Schola Cantorum Jubilate was once more invited by the Reverend Chapter of the Basilica of Maria Bambina to animate the Pontifical High Mass in occasion of the village feast. During this traditional mass, known also as the ‘Te Deum Mass’, the Great Sieges of Malta are commemorated. The mass was officiated by the Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca and started at 9am. At around 8.30am, the choir welcomed Mgr. Mercieca with the motet ‘Sacerdos et Pontifex’ by Morales. For this High Mass, various distinguished persons were invited together with other social and religious entities.
Leading the congregation were the Mayor and Councillors of Xagħra, Mr. Censu Galea, Deputy Speaker, Mr. Anton Tabone, Acting President of the Republic and representatives from various Ministries and from the Knights of St. John. The choir was accompanied by members of the Jubilate Chamber Ensamble. The choir performed the ‘Missa Cantate Domino’ (Oltrasi) and the hymns ‘Tfajla Ħelwa tal-Vitorja’ (Portelli), the Psalm by Portelli which was interpreted by Stefan Attard, ‘Allelulia’ and versetto (Portelli), ‘Magnificat’ (Portelli) and the ‘Te Deum’ (D’Amato). Marouska Attard interpreted Caccini’s ‘Ave Maria’ during the offerings. After the mass, at the Victory Square, a social encounter was organised by the Xagħra Parish in collaboration with the Xagħra Local Council. This consisted in a speech for the occasion and a feature about the tragedy of the wars. At the end of the ceremony, wreaths were put near the pedestal representing the Great Siege of Malta. Therese Attard and Fabian Cini attended and layed a wreath on behalf of Schola Cantorum Jubilate.
