Ghajnsielem marked 'Jum Ghajnsielem' with a procession commemorating the feast of Our Lady of Loreto. This took place on the eve of the liturgical feast. The St Joseph Band Club accompanied the statue of the Black Madonna around the main streets ending  with a bonfire which was lit in the main square - a tradition started just last year. The procession was broadcasted live on Radju Lauretana.

This is only the second time that the Black Madonna is being taken out for the procession. The statue was acquired in Rome and paid for by Frangisk Mizzi in 1924. The building of the new parish church has been under its protection and in fact, it was taken inside the old church on 13th September 1924, on the eve of the laying of the foundation stone of the new church.

The Lauretana Bonfire
The idea to lit a bonfire during the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Loreto came from a centuries-old tradition where the people used to light bonfires known as 'Focaracci' or 'Festa della Venuta' during the night between the 9 and 10 December, to celebrate the legend according to which in 1294 - when Nazareth was occupied by the Moslems - angels carried the house of the Virgin in flight to Loreto. The bonfires are intended to guide the angels through the night to their destination. Legend says that this happened on the 10th of December.

This tradition is still celebrated in Loreto and nearby towns on December 9 but until 40 years ago this holiday was widely celebrated in central Italy in all quarters of every town and city. For weeks before, the children prepared for the "fochere" and often begged items from friends and neighbours to make the biggest fire. At night the people gathered around the fires, singing for Mary and saying the rosary. With the passing of time this tradition faded.

Concelebrated Mass
On Wednesday morning, a mass was celebrating  at the Ghajnsielem Primary School. The concelebrated mass started at 6.00pm with the orchestra taking part under the direction of Mro Frankie Debono. Fra Michael Camilleri OP delivered the preach. All activities were broadcasted on Radju Lauretana.