SAINT PAUL

 

 

almanac

of the Institute of the Missions

For the year 1924

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip. Casa San Giuseppe- Hamrun - Malta

 

 

 

Almanac for the year 1924

---------- @ ----------

Feasts which depend on Easter

1. Settuagesima Sunday- 17th February

2. Ash Wednesday - 5th March

3. Easter Sunday- 20th April

4. Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven- 29th May

5. Pentecost- 8th June

6. Corpus Christi- 19th June

7. The Sacred Heart of Jesus - 27th June

8. First Sunday of Advent- 30th November

Feasts of Obligation

1. All Sundays

2. The Circumcision 1st January

3. Epiphany- 6th January

*4 Conv.of St.Paul-25th January

*5. St.Paul's Shipwreck-10th February

6. St.Joseph -19th March

7. Ascension of Jesus in to Heaven-29th May

8. Corpus Christi-19th June

*9. St.John Bapt.-24th June

10. St. Peter & Paul-29th June

11. Assumption of Our Lady-15th August

12. All Saints-1st November

13. The Immaculate Conception-8th December

14. Christmas -25th December

Ember Days

 

1. Spring -12th,11th,,15th,Mar. 3. Autumn - 17th,19th,20th Sept.

2. Summer-11th,13th,14th June 4. Winter - 17th,19th,20th Dec.

 

Days of Fasting

 

Lent and Ember days Assumption of Our lady Vigil-11th August

Pentecost Vigil-17th June All Saints' Vigil-31st Oct.

Christmas Vigil- 24th December

 

Days of Abstinence

 

Meat is prohibited on the vigils referred to above, on Ember Days, On Ash Wednesday, on all Fridays throughout the year and on Saturdays during lent. On all other days during lent one may eat meat only once although there is the obligation to fast. Fasting and abstinence, however, end on Easter Saturday at noon.

On Feasts of Obligation( which do not fall during lent) which occur on fast days or on Fridays, there is not obligation to fast or to abstain from meat.

 

When the Solemn celebration of marriage is prohibited.

 

From the First Sunday of advent, 30th November to Christmas, 25th December; and from Ash Wednesday, 5th March, to Easter day 30th April, both days inclusive.

* These feasts are Feasts of Obligation only in Malta.

Segreteria di Stato

di

Sua Santita

NO.8763

Dal Vaticano & Giugno 1923

Illmo Signore

Compio il venerato incarico di segnificare alla S.V. Illma che il santo Padre ha vivamente gradito il feliale omaggio che Ella ha voluto umiliargli del suo Almanacco " San Paul" per l'anno 1923.

Sua Santita' la ringrazia del devoto pensiero e Le invia di cuore l'Apostolica Benedizione.

Profitto volentieri della circostanza per raffermarmi con distinta stima.

di V.S.-Illma

affimo per servirla

P.C. GASPARRI

Rev. Sac. Giuseppe De Piro

Decano del Capitolo Cattedrale

Malta

(Traduzione in Maltese)

From the Vatican.8th June 1923.

Your Honour,

I fulfil my duty of honour to inform Your Honour that the Pope accepted gladly your filial respect which you were pleased to show him by the Almanac " SAN PAUL" for the year 1923.

The Pope thanks you for your devout thought and sends you Apostolic Benediction.

With pleasure I avail myself from this occasion to confirm myself with special esteem.

Of your Honour

to serve you lovingly

P.C.GASPARRI

Rev. Fr. Joseph De. Piro

Dean of the Cathedral

Malta

 

January

 

Month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

For those who love God with a

powerful love, nothing is impossible.

st.theresa

NO.

DAYS

 

@ 1

Tuesday

CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD J.C. New Year's Day

2

Wednesday

The Holy Name of Jesus

3

Thursday

saint Anterius pope m.

4

Friday

saint Rigobertus confessor

5

Saturday

saint Telesphorus pope martyr

@ 6

Sunday

EPIPHANY (New moon at 2 and 48 in the afternoon)

7

Monday

s.Lucianus martyr

8

Tuesday

saint Severinus bishop

9

Wednesday

saint Vitale martyr

10

Thursday

s.William arch. of Bourges

11

Friday

saint Hginus pope martyr

12

Saturday

The holy Family, Jesus, Joseph, Mary

@ 13

Sunday

Octave of the Epiphany (First quarter at 45 min in the morning)

14

Monday

saint Hilary bishop and doctor

15

Tuesday

saint paul first hermit

16

Wednesday

saint Marcel pope martyr

17

Thursday

saint Anthony Abbot

18

Friday

The Chair of Saint Peter in Rome

19

Saturday

saint Marius and his companions martyrs

@ 20

Sunday

II after Epiphany

21

Monday

s.Publius M.first bishop of Malta

22

Tuesday

sSaints Vincent and Anastasius martyrs

 

 

First day of Triduum of S.Paul in the Chapel of the Institute

 

 

Full moon at 2 and 57 min a.m.

23

Wednesday

saint Raymond of Pennafort confessor

24

Thursday

saint Timothy bishop martyr 2 and 57min.a.m.

@ 25

Friday

THE CONV. OF OUR FATH. THE AP. S.PAUL

 

 

Feast in the Chapel of the Institute

26

Saturday

saint Policarp bishop martyr

@ 27

Sunday

III Sunday after Epiphany

28

Monday

saint Agnes Virgin and martyr

29

Tuesday

saint Francis of Sales(Last quarter at 7 and 33 min in the morning)

30

Wednesday

saint Martina Virg. martyr

31

Thursday

saint Peter Nolasco confessor.

 

 

joy in the institute

----------o-----------

 

Do not imagine that we will tell you some great news on this institute which is just being born. These things are still slightly far away but we hope that the day will dawn when something slightly greater according to its aim could be mentioned.

Our beloved Bishop Dom Mauro Caruance has shown his love towards this Institute as he did other times in the past. He was greatly interested in its development and so last year he gladly favoured us (with) a recommendation to obtain faster the permission from the Pope that two students of this Institute be ordained priests before the time stipulated by the Church. As in fact the Pope deigned grant us the grace asked for. For this reason, on the 22nd of December last year, these two young students have been adorned with the very beautiful dignity of the priesthood. The said Bishop ordained them in Saint John's Church, Valletta.

Some time after the ordination, the two feasts of the first solemn masses were said. One was held at Saint Agatha's Church in Rabat. Many people were present to participate in the feast. All the friends and admirers of the small Institute were very pleased with the result. The panegyric of the occasion was delivered by Father Lect. Evodius Bonnici, an Agostinian. He spoke about the principal action of the catholic priest and of his mission.

The other feast was held at the chapel of the Institute of Saint Joseph. Apart from the guests, the children partook of the feast and gave it a different aspect. The panegyric was also delivered by another Agostinian Friar, the Mro. Lorenzo Agins I.C.D. He spoke about the beauty and the loftiness of the catholic priesthood.

The feast was also made more beautiful by the music under the very wise leadership of Mro.F.Gatt.

These two new priests received many good wishes- and we also hope that they will be true missionaries and courageous workers in the works which we already have and in works which the Institute will have. We ask our readers to recommend them to God in their prayers.

 

 

___________________________________

 

february

Month dedicated to Our Father Saint Paul the Ap.

If you want to possess grace, you

must remove what hinders it

s.joseph from copertino

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Friday

Conv. Octave

2

Saturday

Purification of the Virgin Mary (Candlemas)

 

 

Feast in the Chapel of the Institute

@ 3

Sunday

IV after Epiphany

4

Monday

saint Andrew Corsini bishop martyr

5

Tuesday

saint Agatha V.M.(patroness of Malta) New moon at 3 and 38min in a.m.

6

Wednesday

saint Titus bishop

7

Thursday

saint Romualdus abbot

 

 

(First day of Triduum of Saint Paul in the Chapel of the Institute)

8

Friday

saint John of Matha

9

Saturday

saint Cyrill Bishop of Alexandria

@ 10

Sunday

SHIPWRECK OF THE AP.S.PAUL OUR FATH.(National Feast)

11

Monday

Apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes

12

Tuesday

The 7 founders of the Servants of the V.M. (First quarter at 10 and 9 min at night)

13

Wednesday

saint Valentino martyr

14

Thursday

saint Felix Bishop conf.

15

Friday

ss. Faustinus and Jiovita m.

16

Saturday

saint Julia virgin

@ 17

Sunday

settuagesima

18

Monday

saint Simon bishop of Jerusalem

19

Tuesday

saint Conrad confessor

20

Wednesday

saint Nemesius martyr (Full moon at 6 and 7 m.p.m)

21

Thursday

saint Eleanor virgin

22

Friday

Chair of S.Peter Ap. in Antioch

23

Saturday

saint Peter Damiani bishop of Ostia

@ 24

Sunday

Sessagesima

25

Monday

saint Matthias Ap.

26

Tuesday

saint Dorothy V.M.(Last quarter at 15 and 15 a.m.)

27

Wednesday

saint Leonard bishop of Seville

28

Thursday

saint Alexander bishop

29

Friday

saint Macarius bishop

 

 

 

how to behave at god's call

---------- @ ----------

 

How worthy of praise and honour is that soldier, that religious who is ready to go, who is ready to do whatever those who lead him ask him. But the man who is ready to obey God who created him is much more worthy of praise and honour. God who is above everybody has the power to manage the life of all men. Just as the prince has the power to order anything whatever he wants from any subject and woe betide the person who does not answer the prince's will in the like manner does God. But God has not only the power; he also exercises it over all the people of the whole world. He calls every creature for a specific thing. Just as the subject who does not obey the prince is in trouble, likewise befalls the man who does not obey God's voice. But the trouble is greater.

God's call is God's voice which tells you I want you to do that, do not go there, leave everything and follow me. What are you to answer? Here I am, Lord; I am ready:" Quid me vis facere Domine". We have this beautiful example of Saint Paul who was quick to do whatever God wanted from him. Not only Saint Paul; many are those who on recognising God's will left everything and went to live in a hermitage. Amongst these, there are also kings. Indeed it is a rare occurrence not to meet difficulties until we answer God's call. But we must toil and work and pray to God himself to give us help in doing his will. We are sure he will not deprive us of his help.

Now God shows us his will not only in things external to us but also by means of inspirations and by distancing our heart from one state and attracting it to another state. God created us to do his will, not to do what we want.

Parents represent God regarding their children. Therefore they are to do for them whatever God wants. So they are to leave them free to follow God's call and he sees their great Sacrifice. As a present for this Sacrifice he will reward them not only in this world, but also in the other. This is what Jesus himself promised: Everyone who leaves his children for love of me, will receive a hundred times more, and wins heaven.

 

__________________________

march

Month dedicated to the Patriarch saint Joseph

If you want to be high in heaven

be humble in this world.

imit:of Christ.

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Saturday

saint Albinus bishop and confessor

@ 2

Sunday

Quinquagesima Carnival

3

Monday

saint Cunegunda empress

4

Tuesday

saint Casimir king

5

Wednesday

Ask Wednesday Latt

 

 

New moon at 5.33 min in the morning

6

Thursday

saint Perpetua and Felicity martyrs

7

Friday

saint Thomas Aquinas doctor

8

Saturday

saint John of God

@ 9

Sunday

I of Lent Saint Frances of Rome

10

Monday

Forty Holy martyrs of Sebaste

11

Tuesday

saint Eulogius martyr

12

Wednesday

saint Gregory the Great I pope (Ember days Latt)

13

Thursday

saint Euphrema virgin

 

 

First quarter at 6.50m in the evening

14

Friday

saint Magtilde Queen (Ember Days Latt)

15

Saturday

saint Anicetus pope martyr (Ember Days Latt)

@ 16

Sunday

II of Lent-saint Cyriacus martyr

 

 

First day of Triduum in honour of St.Joseph in the chapel of the Institute

17

Monday

saint Patrick bishop of Ireland

18

Tuesday

saint Cyril bishop of Jerusalem

@ 19

Wednesday

The great Patriarch Saint Joseph Spouse of the

 

 

B.V.M. and Patron of Universal Church

20

Thursday

saint Eugene confessor

21

Friday

saint Benedict Abbot - Full moon at 6.30m in the morning

22

Saturday

saint Lina virgin

@ 23

Sunday

III of Lent-Saint Victorianus martyr

24

Monday

saint Simon boy martyr

25

Tuesday

Annunciation of Our Lady.

26

Wednesday

saint Theodosius martyr

27

Thursday

saint John Damascene conf. and doctor - Last quarter at 10.24m. p.m.

28

Friday

saint Sistus III pope

29

Saturday

saint Catherine from Bologna

@ 30

Sunday

IV of Lent

31

Monday

saint Balbina virgin and martyr

 

the detroit mission

 

The Reverend Parish Priest Fr.Michael L. Borg of Detroit Mich: sent us a long letter. In it he informed us about both the economic and religions state of the Maltese colony set up there during these last five years.

This year as in former years, the maltese were very fortunate to have a solemn Mission due to the zeal of their Reverend Parish Priest. For this reason two Agostinian Friars were called from Philadelphia Friar Alphonse M. Cauchi and Friar Eugene Fiteni. Friar Fulgentius of the Capuchins helped. For this same reason he was called from Canada. Together these four wonderful Maltese priests distributed abundantly the much necessary bread of the word of God to their Maltese compatriots.

This Mission left much spiritual good. Many received the Sacraments of confession and of the holy encharist. So, with the blood of Jesus Christ they strengthen their soul to combat against the life of that city so large and different from Malta and Gozo, for the great number of people of every nation and religion which are there. In fact the constant contact with people of much diverse feelings, the many attractions towards the vanity of this world, soon touch the mind and the heart especially of the most young and therefore those who mostly lack experience. We hope that many of Our Readers particularly among those from Detroit do not but help their Parish Priest; he will thus see fulfilled his wish of building a large church. In this way more good could be done both spiritually and physically to our brothers the Maltese of the Detroit colony.

Reverend Borg acknowledges his weak forces and also those of the newly-born Detroit Mission. While seeking the remedy in his apostolic spirit, he committed himself to the prayers of our our small Institute for Foreign Missions. We please him in this very christian desire and at the same time we take this occasion to remind those who have the advantage of enjoying a large church with much spiritual fruit, to pray God a short but fervent prayer according to the intention of the Missionary of Detroit.

 

_________________________

 

april

 

Month dedicated to the risen Christ

Let us offer all our actions for the forgiveness

of our sins and for those of the others

st.Jos.cop.

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Tuesday

saint Albinus bishop

2

Wednesday

saint Francis of Paula conf.

3

Thursday

saint Richard bishop

4

Friday

saint Isidore bishop and doctor. - New moon at 9.17m in the morning.

5

Saturday

saint Celestinus I pope

@ 6

Sunday

Passion Sunday

7

Monday

saint Ezechiel prophet

8

Tuesday

saint Dionegese bishop

9

Wednesday

saint Hegesippas martyr

10

Thursday

saint Leo I pope

11

Friday

The Seven Sorrows of the virgin Mary

12

Saturday

saint Hermenegill martyr - First quarter at 1.12 m in the evening

@ 13

Sunday

Palm Sunday

14

Monday

M.in Holy Week

15

Tuesday

T.in Holy Week

16

Wednesday

TENEBRAE W.

17

Thursday

HOLY T.

18

Friday

GOOD F.

19

Saturday

HOLY S. (Fasting ends at noon)

 

 

Full moon at 4.11m in the evening

@ 20

Sunday

Easter

21

Monday

saint Anselm bishop and doctor

22

Tuesday

saints Soterius and Caius popes martyrs

23

Wednesday

saint George martyr

24

Thursday

saint Fidelis from Sigmaringen

25

Friday

saint Mark Evangelist

26

Saturday

ss.Cletus and Marcellinus popes martyrs

 

 

Last quarter at 6.28m in the morning

@ 27

Sunday

B.V.M. of the Good Council-X Anniv. of the Euch.Cong.in Malta

28

Monday

saint Paul of the Cross

29

Tuesday

saint Peter martyr

30

Wednesday

st.Catherine from Siena.

 

 

(In the Chapel of the institute we start the month of May in honour of Mary Our Blessed Mother)

 

blasphemy

----------o----------

 

Blasphemy is a crime against God's Majesty. This crime is so great that others, compared to it are all petty crimes. This sin goes directly against God; it denudes him of his glory and fills him with shame and contempt.

God fills heaven and earth with his goodness. At his name, everyone in heaven, on earth and in hell kneel down, as St. Paul our Father says. Yes, even the devil who is afraid and trembles, bows his head in front of the name three times holy. Therefore man only has the presumption not only not to humble himself at the mention of his holy name, but even more to blaspheme him. Therefore we can rightly say that the blasphemer is worse than the devil.

Blasphemy is a most ugly and most cruel act of ingratitude among the other crimes. In fact, insulting and hurting one's father who strained his whole life for his children is an ugly crime. But isn't it a heinous crime to insult and hurt that heart of Our Father who is in heaven? Is't it a crime to offend the heart of that Jesus who shed his most precious blood and even gave his life on the cross for the love of his sons?!! That son who annoys his mother by his actions is really cruel. But what shall we say of those christians who annoy this mother , most gentle of all mothers! Those who go against Her by using ugly words not fit to be mentioned! It is a really terrible thing; just thinking about it should make one shudder.

Blasphemy is not only ugly in itself; it is also more ugly and terrible in its consequences. Man degrades himself and debases himself to grade ever lower than that of animals and the devil himself.

Blasphemy leads man to eternal loss; it corrupts generations by killing the souls of the innocent and hands poison to those hearts so pure and beautiful. It disturbs society and destroys the family. Peace ends for ever and hell begins already.

Once we know the ugliness and the harm of the vice of blasphemy, can we remain indifferent and let God be offended in this way? As true christians and children of One Father, we should be set afire with zeal when we hear God's name dishonoured. If we cannot halt the blasphemies, we can at least say one of these brief prayers as reparation for the offence against the adorable name of God.

Blessed be God

Blessed be his holy name

Blessed be Jesus true god and true man

Blessed be the Name of Jesus

Blessed be his most sacred Heart

Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Blessed be the great Mother of God Mary the Most Holy.

Blessed be here Holy and Immaculate Conception

Blessed be the name of Mary Virgin and Mother

Blessed be Saint Joseph here most chaste Spouse

Blessed be God in his Angels and in his Saints.

 

 

 

__________________________

 

 

Stipends are very necessary for the holy Church- and in truthful, if you do not help the missionary with your donation the Church would not remain Catholic any more that is it would not be able to spread on the whole earth.


may

Month dedicated to the Blessed Lady.

During temptations let us not trust

ourselves but christ Crucified

s.gius.cop

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Thursday

ss.Philip and James app. martyrs

2

Friday

saint Anastasius bishop and doctor

3

Saturday

The feast of the Holy Cross

@ 4

Sunday

II Sunday after easter - New moon at 1 in the morning

5

Monday

saint Pius I dominican pope

6

Tuesday

The martyrdom of St. John Ev.

7

Wednesday

Solemnity of St.Joseph

8

Thursday

The apparition of St.Michael Archan.-Our Lady of Pompei

 

 

Supplica of Our Lady of Pompei at noon in the chapel of the Institute

9

Friday

saint Gregory Nazianzen pope

10

Saturday

saint Anthony bishop

@ 11

Sunday

III Sunday after Easter

12

Monday

saint Philip of Agira - First quarter at 4 and 14m in the morning.

13

Tuesday

saint Nereus Achilleus m.

14

Wednesday

s.Boniface

5

Thursday

saint John B. De la Salle

16

Friday

saint Paschal Baylon confessor

17

Saturday

saint Venantius martyr

@ 18

Sunday

IV Sunday after easter - Full moon at 11 and 52 m in the evening

19

Monday

saint Peter Celestinus pope martyr

20

Tuesday

saint Bernardine of Siena

21

Wednesday

saint Felix Cappuchin

22

Thursday

saint Rita from Cascia agostinian

23

Friday

st.Simon Stock Carm.

24

Saturday

B.V. Auxilium Christianorum

@ 25

Sunday

V Sunday after Easter- (Last quarter at 4 and 16 m in the evening)

26

Monday

saint Philip Neri confessor

27

Tuesday

saint Bede doctor of the church

28

Wednesday

saint Germanus bishop

@ 29

Thursday

ASCENSION OF O.L. INTO HEAVEN

30

Friday

st. Felix pope m.

31

Saturday

saint Angela Merici v.

 

 

(In the chapel of the Institute, beginning of the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)

 

what the missionary encounters

--------- ===== ---------

When the missionary goes to far away countries, many things happen to him, especially when he goes to a country which is not yet civilized like, for example the African interior. This part is not only not yet civilized ,but, unfortunately many are those savages who still live in the darkness of paganism. They adore animals, stones and the like in stead of adoring the true God. How blind they are! what suffering and patience Missionaries require to explain to them to adore the true God and not stones and animals. What shall we say about the many other false observances. I only tell you that they eat, sleep and wake up in superstitions. Their life is just one superstition. The missionary must live among such people. By the grace of God by the toil of the missionaries, nowadays there are christians even at the centre of Africa.

At first the poor missionary must suffer alot to teach these savages and show them the light of the christian faith. Yet he must be as patient as Job because even after being civilized, they are very unpredictable. Just let me tell you what happened to one missionary Frair in the African interior.

This Friar received a piece of white cloth, a few meters long to make a new soutane as a gift. The one he had was good no longer. Now, you should know that the African savages can sew very well. They can sew clothes so exactly that I might say they sew them like the European tailors, without however waiting for allong time. So, this gentle friar called one of these black tailors and asked him for a new soutane. As a model he gave him and old soutane which fitted him well, full of patches. He asked for a new cassock ,tailored like the old one. The tailor promised the missionary to do his best, and as soon as possible. He took the piece of cloth and the old soutane and left.

He did in fact keep his word! After some days, our wise tailor was full of joy, in front of the friar, handing him the new white and beautiful looking cassock. But the poor missionary ! The new cassock was sewn not only at the sides and shoulders, but, here and there there were patches equal in length and breath like those he had on the old cassock to cover holes. The imitation could not be more perfect!.

This fact shows us clearly the patience required by the missionary to spread the spirit of Jesus Christ among the people who do not yet know him. However, dear brothers patience is necessary not only for the missionary but for the people of the whole world. So to say, it is a great heroic act of charity. He who is patient and knows how to control his nature according to the same Maltese proverb " He who waits will be rewarded, is really full of joy and happy.

____________________________

Avoid Laziness and indifference in God's matters and start, from now on, a new life which may lead you at once to eternal joy.

Nihil Obstat Die 29 Febr. 1924 Fr. SPIR. VASSALLO, O.C. Cens.Theol

 

june

Month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

He who is humble, finds

grace before God.

st.Jos.cop

NO.

DAYS

 

@ 1

Sunday

Sunday in Ascension Octave

2

Monday

saint Marcellinus and his companions martyrs - New moon at 4.34 min in the evening

3

Tuesday

saint Francis Caracciolo

4

Wednesday

saint Clotilde queen

5

Thursday

saint Boniface bishop martyr

6

Friday

st. Robert bishop

7

SAturday

Pentecost Vigil

@ 8

Sunday

Pentecost - Saint Luitgarde virgin

9

Monday

Pentecost M.

10

Tuesday

Pentecost T. - First quarter at 3.37m in the evening

11

Wednesday

saint Barnabas apostle - (temp. Latt)

12

Thursday

saint John of Saint Facondus

13

Friday

saint Anthony from Padua.

14

Saturday

st.Basil bishop (Temp latt)

@ 15

Sunday

MOST HOLY TRINITY

16

Monday

saint Francis Regis

17

Tuesday

saint Egiltrude queen - Full moon at 6.11 m in the morning

18

Wednesday

saint Mark and Marcellinus martyrs

 

+19

Thursday CORPUS CHRISTI

20

Friday

saint Sylvester pope martyr

21

Saturday

st.Aloysius Gonzaga

@ 22

Sunday

saint Paulinus bishop

23

Monday

saint Adeodatus confessor

@ 24

Tuesday

The Birth of St.John Bapt. - Last quarter at 4.16m in the morning

25

Wednesday

saint William abbot

26

Thursday

Corp. Ch. Octave

27

Friday

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

28

Saturday

st.Leo IV pope

@ 29

Sunday

SS.PETER AND PAUL AP.M.

30

Monday

Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint Paul apostle.

 

A visit to the Bishop of Gozo

 

Last year, our sister island gave a feast in honour of its beloved bishop Msgr Count John M. Camilleri O.S.A. to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Msgr J.M. Camilleri was born at the capital city, Valletta on the 15th of March, 1843. Since early childhood he started to show his gentleness and his wisdom. When he was eighteen years old he felt God's voice calling him for his service and for the salvation of souls: so he quickly left his father's and his mother's home and put on the habit of the great doctor Augustine. Here he was the example of his companions. He always had a great fervour to observe whatever the rule of his institute asked of him. In this manner he finished his studies; in the month of December 1867 he was ordained priest. However he did not turn his back on. On studies but on the contrary he continued to advance until, grade after grade he reached the grade of Master. After some time he was chosen Provincial of the order in Malta and in Gozo by his confreres. Then he was called to be professor of theology in Rome where he was chosen and consecrated Bishop.

Raised to this dignity with renunciation of self and much gentleness on his lips, he always comforted everybody. Therefore it is right that his children who never lost any occasion to show their love and respect toward their Shepherd, did so this time too and solemnized his eightieth birthday.

Malta joined Gozo in this feast by extending tis greetings and wishing him a long life. The Bishop Msgr M.Caruana OP.S.B. together with the deputies of the Chapter went to present all the ceremonies of the occurrence.

On our side, we look at this Venerable Shepherd as one of the dearest and most benevolent personages towards our Institute. Last summer were were lucky enough to visit the island of Gozo. In fact, our first urgency for this visit was to visit the Bishop Msgr J.M. Camilleri to pay him our homage and give him our best wishes. We remembered him, and we will remember him not only for the temporal help he was pleased to offer us but also for the words he addressed to us about the aim of our Institute. So much so that we parted full of courage.

______________________________

 

july

Month dedicated to the Precious Blood of O.L.J.C.

Trust God because he is faithful with all

those who call him in Spirit and in Purity.

st.jos.cop.

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Tuesday

The Holy Blood of O.L.J.C.

2

Wednesday

Visitation of the V.M. to saint. Elisabeth - New moon at 7 and 6m in the morning

3

Thursday

saint Leo II pope

4

Friday

saint Ulderic bishop

5

Saturday

saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

@ 6

Sunday

IV after Easter

7

Monday

saints Cyril and Methodius bishops

8

Tuesday

saint Elisabeth queen of Portugal

9

Wednesday

saint Veronica Juliana Cappuchine - First quarter at 11 and 46 m in the morning

10

Thursday

The seven brothers martyrs

11

Friday

saint Pius I pope

12

Saturday

saint John Gualbert abbot

@ 13

Sunday

V after Pentecost

14

Monday

saint Bonaventure Cardinal and doctor

15

Tuesday

saint Maternus bishop

16

Wednesday

Our Lady of Carmal - Full moon at 1 and 46 m in the evening

17

Thursday

saint Alex Confessor

18

Friday

saint Camillus de Lellis

19

Saturday

saint Vincent de Paule conf.

@ 20

Sunday

VI after Pentecost

21

Monday

saint Praxedes V.

22

Tuesday

saint Pantaleone martyr

23

Wednesday

saint Apollinaire bishop - Last quarter at 6 and 36 m in the evening

24

Thursday

saint Chalcedonius martyr

25

Friday

saint James apostle martyr

26

Saturday

saint Anne mother of the Virgin Mary.

@ 27

Sunday

VII after Pentecost.

28

Monday

Ss.Nazarius and Celsus m.

29

Tuesday

saint Martha Virgin

30

Wednesday

Ss.Abdon and Sennen martyrs

31

Thursday

saint Ignatius from Loyola.

 

The soul without christ's religion

--------o--------

We feel very sad if we just glance at so many nations who have not yet recognised the really beautiful religion of Christ. We see so many souls endowered with the gift of reason like us; however they are not yet enlightened by the dignity with which man is invested.

If we travel by though in to the interior of Africa, we be able to see this. There we find many people who are slaves of cruel masters. These poor creatures exist only for pleasure and ill-treatment of their chiefs:they sell them, they exchange them, they kill them. In a word, they do with them whatever they like without respecting neither the aged, nor women, nor babies. This barbarism has always existed. It still exists today; it will still exist in these dark lands until the law of that Divine Master shines. He who descended among us for no other reason but to give everybody the light of true faith.

Oh! What blindness there is among these people who have been redeemed also by Christ's blood. These poor creatures trust alot their witch instead of trusting Divine Providence. So when a baby is born they take it at once to him to see whether it should live or not. So this sorcerer takes this baby and throws it in the river or in a forest. If the poor creature is not eaten up by animals, that would be a sign that it must live. When one of them dies, they keep him exposed for a long time. One king was kept no charge for sixty whole days , then at night he was carried by six hundred men to a cave very far away from his country. In this way he would forget the way and he would not return to his country to ill treat them.

It is so necessary that Christ's religion reigns in these countries! As the Catholic priest steps on these countries despised by the devil, love and the most perfect peace exist where nothing but maltreatment ruled. Where the Catholic priest sows the Gospel seed, there the light of true life shines. Through him, so many people who were in the darkness of paganism, are now fortunate enough to recognise the beautiful and so much necessary doctrine of Christ.

But this cannot be done unless through your kind heart you do not think of the Missionary who left country and kin, to go far away for the salvation of these souls.

______________________________________

 

Whether we like it or not, whatever happens to us throughout the day, let us always repeat the words of Our Father who is in heaven " May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven ." This habit is very good to win heaven.

____________________________

 

august

The Month of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven

God gives himself unreservedly to those

who leave everything for his love.

s.teresa

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Friday

saint Peter Ap.in chains

2

Saturday

saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

@ 3

Sunday

VIII After Pentecost - First quarter at 5 and 41 min in the morning

4

Monday

saint Dominic

5

Tuesday

Our Lady of Snows

6

Wednesday

The Transfiguration.

7

Thursday

saint Cajetan conf from Thieni

8

Friday

ss.Ciriacus, Largus and Smaragdus

9

Saturday

saint Aristarcus bishop

@ 10

Sunday

IX After Pentecost- saint Laurence Levite

11

Monday

saint Tiburtius and Susanna martyrs

12

Tuesday

saint Clare virgin

13

Wednesday

saint Hipollitus and Cassianus martyrs

 

 

First day of triduum in the Chapel of the Institute in honour of Mary Our blessed Mother Assumed into heaven

14

Thursday

saint Eusebius confessor (Fasting Latt) Full moon at 10 and 19 m at night

@ 15

Friday

OUR LADY ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN

16

Saturday

saint Joachim Father of the B.V.M.

@ 17

Sunday

X after Pentecost

 

 

Feast of Mary Our Mother Assumed into Heaven is held in the Chapel of the Institute

18

Monday

saint Helen Empress

19

Tuesday

saint Theodorus bishop

20

Wednesday

saint Bernard conf. and doctor

21

Thursday

saint Frances Fremoit de Chantal widow

22

Friday

Assumption Octave- saint Timothy martyr

 

 

Last quarter at 11 and 10m in the morning

23

Saturday

saint Philip Benizi confessor

@ 24

Sunday

XI after Pentecost-st. Bartolomew ap.

25

Monday

saint Ludwig king of France

26

Tuesday

saint Alexander confessor

27

Wednesday

saint Joseph Calassanctius

28

Thursday

saint Augustine bishop and doctor

29

Friday

Beheading of Saint John Baptist

30

Saturday

saint Rose of Lima - New moon at 10 and 37m. at night

@ 31

Sunday

XII after Pentecost-st. Raymond Nonnatus Confessor

 

treasures

----v v ---

1. Holy Faith given us by kind God through the mouth of Our Father Saint Paul the Apostle is a great treasure we have. As Heaven surpasses this earth the wealth of faith surpasses the wealth of nations because its beginning and end is God Himself. while we have the true Faith, we are on the road to Heaven. If Faith is lost, the soul is lost. The man who exchanges gold for day. Yet, the christian who changes the Creed of the Catholic church with that of its enemies is much more insane.

Let us confess always and everywhere Jesus of Nazareth and his Holy Church in front of people. He will avow us in front of his Eternal Father.

2. Our fatherland is our treasure and we must cherish it. But our Heavenly fatherland is much greater and much more wonderful, an infinite treasure of a beginning without end, created and open for each one of us. O Angel my guardian, make your voice heard. Make me understand the meaning of the words, " I am created for joy and beauty and for heavenly repose".

In all sadness and opposition of this life in front of death itself, I lift my mind and my heart to my Father in heaven and I tell him," Your kingdom come!".

3. Then Charity is treasure above treasures. It is the queen of virtues, the fullness of perfection, God himself. And who is like God? Man's first and greatest obligation is to love first and above all else the great God our Lord because we owe it only to Him what we are and what we have. We have been created just to love him. We love God our Lord if we hate what He hates and love what He loves; in other words if we shun sin and behave virtuously. Just as light and darkness do not stay together, likewise charity and sin are not found in one soul at one time.

After the love of God, the love of Our brethren. We are all brothers, sons of one father. My second great duty is to love my brothers, and love them as much as I love myself, for so wants God my Lord. He who says that he loves God and at the same time does not love wholeheartedly even his enemies, he would be saying an untruth.

Always and in everything I observe the word of God my lord and of his Holy Church. So will I deserve the crown of life.

4. Such wonderful treasures are not without a key. This lies in the hands of every christian. It is prayer. Prayer is to the christian soul what water is to the tree. We grow and become stronger in virtue and graces until we pray. If we leave out prayer, our soul does nether advance nor does it live in grace.

Let us pray therefore, let us therefore pray well without ever being fed up. In this way we will deserve and win all the Treasures of heaven for time and for eternity.

_______________________________

 

god's ways of calling

---------- @ ----------

 

The ways with which God likes to call the Missionaries to continue spreading his doctrine throughout the world wherever there are men are many and unlike each other. For example he calls one through a word he heard during a sermon. He may call another through a letter from a friend who already went or who will be going to the Missions. He may call another by the reading of the life of some Saint or some story published in a missionary periodical. Another time you find God's call in a mysterious dream like that which carried Paul to Macedonia. Yet another time it can be found in a mysterious inexplicable attraction toward some nation or race. Some feel called after a devout communion or during Mass. There are those who feel called during the days of a holy retreat, those at other times and those in other manners. St. Peter was called on the boat,St. Matthew was called at the banker's desk and Saint Paul was called while on the way to Damascus. Even today God still calls in everyway. Nothing remains except that we answer with the same generosity by which Our Father St.Paul answered:"Domine quid me vis facere? Tell me O Lord what do you want from me and I am here ready to serve you.

 

______________________________

 

september

Month dedicated to the birth of Mary Our Bl. Mother

What is the value of humbling yourselves

if you do not change your life.

s.augustine

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Monday

saint Giles abbot

2

Tuesday

saint Stephen king of Hungary

3

Wednesday

saint Seraphia v. and m.

4

Thursday

saint Rose from Viterbo

5

Friday

saint Laurence Jiustiniani

6

Saturday

saint Hyacinthus conf - First quarter at 10 and 46 m at night.

@ 7

Sunday

XIII after Pentecost

8

Monday

Birth of the Virgin Mary

9

Tuesday

saint Gorgonius soldier martyr

10

Wednesday

S.Nicholas of Tolentino

11

Thursday

saint Theodora Penitent

12

Friday

The Holy Name of The Virgin Mary

13

Saturday

saint Mantillus bishop - Full moon at 9in the morning

@ 14

Sunday

XIV- Exaltation of the Holy Cross

15

Monday

The seven sorrows of Mary Our Blessed Mother

16

Tuesday

saints Cornelius and Cyprian martyrs

17

Wednesday

The Stigmata of saint Francis - (Ember Days Latt)

18

Thursday

st. Joseph from Copertino

19

Friday

saint Januarius bishop of Benevento - (Ember Days latt.)

20

Saturday

saint Eustachius and his companions martyrs - (Ember Days latt.)

@ 21

Sunday

XV-Saint Matthew Ap and evangelist - Last quarter at 5 and 35 m in the morning

22

Monday

saint Thomas bishop of Villanova

23

Tuesday

saint Linus pope martyr

24

Wednesday

Our Lady of Mercy

25

Thursday

st.Firminus bishop m

26

Friday

Consecration of the Churches of Malta

27

Saturday

saints Cosma and Damien martyrs

@ 28

Sunday

XVI- Saint Wenceslas duke of Bohemia - New moon at 10 and 16m at night

29

Monday

saint Michael Archangel

30

Tuesday

saint Jerome conf and doct.

 

The maltese missionaries in india

---------- @ ----------

Last year not long ago at the cappuchin chapel in Floriana there was a function which moved the heart of all those present. Four new apostles were preparing themselves to go far away and there preach the word of God to those people. It is only right that we be happy because we can mention the departure of these new missionaries. With admirable strength they broke every tie of love they had with the family, relatives and friends to go far away following Jesus' foot steps in the diocese of Damuan in India.

These people brave in the spirit of the Gospel are the most Reverend Fr.Leone as superior of the mission, Fr. George, Fr.Adeodato Joseph and Fr.Francis Xavier.

These four missionaries left Malta around Easter. The reached the much longed for country, the Diocese of Damuan, after a long voyage during which they could visit several other cities.

As soon as they alighted there, they found the Bishop himself who was awaiting them. He was really happy by their presence and received them with great gentleness. He invited them to his car and took them to the palace. The christians of that place were overjoyed by their presence and wanted to hold a great and wonderful meeting during their landing but on that day it rained heavily and any idea of a celebration had to be cancelled. However this did not inpede the christians from demonstrating their joy and gratitude towards these missionaries. The following Sunday they made up for what they could not perform on the day of their arrival.

In his letter, Fr. Leone superior of this mission, tells us that the christians living there respect greatly priests and they do really love them.

These missionaries face a large task; a work which they have already began, with great generosity. From the depths of our heart, we wish them heavenly blessing. We hope that one day our Institute will be fortunate in sending some of its members who, like these four new apostles, disperse the seed of the word of God in those countries where in his mercy he would like to send them.

 

___________________________________

 

october

The Month of the Rosary

With regards to eternity, we

should never be overconfident.

saint gregory

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Wednesday

saint Remigus bishop

2

Thursday

The Guardian Angels

3

Friday

saint Gerard abbot

4

Saturday

saint Francis from Assisi First quarter at 4.30m in the afternoon

 

 

Beginning of the novena of S.Paul in the chapel of the Institute

@ 5

Sunday

XVII- St.Placidus and his companions martyrs

6

Monday

saint Brunone confessor

7

Tuesday

Our Lady of the Rosary

 

 

Feast in the Chapel of the Institute

8

Wednesday

Consecration of the Cathedral of Malta

9

Thursday

saint Dionegese and his companions martyrs

10

Friday

St. Alfred bishop

11

Saturday

Consecration for the Cathedral of Gozo

@ 12

Sunday

XVIII-Our Lady of the Pillar - Full moon at 10.21 at night

 

 

(St. Paul's Feast held in the Chapel of the Institute)

13

Monday

saint Edward king and conf.

14

Tuesday

saint Callistus pope martyr

15

Wednesday

saint Theresa of Jesus

16

Thursday

saint Eligius martyr

17

Friday

saint Hewiges virgin

18

Saturday

saint Luke Evangelist

@ 19

Sunday

XIX-Saint Peter of Alcanctra

20

Monday

saint John Canctius - Last quarter at 54.min in the morning

21

Tuesday

saint Ursola and her companions martyrs

22

Wednesday

saint Donatus bishop

23

Thursday

saint Germanus martyr

24

Friday

saint Raphael Archangel

25

Saturday

ss.Chrysanthus and Daria m.

@ 26

Sunday

XX saint Evarist pope martyr

27

Monday

saint Sabina V.M.

28

Tuesday

saint Simon Jude Thaddeus Ap. and M. - New moon at 8.57m in the morning

29

Wednesday

saint Narcisius bishop

30

Thursday

saint Saturmius martyr

31

Friday

saint and Pelagia (Vigil Latt.)

 

Our lady of st.Luke

---------- @ ----------

Since the first time that the faith was disseminated, we find that wherever that small mustard seed of which the Holy Gospel speaks was sown in the hearts of christians, love towards the blessed Mary was also sown. It was something proper to the Apostles and all their successors that wherever they go to proclaim the faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ, they would also proclaim with it devotion of the Blessed Mary. Just as one cannot separate Jesus from Mary, so one cannot separate love towards them.

All those Sanctuaries dispersed throughout the whole world are a proof of this Truth. Who of us can ever say how many are these Sanctuaries dedicated to this dear mother? Who knows the number of images through which the great God consoled and distributed graces to so many peoples and entire nations?

The image in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in our Cathedral is a proof amongst many of what we have said. The site of the Cathedral is the same place where the palace of Saint Publius our first bishop was. It is also the place where Our Father the Apostle healed, miraculously Publius' father. According to a very old tradition St.Luke the Evangelist drew this Image during his stay among us together with Our Father the Apostle; and as a memento before departing he left us this painting. We can therefore say that this Image is something very dear to us and one of Malta's best treasures. It is prized not only for its antiquity but more so because it is a document of our devotion towards this dear mother of ours.

And who of us does not know to what pains our forefathers together with the bishops of those times always went to demonstrate more the respect and love they had towards this dear mother ? In fact, if we pick up the Acts of the pastoral visit of the Bishops Msgrs. Caliares, Cannaves ,Rull, Palmieri, and many others, we find that all of them agree that our forefathers had a great devotion towards this image and that they always held it as a gift left to them by the Apostle Our Father, that it was depicted by the Evangelist S.Luke . ( These Bishops also agree that our forefathers) always held it as a most precious treasure which they ever had.

The act of the bishop Mons.Gargallo and many other devotees is a witness of this. He covered it with silver and many precious stones of great value; in the year 1798 all were stolen by the French.

But this is not enough to see what devotion our forefathers had towards this Image and the graces it was pleased to work with them. We read in the documents found in an Archives of the Cathedral that in 1614 many Turks under the leadership of Ali, entered Marsascale and were determined that this time they would wreak great havoc in Malta. Our forefathers realised that they were in great danger. So, in great faith they ran at Mary's feet and promised her that if she delivers them from the dangers surrounding them, they would hold a great and solemn procession. And behold! To everybody's amazement the Turks suddenly left this island in the peace it possessed before. (cont.)

 

november

All Souls Month

He who gave you whatever you have

wants you to give him all you have

S.augustine

NO.

DAYS

 

@ 1

Saturday

All Saints

@ 2

Sunday

XXI after Pentecost

3

Monday

All Soul's Day

4

Tuesday

saint Charles Borromeo bishop of Milan

5

Wednesday

The Holy Relics of Malta

6

Thursday

saint Leonard Abbot - First quarter at 18min a.m.

7

Friday

ss.Vital and Agricola

8

Saturday

All Saints' Octave

@ 9

Sunday

XXII-Consecration of the Lateran in Rome- evening

10

Monday

saint Andrew Avellino

11

Tuesday

saint Martin bishop - Full moon at 2 and 31m in the afternoon

12

Wednesday

saint Martin Pope

13

Thursday

saint Didacus confessor

14

Friday

saint Giosaphat bishop martyr In the chapel of the Institute there will be Te Deum because of the canonical erection

15

Saturday

saint Gertrude virgin

@ 16

Sunday

Sunday XXII after Pentecost

17

Monday

saint Gregory bishop Taumaturge

18

Tuesday

Cons.of the Basilicas of ss.Peter and Paul in Rome

19

Wednesday

saint Elisabeth widow and saint Pautaleone Pope

 

 

Last quarter at 7 and 36m in the evening

20

Thursday

saint Felix of Valois

21

Friday

Presentation of the B.V.M. in the temple

22

Saturday

saint Celilia virgin mar.

@ 23

Sunday

saint XXIV after Pentecost

24

Monday

saint John of the Cross

25

Tuesday

saint Catherine virg. and martyr

26

Wednesday

saint Silvester abbot - New Moon at 7. and 15m in the evening.

27

Thursday

saint Maximus bishop of Riegi.

28

Friday

saint James martyr

29

Saturday

saint Saturninus bishop of Toulouse

@ 30

Sunday

I of Advent (marriage prohibited)

Innumberable are the cases which happened to our forefathers and through which they were delivered by Mary's help under the title of St.Luke’s. We would never finish if we were to mention them all. But we wished to mention these two cases which happened nearly at the same epoch of those we have just mentioned. The first one was in the year 1647. The island was hit by severe poverty. Together with the lack of corn, we lacked also rain. The countryside resembled a rock; the sky seemed made of lead. There was no hope of human help. The Maltese people's only hope was solely in God's mercy. this time our forefathers did not forget their dear mother. So they knelt at Mary's feet, together with the Chapter of the Cathedral. She heard them and helped them. The Second case was in 1677. The Plague reigned on Malta. Even at the mentioning of this illness, one shudders. Even this time, after our forefathers had recourse to Mary, they received the graces they wished.

For these really great graces and favours which our forefathers received from Mary, they could not but be more and more full of love towards her. So they were always seeking what they should do to honour her more.

Not more than 25 years have elapsed since Bishop Peter Pace together with the Chapter and the Maltese nation have asked Pope Leo XIII to crown this image with a golden crown. The Pope knew the extent of the zeal and love of the Maltese towards this image. He knew to what extent it stood by them in the calamities and dangers in which they found themselves. In a 9th March 1898 brief he gave them what they asked for. As soon as this news spread everywhere, nobody could contain himself with joy. Everybody showed that the wished it, so barely had four months passed when on the 26th of June of the same year. Mary was crowned as Queen of the whole Maltese nation , as the Maltese people always held her. This took place in front of a joyous and immense crowd.

The day was the 8th of December 1904. The whole world was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the definition of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, by the immortal Pope Pius IX. Even in this circumstance Malta did not want to lag behind and not show its devotion towards Mary. So, The Bishop ordered that this image of the St.Luke Madonna be carried processionally from the Cathedral to St.John's in Valletta. There, there was a most solemn feast. In this circumstance the Maltese nation showed again how much it really has at heart this dear mother and how much it still knew how to love her.

Not long ago the Maltese nation had two other occasions to demonstrate how really it still loves Mary and that it still possesses its forefathers' devotion. The first one. The whole world was immersed in the calamity of the awful war which, let us put it this way, the whole world is still suffering its ugly effects. Malta was spared while on the whole of Europe there was bloodshed of many a thousand and thousands upon thousands, while many and many other nations were devastated by the enemy. And as we have already seen, this was another grace which Mary deigned grant us from her son Jesus. Because even this time our bishops together with the Chapter had recourse to Mary at once. We said that if she grants us the magnanimous grace from her son Jesus that Malta be spared from everyharm , they would hold a most solemn procession. (cont.)

 

december

Never say not to him who asks something

of you for the person whom you turn

down might be Christ himself.

s.augustine

NO.

DAYS

 

1

Monday

st.Andrew ap.

2

Tuesday

saint Bibiana virgin and martyr

3

Wednesday

saint francis Xavier ap. of the Indies - First quarter at 11 and 10m. a.m.

4

Thursday

saint Peter Chrisologus and saint Barbara virgin

5

Friday

saint Saba abbot

6

Saturday

saint Nicholas of Bari bishop of Mira

@ 7

Sunday

II of Advent- saint Ambrose bishop of Milan

@ 8

Monday

THE IMMACULATE CON. OF THE V.M.

9

Tuesday

saint Lucarda virgin

10

Wednesday

Our Lady of Loreto - Full moon at 4 and 13m in the morning

11

Thursday

saint Damaso I pope

12

Friday

saint Ginesius martyr

13

Saturday

saint Lucy virgin martyr

@ 14

Sunday

III of Advent

15

Monday

Oct. of the Conception of the V.M.

16

Tuesday

saint Eusebius Bishop martyr

 

 

Beginning of the novena to the Child Jesus in the Chapel of the Institute

17

Wednesday

saint Olimpia widow

18

Thursday

saint Gratianus bishop of Tours

19

Friday

saint Delfinus bishop martyr (Ember Days Latt.)

 

 

Last quarter at 12 and 11 min. a.m.

20

Saturday

saint John Marinone (Ember Days Latt.)

+21

Sunday

IV of Advent

22

Monday

saint Thomas Ap.

23

Tuesday

saint Victoria

24

Wednesday

saints Tarsilla and Emiliana martyrs

@ 25

Thursday

THE BIRTH OF O.L.J.C.(Celebration of marriages allowed)

26

Friday

saint Stephen the first martyr - New moon at 5 and 49 m. in the morning.

27

Saturday

saint John apostle and evangelist

@ 28

Sunday

The Holy Innocents martyrs

29

Monday

saint Trophimus bishop martyr

30

Tuesday

saint Vitalianus pope

31

Wednesday

saint Sylvester pope martyr

Not long after this vow, our dear bishop made his voice heard and reminded his flock what they had promised Mary. All Malta was full of with joy at this voice and everybody prepared himself so that the vow be consummated in the fitting way. The day established by the bishop, the day on which the procession was to be held, the 20th of June, arrived. After a general communion held in all the churches of Malta, in the afternoon the general procession was held. It emerged from the cathedral and went to Saint Dominic Apart from a representation of the whole Regular Clergy, there was also a representation of all the religions orders. During this procession this Image of Mary was carried by four Priests followed by a large populace, all saying the Rosary. When the procession entered the church, the Te Deum was sung as thanksgiving of this great grace which the Great God deigned give us through Mary. According to the Bishop's order, this Te Deum must be sung for five years on every third Sunday of June so that the Maltese nation will remember and never forget that Mary helped it and defended it even this time.

The other occasion was the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of its incorporation. Last year in June there was the last feast to this Madonna.

As a preparation for the feast, our Bishop himself Msgr. D.M. Caruana preached eight days ( of Spiritual) exercises. Those who were lucky to hear these sermons were very pleased by the magnificent teaching they heard. These started on the 10th of the month and ended eight days later. Pilgramages commenced on the 14th. We can say that they came from the whole Island. They were very numerous. Everybody said the Rosary with great devotion until they arrived at the Cathedral infront of the Image of the Madonna which was exposed on the main altar for this occasion.

The Bishop Dom M. Caruana said pontifical mass on the morning of the 17th. For the evening a procession was ordered. All the parish priests of Malta together with the religious orders took part.

This nation received many graces from Mary. In history there are many instances which show Mary's love towards us. Let us therefore never forget the treasure we have stored in our country. Let us often move closer to this mother of love and she will give us whatever we need.