The Jubilee celebrations of Saint Rita in Gozo began with a pilgrimage to Cascia on 19th March 2025. Participants had the opportunity to unite the Jubilee of Hope 2025 with the Jubilee marking the 125th anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Rita (1900–2025).
On 11th May 2025, at the Church of Saint Augustine in Victoria, a Musical Academy was held under the direction of the Santa Ċecilja Foundation. The event featured original musical compositions by Maestro Antoine Mercieca, along with speeches and poetry readings by various individuals.
The Musical Academy was held under the patronage of the Provincial, Fr. Leslie Gatt OSA. Following the event, the Provincial inaugurated an exhibition of sacred objects related to Saint Rita, with contributions from various artists, friends, and archival documents from the convent.
The celebration continued with a triduum preached by Archbishop Emeritus Mons. Ġorġ Frendo O.P. On the eve of the feast, the Chapter of the Basilica of St. George participated for the translatio, with the Mass led by the Provincial.
On Thursday, 22nd May-the feast day-a large number of people attended the various Masses throughout the day, as well as the Pontifical celebration and procession, led by the Apostolic Nuncio, Mons. Savio Hon Tai-Fai, with the participation of the Chapter of the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary.
To commemorate this anniversary, MaltaPost issued a special stamp on a custom-designed postcard created by Mr. Anthony Grech. The stamp was made available at the Victoria, Gozo Post Office on Saturday, 24th May 2025.
Fr. Peter Paul Cachia OSA
