Ghajnsielem week – What a week!
This year’s Ghajnsielem week was different from previous ones since it marked the installation of Rev. Frankie Bajada as the new archpriest of Ghajnsielem parish. The motto chosen for the festivities was Secundum Verbum Tuum, Domine, As you wish O Lord!
The activities kicked off on Sunday 26th November Feast of Christ the King. The local community participated in the annual manifestation organized by the Gozo Diocese in Victoria. On Monday, Fr Frankie visited the Guzeppa Debono Home. Monsignor Saviour Borg delivered a remarkable speech on Jesus the Shepherd after the evening mass. On Tuesday Canon Joseph Sultana spoke about Jesus the Prophet. On this day archpriest Bajada paid a visit to Dar Arka. The following day, the new Archpriest visited the Eden Foundation premises. After the evening mass, Rev. Anton Theuma, rector of the Sacred Heart Seminary talked about Jesus the Priest. One has to say that a large number of people attended these three talks, which were held in the Parish Church.
Thursday 30th November was Reconciliation Day. The bells rang joyfully at mid-day. A mass was celebrated at 3.30pm in the Convent of the Augustine Sisters. At 5.00pm tens of children gathered in the Parish Church for some prayers in front of the Holy Eucharist. Friday 1st December was a day of prayer. The archpriest visited the sick and the elderly in their homes. In the evening a youth celebration took place in church animated by The Way, a charismatic group from Malta. Although the celebration was quite long, no one seemed to get bored since it was perfectly organized. Many youths said they lived a unique experience.
A full-day outing to Malta was organized by the Local Council on Saturday 2nd. In the evening, a thanksgiving mass was celebrated in order to render thanks to the Almighty and to Rev. Joseph Zerafa for the 25-year service he gave the parish as archpriest. After the mass, a reception was held in the Parish Centre. Gifts were given to Monsignor Zerafa and a word of thanks was a must.
On Sunday 3rd December, archpriest Bajada played an active role in the installation of Rev. Tonio Galea as new parish priest of Munxar. Fr Bajada himself was parish priest of Munxar for ten years. At 11.15am an exhibition of old photos was inaugurated in the Band Club premises. The feast of Saint Andrew was celebrated in the evening. The procession with the statue of the saint concluded the day.
A visit to the sister island of Comino marked Monday 4th December. Major Frans Cauchi accompanied the archpriest. At 5.00pm a mass for all those who passed away was celebrated in the cemetery. Archpriest Bajada visited St. Anthony’s community on Tuesday 5th. The Franciscan Fathers welcomed the new archpriest. Late in the evening a treasure hunt for young people was organized by the Parish Centre. Many had a hard time trying to figure out the clues given and eventually finding the treasure!
Many Ghajnselmizi joined a tour around Gozo on Wednesday 6th December. On his part, Archpriest Frankie Bajada visited the sick and elderly at the Gozo General Hospital. The latter were so eager to meet the new archpriest. At 6.30pm Fr Bajada visited Lourdes Home. On Thursday, the archpriest visited the Day Centre for the Elderly at St. Joseph Home. Then he was the guest of honour during the Prize Day celebrated in our primary school Anton Cassar. Young people recited the rosary at 5.00pm in the parish church. The evening mass was at 5.30pm. Special prayers for our emigrants were recited. After mass, the statue of Our Lady of Loreto was taken out of its niche and put in a prominent place on the side of the aisle. In the evening the MTL Fest 2006 was organized in the hall of the Parish Centre. What a night! The evening was compered by the famous duo Joe d-Dulli and Veronique.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated on Friday 8th December. An annual pilgrimage was organized and many parishioners took part by visiting the Holy Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Qala. Families heavily attended the evening mass. At 7.15pm the Local Council organized a Gala Dinner. Loreto Galea was awarded Gieh Ghajnsielem. The Football Club launched a book about its glorious history.
Saturday 9th December was a day to remember. In the evening at around 8.00pm, a vigil of prayer took place in church. The church was illuminated with lights, making the church so different. The atmosphere was magical. Throngs of people joined in the prayers. At the end, his Excellency Bishop Mario Grech announced that Pope Benedict XVI had granted his wish to appoint Rev. Zerafa as Monsignor. This news was welcomed by a big applause.
Sunday 10th December will be long remembered in history. The weather was just perfect. It was not a wintry day for sure! The village was adorned with flags, the streets were nicely decorated and everyone was eager for the big day. Ghajnsielem was celebrating the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Loreto and the installation of the new archpriest. At 8.00pm Fr Bajada prayed with the Xaghra community, his hometown. He went to Munxar where he received such a warm welcome. One could notice tears in the eyes of the parishioners, whom he served and loved for ten years. A carcade left Munxar for Ghajnsielem. First he visited the church of Saint Anthony, then Lourdes Home where he met the nuns and the children. He put a bouquet of flowers in front of Our Lady of Lourdes in her chapel overlooking Imgarr Harbour. At 9.30pm, the St. Joseph Band welcomed the new archpriest near the Tartufo Restaurant with marches. The Victory Band of Xaghra also played. At 10.15am the new archpriest was welcomed in the main square by his Excellency Bishop Mario Grech and Major Frans Cauchi. Miss Rita Meilak delivered a short speech. At 10.30am the mass began. The church was full up. A large number of priests took part. The orchestra under the leadership of Maestro Frankie Debono played majestically. The angelic voices were provided by the Lauretana Choir, St. Anthony’s Choir, Allegro Choir (Munxar), Ilhna Smewwija (Munxar) and the Voce Angeliche (Xaghra). Those who attended the mass couldn’t hide their emotions. The whole ceremony was so touching. It was broadcast live on four radio stations including Sydney One Radio of Australia. Emigrants’ response was overwhelming. A reception was held for all in the Parish Square.
At 6.00pm, the St. Joseph Band played around the village streets. The new warehouse where festa decorations are kept was inaugurated.
These are just the details. To live such an event is something words can never describe. It shall remain in our hearts and minds forever.
LELIO SPITERI & ARC. FRANKIE BAJADA