 and included an adjacent cemetery and front church yard. It subsequently became the first parish church of Xaghra on the 28th of April 1688 when Bishop Cocco Palmieri, through the Apostolic Decree Cum in Prima, created three other parishes in Gozo. The church continued to serve as parish church until 1692.

After the plague of 1814, which broke out in Xaghra only, and which carried 104 victims, certain articles within the church were burnt in order to disinfect the place. The present painting, depicting St. Anthony with the people of Xaghra living under tents during the plague, was painted by Dun Salv Bondì in 1818.

The church suffered damage during the second World War of 1939-45. It was repaired and re-consecrated in 1947 under Bishop Giuseppe Pace, who was known for his devotion to St. Anthony. Gozo’s famous sculptor Wistin Camilleri then made a new statue showing St. Anthony surrounded by animals.

In 1984, the Gozitan sculptor Michael Camilleri Cauchi made a new statue donated by Family Bajada. In April 1988, Xaghra was celebrating the 300th anniversary of the parish’s erection. As part of these festivities, on the 28th of April 1988, Mgr. Nicholas J. Cauchi, the then Bishop of the Gozitan Diocese, consecrated the church of Saint Anthony situated in the area commonly known as “Tal-Qacca.”

The feast of Saint Anthony is popular for the reason that it is associated with the traditional blessing of animals since Saint Anthony is their patron saint. The programme of activities for this year’s feast reaches its climax on Sunday the 18th of January, the proper feast day.

Masses in Saint Anthony’s church will be celebrated during these times: 6.00am, 7.00am, 8.00am, 8.45am, 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm and 7.00pm. 8.45am: Solemn Concelebrated Mass led by Mgr Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest of Xaghra Parish.

9.45am: The statue of Saint Anthony leaves its church accompanied by a Scouts’ Band from San Gwann (Malta) and moves to the main square (named for the same saint).

10.00am: Traditional blessing of horses led by Mgr Archpriest Carmelo Refalo. This activity is being sponsored by the Xaghra Local Council. Immediately after the blessing ceremony, there will be a parade and horses’ defilé along St. Joseph Street, Church Street and Victory Square. The statue of the saint enters triumphantly in the Collegiate-Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady.

11.00am: A popular Dog Show in Saint Anthony’s Square. Registration is open until Thursday, the 15th ofJanuary at 4.00pm through the Xaghra Local Council’s Administrative Offices from Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 4.30pm.

3.30pm: In the Collegiate-Basilica of Maria Bambina, Solemn High Mass led by H.E. Mgr Mario Grech, Diocesan Bishop with the participation of the Most Reverend Chapter and Clergy of Xaghra Parish. Mgr Grech delivers an occasional panegyric in honour of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the first protector saint of Xaghra.

4.30pm: Solemn Pontifical Procession with the statue of Saint Anthony. The Victory Band of Xaghra (A.D. 1898) gives salute to Saint Anthony with the popular hymn “Lil Sant’Anton Abbati ,” composed by the late Mro. Nazzareno Refalo. It accompanies the procession with festive marches along Victory Square, 28th April 1688 Street and Saint Anthony’s Square.

5.00pm: Traditional blessing of pets by H.E. Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo. This activity is sponsored by the Xaghra Local Council. Fireworks Display.

6.45pm: The procession returns to Saint Anthony’s church where Solemn Benediction will be imparted. This benediction closes this year’s solemn festivities.

For other details about this popular feast, one can contact the Rector of the church, Can. John Sultana on 99826350 or the Xaghra Local Council’s Administrative Offices on 21 563737, e-mail xaghra.lc@gov.mt or website www.xaghra.com. We hope to see you there!