Order of Malta

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Christmas Eve Mass

December 24 2024

The glorious ceiling, masterpiece of Mattia Preti, covering the vault of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta looked down on the gathering of the Members and volunteers of the Maltese Association of the Order together with their families and friends on Christmas Eve, the 24^th of December.

As in previous years, the Rector Mgr. Paul Vella, (unavoidably absent) ensured that the traditional Mass on the eve of Christmas day be said at the Co Cathedral, this year presided over by Mons Victor Zammit McKeon, a Chaplain of the Order.

The first lesson was read by the Vice President of the Association, Dame Helene Zammit while the second letter was read by Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, past President, and the bidding prayers by the Administrative Secretary, Marchesino Josef Formosa Gauci.

In his sermon, Mgr. Zammit McKeon took inspiration from his favourite Christmas carol “What child is this” and delved deeper in the meaning of the lyrics to bring out the message of Christmas to us believers.

At the end of Mass, the President of the Association, Dr Michael Grech, thanked the many Members present and while wishing them a most serene and peaceful Christmas, invited them for drinks and refreshments at Casa Lanfreducci.

NBS

What child is this?

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.