Schola Cantorum Jubilate was invited by Mgr. Archpriest and the Reverend Chapter of the Basilica of Xagħra to animate the ‘Te Deum Mass’ on the occasion of the Patron Saint Feast.
Mass started at 9am and was officiated by Mgr. Joseph Bonello, Bishop of Honduras. The considerable congregation was led by Hon. Minister for Gozo Dr. A. Refalo, the Xagħra Mayor Mr. Joe Cordina and other distinguished personalities.
The pieces performed during the mass were: ‘Missa Cantate Domine’ (Oltrasi), ‘Tfajla Ħelwa’ (Portelli) which is the choir’s hymn for the feast of Our Lady’s Nativity and ‘Magnificat’ (Portelli). Cantor Stefan Attard interpreted the psalm by Portelli and Soprano and Director Marouska Attard interpreted Caccini’s ‘Ave Maria’ during the offerings. At the end of mass the ‘Te Deum’ (D’Amato) and Malta’s National Hymn (Sammut) were performed.
The choir was accompanied by Joseph Camilleri on the organ together with other members of the Jubilate Ensemble.
Right after the mass, a commemoration of the Great Sieges of Malta was held at the square. Apart from the speech for the occasion, re-enactments and performances were held. Among the various participants there were: the Xagħra Historical Re-enactment Organisation, the Malta Police band and the AFM Band. At the end of ceremony, civil and private representatives laid a wreath by a monument representing the Great Siege. Joseph Bartolo and Josette Sultana attended on behalf of Schola Cantorum Jubilate.
