On Saturday, 24th May 2025, in our Church of Saint Mark, we celebrated the feast of Saint Rita on the occasion of the 125th anniversary since Saint Rita was declared a saint by Pope Leo XIII on 24th May 1900. This special Saturday was marked by three beautiful moments of prayer and praise to God for all He has done through Saint Rita and continues to do through her for those who turn to this beloved saint.
In the morning, the church was filled with elderly and sick persons for the Eucharistic celebration led by Auxiliary Bishop Mons Joseph Galea-Curmi. During this Mass, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was also administered.
In the evening, the Eucharist was presided by the Provincial, Fr. Leslie Gatt OSA, together with other priests. Following the Mass, a procession took place with the devotional statue of Saint Rita, accompanied by various parish associations from Rabat and a large crowd of faithful who participated in the pilgrimage.
Touching moments occurred as the statue of Saint Rita paused in front of each church along the route. At the end of the pilgrimage, in the square in front of Saint Mark’s Church, the Eucharistic Blessing was given.
Fr Raphael Abdilla OSA
Photos: Archdiocese of Malta, Robert Inguanez
