On Sunday 4 October the Franciscan Province celebrated the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi with a concelebrated Mass in the Church of Saint Mary of Jesus in Valletta, presided by the Minister Provincial Fr. Anthony Chircop. This celebration is an annual event which is traditionally held, even though this year it was not celebrated with the usual solemnity.
Nevertheless, as the Provincial said in his introduction, the simple style is certainly in line with the charism of Saint Francis. A good number of faithful took part in the Mass, including the community of Franciscan Sisters Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, other religious and Franciscan seculars.
During the homily Fr. Anthony made a detailed reference to the First Reading of the Mass, taken from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, chosen by the Church in order to underline Saint Francis’ mission as a spiritual builder of the people of God in his times, and an inspiration to us in our mission today. The professional harpist Jacob Portelli generously animated the Mass with his expert performance of simple hymns and Gregorian chants.
At the end of the Mass, Fr. Ramon Farrugia, Guardian of Valletta, thanked all the brothers and lay persons present, as well as the church choir, helpers and members of the Archconfraternity of the Crucifix for their collaboration with the upkeep of the Valletta Ta’ Ġieżu Church.
