From Wednesday, the 13th, till Sunday, the 17th of May 2009, the locality of Gharb celebrates the titular feast of Our Lady’s Visitation in the small church found in the same village, commonly known as ‘Taz-Zejt’.

The chapel is situated near the village cemetery and served as the first parish church of Gharb when the parish was founded on 29th August, 1679 through a decree issued by Bishop Molina.

The rector in charge of the church is Rev. Can. Achille Cauchi. The official celebrations started last Sunday, the 10th of May. At 5pm, a Solemn Mass was said at the Collegiate-Basilica of the Visitation of Our Lady in Gharb in which Mgr. Nicholas J. Cauchi, Bishop Emeritus, blessed and consecrated two new church bells to be installed in the belfry of the old church in which the feast is being held.

As soon as the Mass ended, these two bells were triumphantly carried to the old church (taz-Zejt) with the accompaniment of the Visitation Band of Gharb, playing festive band marches.

The feast continues on Wednesday, the 13th of May. On this day, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, in commemoration of her first apparition in Fatima. At 11.30am, mass will be said by Rev. Can. Achille Cauchi, Rector.

On Friday the 15th of May, mass will be said at 5.30pm. The mass will be officiated by Rev. Can. Michael Cauchi who delivers the homily in honour of the Visitation of Our Lady to Saint Elizabeth. There will be a confession service prior to mass.

On Saturday, the 16th of May, solemn mass will be said at 5.30pm. The mass will be presided by Rev. Can. Joseph Tabone who delivers an homily in honour of the Visitation of Our Lady. The choir Nativitas of Xaghra will participate. The choir will be under the direction of Silvana Agius and Assistant Director and organist Ivan Attard. Solemn Eucharistic Benediction will be imparted.

On Sunday, the 17th of May, the locality of Gharb celebrates the feast of the Visitation of Our Lady to Saint Elizabeth. At 8.00am, the Canons of the Gharb Collegiate-Basilica recite the Sunday matins. At 8.30am, there will be a Solemn Concelebrated Mass presided by H.E. Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, who delivers the traditional panegyric in honour of the Visitation of Our Lady. This mass will have the participation of an orchestra under the direction of Mro. Colin Attard.

The feast ends on Monday, the 18th of May with the commemoration of the anniversary of the church’s consecration.

Everybody is invited to take part and participate in this feast in honour of the Visitation of Our Lady celebrated in Gharb Gozo.