GozoNews.Com

Bishop Mario Grech will lead the liturgical celebrations to be held at the Gozo Cathedral, Victoria, during the coming Holy Week.

On Palm Sunday, the bishop will lead the celebration of the blessing of palm and olive branches. The function will begin with a procession which recalls the solemn entrance of the Lord in Jerusalem, this will start at 9.00 a.m.

On Holy Thursday, at 8.30 a.m. there will be Morning Prayers. Mass of Holy Chrism will follow at 9.00 a.m. Diocesan and religious priests will concelebrate with the Bishop, who will bless the Holy Oils that will be distributed to the local churches for the celebration of the sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. All priests will renew their priestly promises which they made on the day of their ordination.

Also on Holy Thursday at 6.30 p.m., the Solemn Memorial of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated. After Mass, the Bishop will carry the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, where it will remain for the adoration of the faithful. This celebration will be broadcast live on Radio RTK.

On Good Friday, at 4.00 p.m., the Bishop will lead the solemn celebration of the Lord’s passion. During the celebration, the Narrative of the Passion will be read. The adoration of the Cross will follow and then Holy Communion will be distributed.

On Holy Saturday, at 8.00 p.m., the Bishop will lead the celebration of the Easter Vigil. The celebration will commence with the blessing of the New Fire and will include the liturgy of the Word, the liturgy of Baptism and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

On Easter Sunday, at 6.00 p.m., the Bishop will celebrate the Easter Sunday Mass and at the end impart the Apostolic Blessing with the Plenary Indulgence. This celebration will also be broadcast live on Radio RTK.