Translation of the Relic of St. John the Baptist at the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Xewkija
The Translation of the Relic of St. John the Baptist at the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Xewkija took place on Saturday 22nd June 2024.
The Parish of Xewkija is the spiritual seat of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Gozo, and the Maltese Association is traditionally invited to attend this liturgical manifestation.
Members, under the leadership of the Association’s Hospitaller Dr. Kevin F. Dingli, congregated in the Sacristy for robing at 6.30 p.m. A procession then took place from the Oratory to the Parish Church at 7.00 p.m., followed by Pontificial High Mass celebrated in the magnificently ornated Parish Church.
Mgr Tarcisio Camilleri, Vicar General of the Diocese of Gozo, lead the procession and was the main celebrant at the liturgical function, assisted by Archpriest Mgr Daniel Xerri and Fr Michael Grima.
Papàs Martin Zammit, Parish Priest of the Greek Catholic Church of Our Lady of Damascus Parish in Valletta delivered a deeply reflective homily on St. John the Baptist, Patron Saint of the Order, focussing on his spirituality and exemplary manner of living, in profound humility and abhorrence of the profane, bringing into sharp relief today’s worldly lifestyle in Malta. Yet it is never too late.
A significant number of migrants from all parts of the globe were also present, bearing the national flags of the various countries which they represented.
Mr Paul Azzopardi, Vice mayor of Xewkija, was also in attendance.
Prior to the Blessing, Archpriest Mgr. Daniel Xerri especially thanked the Members of the Order for their presence and publicly announced to the applauding congregation that the Parish had recently granted premises to the Order in Xewkija. This would allow the Order to consolidate its spiritual seat in the Parish with a physical presence from which its charitable works in Gozo, but especially in the Parish, would be coordinated.
The Archpriest then invited all special guests who participated in the liturgical celebration to the customary reception in the Sacristy where copies of the special publication Gourgion were also distributed.
KFD
