Liturgical Services

Schola Cantorum Jubilate kept its annual appointment and animated the Pontifical High Mass at the Basilica of Marija Bambina, Xagħra in occasion of the village feast. During this traditional mass, known also as the Te Deum Mass, the Great Sieges of Malta are commemorated. The mass was officiated by Mgr. Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest and started at 9am. Present were the Acting-President of the Republic of Malta , Dr. Anton Tabone, the Hon. Speaker Dr. Louis Galea, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Gozitan Members of Parliament and other persons representing their respective religious or social group. The choir was accompanied by the Jubliate Chamber Orchestra formed by Stephen Attard on the organ, Jean Noel Attard and Charleen Caruana violinists, Jacob Portelli cellist and Naomi Attard flutist. The choir performed the ‘Missa Cantate Domino' (Oltrasi) and the hymns ‘Tfajla Ħelwa tal-Vitorja' (Portelli), ‘Allelulia' and versetto (Portelli), ‘Totus Tuus' (Frisina), ‘Te Deum' (D'Amato). Choir's director and soprano Marouska Attard interpreted Caccini's ‘Ave Maria' during the offerings. After the mass, at the Victory Square , a social encounter was organized by the Xagħra Parish in collaboration with the Xagħra Local Council. This consisted in a speech for the occasion by the historian Mgr. Joseph Bezzina and a feature about the tragedy of the wars directed by Rev. Joseph Bajada. At the end of the ceremony, wreaths were put near the pedestal representing the Great Siege of Malta. Therese Attard and Karen Agius attended on behalf of Schola Cantorum Jubilate.