le="text-align: justify;">The village of Xagħra gathered at the Basilica of Xagħra to give its respect to one of its offspring, to Mgr. Joseph Bonello. The Franciscan friar, who was ordained priest twenty five years ago, was recently consecrated as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Juticalpa in Honduras . Bishop Bonello visited his native country, making it the first pastoral visit. He said mass at the St. John's Co-Cathedral, at the Gozo Cathedral, at St. Anthony's Chapel in Għajnsielem, at Christ the King Church and at the Basilica of Maria Bambina of Xagħra from where he became member of the church when he received the sacrament of baptism as newborn.
Mgr. Joseph Bonello
le="text-align: justify;">At Xagħra, on Sunday morning, he visited St. Anthony's Chapel and then accompanied by the Victory Band, together with the clergy, he proceeded towards the Basilica. On entering the church he was greeted by the choir singing ‘Sacerdos et Pontifex' (Gregorian Chant). After saying prayers in the Sacrament Chapel, he signed the Baptisms' Registry, precisely next to his baptism details. Mass started at 11am and was officiated by Mgr. Bonello and the most reverend Chapter of the Basilica of Xagħra, Franciscan Friars and friends of Mgr. Bonello. The choir performed the ‘Missa De Angeli' a quattro voci by Terenzio Zardini. The other pieces were: ‘Jubilate Deo' (Bartolucci), the Psalm (Portelli) was sung by Stefan Attard, Allelulia and Versetto (Portelli), ‘O Sacrum Convivium' (Bartolucci), ‘O Salutaris Hostia' (Bartolucci), ‘Ave Verum Corpus' (Mozart) and finally ‘Ave Maria' (Arcadelt). Composer and organist Paul Portelli accompanied the choir on the church organ.
Mgr. Joseph Bonello
