November is seeing hundreds of Ghajnsilmizi coming into the Sanctuary of our Lady of Loreto to keep the commemoration of All Saints and All Souls. They may not be days of obligation but, besides being liturgically significant they have particular resonance in Maltese culture.

The solemnity of All Saints, celebrated on the 1st of November, honours all the saints of the church, those whose names we know as well as those not known to us by name.

The commemoration of all the faithful departed was celebrated on Sunday 2nd November.  Maltese it is commonly known as Jum il-Mejtin or l-Għid ta’ l-Imwiet. It is a day of remembrance, celebration and prayer for those who have preceded us in purgatory and are currently being purified in preparation for entry into the heavenly Jerusalem. In Ghajnsielem, a pilgrim started at 5pm from the main square and ending with an Eucharistic celebration at the Cemetery.

During the month of November, the Ghajnsielem Cemetery will remain open all day and between Monday and Saturday, a holy mass will be celebrated at noon.