Mary’s Feast at Don Bosco: A Spiritual Bonanza in Victoria

As the sun begins to set over the picturesque town of Victoria, Gozo, the air is filled with a sense of anticipation. The streets are adorned with colorful banners and lights, and the sweet scent of freshly baked pastizzi wafts through the air. It’s the eve of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, and the Don Bosco Oratory is buzzing with activity.

Mary Help of Christians: A Feast of Unity

The Feast of Mary Help of Christians is one of the most significant religious events in Victoria, bringing together the local community in a celebration of faith and unity. The feast, which falls on the 24th of May, honors Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of the Salesian Society, and is celebrated with great fervor by the Salesian community at the Don Bosco Oratory.

The oratory, located on Triq San Lawrenz, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a hub of activity, a symbol of community, and a testament to the Salesian spirit that permeates the town. The feast is not just a religious event but a social one, a time for the community to come together, to celebrate, and to strengthen bonds.

Preparations: A Labour of Love

The preparations for the feast begin weeks in advance. The oratory is cleaned and decorated, with flowers and banners adorning the facade. The statue of Mary Help of Christians, housed in the oratory, is cleaned and dressed in new robes. The local band club, the Banda San Lawrenz, begins practicing for the procession, their music echoing through the streets.

The local women’s group, the Mara Mamma, takes charge of the catering. They spend hours in the kitchen, preparing traditional Gozitan dishes like timpani and qaghaq tal-ħelu. The aroma of these dishes wafts through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Feast Day: A Spiritual and Culinary Delight

The feast day begins with a mass at the oratory, led by the Salesian priests. The church is filled to capacity, with people of all ages coming together to celebrate their faith. The mass is followed by a procession through the streets of Victoria, with the statue of Mary Help of Christians at the center. The procession is led by the Banda San Lawrenz, their music adding a sense of joy and solemnity to the occasion.

After the procession, it’s time for the feast to truly begin. The streets around the oratory are filled with food stalls, selling everything from traditional Gozitan delicacies to international fast food. The aroma of grilled food fills the air, and the sound of laughter and conversation creates a lively atmosphere.

The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display, a gift from the local council to the community. The oratory and the surrounding streets are lit up, the fireworks reflecting in the eyes of the children and the smiles on the faces of the adults.

More Than Just a Feast

The Feast of Mary Help of Christians is more than just a religious event. It’s a celebration of community, of unity, of tradition. It’s a time for the people of Victoria to come together, to celebrate their faith, their culture, and their shared history. It’s a time for the young and the old, the religious and the secular, to come together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, if you find yourself in Victoria on the 24th of May, don’t miss out on this spiritual and culinary delight. Join the community at the Don Bosco Oratory, and experience the Feast of Mary Help of Christians for yourself.