Ash Wednesday
Various Members of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta, lead by the Hospitaller Dr. Kevin F. Dingli, responded to the traditional invitation extended to them by Archpriest Canon Karm Busuttil and the Collegiate Chapter of St. Lawrence Collegiate Church in Birgu, to join in the celebration of the very special liturgy of Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
The event commenced with the customary outdoor procession for the translation of the revered Reliquary of the ‘Vero Legno’ from the Monastery of Santa Scolastica to St. Lawrence Conventual Church. The Reliquary had been brought to Malta by Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam.
Fra’ Francis Vassallo was also in attendance.
Archpriest Canon Karm Busuttil was the Main Celebrant at the liturgical concelebration.
The readings were read by the Hospitaller, as well as by Clara Testaferrata Moroni Viani.
Canon Busuttil’s homily, very befitting for the solemn occasion, focused on the importance and salutary value of fasting during this very holy time, which is to be considered as a form of prayer. Through fasting, we also come to exercise self-control over our very being.
The administration of ashes, symbolising the dust from which God made us, and to which we shall one day return, took place after the homily.
Martin Micallef, Helene Zammit, Dennis Kirkop and Martha Cremona took up the offerings.
The ceremony was concluded by the public veneration of the Reliquary, which was recently restored with the support of the Maltese Association.
KFD
