The Feast of Marija Bambina in Victoria

The feast of Marija Bambina in Victoria, Australia, was celebrated once again with great solemnity and as in past years the Maltese community helped to make this feast a great success by attending in large numbers.

This feast is to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lady, who helped Malta in victory over the Turks in the Great Siege of 1565 and when Italy announced its unconditional surrender at the end of World War II.

On Sunday, 28th August, 2005, the Australian Association of The Sovereign Military Hospitallier Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta organised a Mass in honour of Our Lady under the title The Blessed Virgin of Mount Phileremos, at Newman’s College, University of Melbourne, Carlton.

On Thursday, 8th September, Reskeon Maltese Association organised the Mass of Marija Bambina (Vittorja) at the Maltese Centre Parkville. On Sunday, 11th September, it was the Feast of Marija Bambina. This is organised by Reskeon on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, at St Mary Star of the Sea Church, West Melbourne. Mass was celebrated by Mons Joseph Grech, DD, Bishop of Sandhurst; along with eight Concelebrants. The Homily was delivered by Bishop Joseph Grech.

Although the Church is going through major renovations, around 1500 members of the Maltese Community attended. Because of the inclement weather, the procession did not proceed in the streets around the church, but was held inside. Before the procession there was the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

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