The week long celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto officially kicked off on Monday when the St. Joseph Band Club played a set of marches from Garden Street to the Main Square.  The church was packed with people, especially youths, for the traditional 'ħruġ' . The band played, the Ghajnselmizi sang and the young people clapped as the huge protective glass door of the niche was unbolted and opened wide, and the titular statue of Our Lady of Loreto was seen emerging forward into the crowded church. It was then placed in the main aisle .

Also, earlier today, a strong delegation of 60 people from Tolfa also joined us for the feast celebrations. The group will be staying for 7 days and hosted by several local families. A close friendship already exists between the people of Ghajnsielem and Tolfa and this trip will certainly renew it. Click here for a set photos covering the arrival of the Italians to Gozo.