St. Publius Festa Programme

FRIDAY 10 APRIL – DAY OF SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

During all Masses today, fervent prayers are offered to God so that the feast may bring spiritual benefits to our parish. It is a beautiful thing if we carry out acts of penance such as fasting and pray more with this intention.

5:30pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, with the Rosary prayed together for spiritual blessings from the feast.
6:30pm – Mass celebrated by Vice-Archpriest Canon Dun Stefan Galea for the spiritual and temporal needs of the benefactors of the parish, both living and deceased.

SATURDAY 11 APRIL – DAY OF SUFFRAGE – THIRD SATURDAY OF ST PUBLIUS

6:30pm – Mass celebrated by Rev. Victor Paul Farrugia for all the deceased of the parish, especially those who passed away during the past year. Their names will be mentioned. Families who lost a loved one this year are especially invited.

7:30pm – Concert organised by the Assoċjazzjoni Publju ta’ Malta.

SUNDAY 12 APRIL – DAY OF FLORIANA, CATECHESIS AND SOLIDARITY

During all Masses, a collection will be taken for charity, along with catechesis on the meaning of the Christian feast.

9:00am – Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ġorġ Buttiġieġ OFM Conv.
9:45am – Solemn Eucharistic procession with the Blessed Sacrament, including Holy Communion for the sick, accompanied by the Vilhena Philharmonic. Procession route through various streets ending with Benediction.
10:45am – Band march by the Vilhena Philharmonic
11:00am – Solemn Mass celebrated by Archpriest Canon Dun Charles Cini, attended by the Mayor and Local Council. Special invitation to Floriana residents living abroad. Mandate given to statue bearers.
11:45am – Statue of St Publius taken out of its niche.
1:00pm – Traditional buffet lunch at Sala San Publju marking the start of feast week.
5:30pm – Mass with homily.
7:00pm – Presentation of children and infants to St Publius.

MONDAY 13 APRIL – CHILDREN’S DAY

6:00pm – Mass for children celebrated by Fr. Joe Caruana OFM.
7:00pm – Children’s procession with the small statue of St Publius accompanied by Piccola Banda.
8:45pm – Return to church and Benediction.

TUESDAY 14 APRIL – DAY OF ALL FLORIANA ORGANISATIONS

6:30pm – Mass celebrated by Fr. Colin Apap. Special invitation to local council members and all organisations (religious, social, band clubs, sports).

WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL – FIRST DAY OF THE TRIDUUM – PARISH COMMUNITY DAY

6:00pm – Vespers.
6:30pm – Mass by Fr. William Bartolo OFM Conv. with participation of MUSEUM members. Sermon by Prof. Martin Micallef. Followed by prayers, hymns, and Benediction.

THURSDAY 16 APRIL – SECOND DAY OF THE TRIDUUM – DAY OF THE SICK AND FAMILIES

10:00am – Mass for the sick and elderly with Anointing of the Sick.
6:00pm – Vespers.
6:30pm – Mass for families, including couples celebrating anniversaries. Renewal of marriage vows. Sermon by Prof. Martin Micallef. Followed by devotions and Benediction.

8:30pm – Band March by the Vilhena Philharmonic

FRIDAY 17 APRIL – THIRD DAY OF THE TRIDUUM – VOCATIONS DAY

11:15am – Mass for primary school children.
12:35pm – Mass for workers.
6:00pm – Vespers.
6:30pm – Solemn concelebrated Mass marking the 50th anniversary of Fr. Joe Libreri’s priesthood. Prayers for vocations.
8:30pm – Band march by the Vilhena Philharmonic with the external statue of St Publius, including fireworks and pyrotechnic display.

SATURDAY 18 APRIL – EVE OF THE FEAST

5:55pm – Procession to Sarria Church.
6:00pm – Solemn translation of the relic of St Publius.
6:10pm – First Solemn Vespers and Benediction.
7:30pm – Solemn Mass by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi.
9:15pm – Musical program by the Vilhena Philharmonic
10:30pm – Ground fireworks festival.

SUNDAY 19 APRIL – FEAST OF ST PUBLIUS

7:00am / 8:00am – Early Masses.
9:00am – Welcoming of Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna.
9:15am – Pontifical Mass led by the Archbishop, with orchestra and choir, attended by the President of Malta and distinguished guests.
11:15am – Mass.
1:00pm – Grand band march by the Vilhena Philharmonic
5:00pm – Mass.
6:00pm – Solemn Vespers.
7:00pm – Grand procession with the statue of St Publius accompanied by bands and fireworks.
10:30pm – Final celebration in church with Eucharistic celebration and hymn.