Ghasri celebrates the feast of The Patronage of Our Lady
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Next Sunday, the 12th of October 2008, Ghasri, the smallest village in Gozo, celebrates the popular feast of the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The chapel is situated on the way to Wied il-Ghasri (Ghasri Valley). The building of this chapel dates back to 1738 and it soon attracted devotees from all over the island. In fact it was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1754. It was consecrated on 10th May 1789 thus becoming the first and only consecrated countryside chapel for 161 years.
It served as a vice-parish church for Ghasri Village from October 1872 till December 1921. The altarpiece is attributed to Francesco Zahra and shows the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels while a person is being protected from Satan under her mantle. It is interesting to note that this chapel bears the title of "basilica minoris" and is spiritually affiliated to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
A full week festivities are planned leading to the feast day on Sunday. From Wednesday 8th till Friday 10th October, a solemn Triduum will be held at 6.30pm. On Saturday afternoon, at 4.30, a concelebrated mass will be held with the participation of the sick and elderly. At 6pm, there will be the recitation of the Holy Rosary, translation of the relic, and a solemn concelebrated mass with the participation of a small orchestra.
The programme of activities on Sunday is as follows:
From 6.00am till 1.00pm, there will be a mass every hour. At 4.30pm, H.E. Mgr Mario Grech (Bishop of Gozo) celebrates a Pontifical High Mass with the participation of the Ghasri parish clergy, including Can. Joseph Zammit (rector of the Basilica), and the orchestra. The Bishop will deliver an occasional panegyric in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At 5pm, the Santa Marija Band of Zebbug will play festive band marches till 7pm. The last mass of the day (which closes the feast) will be celebrated at 7pm with the participation of the Nativitas Choir (the choir belonging to the Xaghra Victory Band) under the direction of Ms. Silvana Agius and Mr. Ivan Attard (organist).
All Gozitans are invited to attend for this traditional and popular feast in the small village of Ghasri!
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