Today the Diocese of Gozo presented three new priests to the Catholic world. Three youths, Anthony Bajada, Joseph Curmi and Richard Farrugia, from the Parish of Maria Bamina of Xagħra were ordained priests by H. E. Bishop of Gozo Mgr. Mario Grech. The Pontifical High Mass started at 6.30pm at the Gozo Cathedral with a presbytery filled with priests who mainly hail from Gozo and a church packed with a congregation, mainly relatives of the three priests. The Schola Cantorum animated the liturgy from the organ loft and was accompanied by Stephen Attard on the organ. The ‘Missa de Angelis' by Zardini was performed. Seminarian Trevor Sultana led the congregation. The other pieces performed were: ‘Lil Alla bil-Ferħ Inkantaw', ‘Allelulia' and the acclamation, ‘Bierek dal-Ħobż', ‘Kull darba li nieklu', ‘Miġbura lkoll madwar l-artal', ‘Tina l-Ħlewwa' (Caruana), ‘Salve Regina' (Gregorian Chant), ‘Ave Maria' (Arcadelt). During the administration of the Holy Orders, the choir performed: ‘The Litany of Saints', ‘Veni Creator' (Buti), ‘Ubi Caritas' and ‘Dixit Dominus' (Perosi) with the Antiphon ‘Sacerdos in Aeternum'. The new priests are closely associated to the Schola Cantorum: Fr. Anthony Bajada is Marie' Bajada's (alto) uncle and Fr. Richard Farrugia used to animate the singing with the Schola Cantorum during religious celebrations. It was rather a moving celebration on seeing these young priests offering their lives for the service of laymen.
Congratulations to Fr. Anthony, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Richard! Ad Multos Annos!
