The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows at Naxxar parish
Today
Friday, the entire country of Malta turns to Mary as the Sorrowful Mother, as a
head-start to the celebrations of Holy Week. It has always been a special
reverential devotion that Maltese turn to Mary on the Friday before Good
Friday, as many go to confession, attend Mass and do penance and offer
sacrifices in reparation for their sins. It is the culmination of Lent, and
what one might call a sort of Lent, Ramadan and Yom Kippur blended into one.
Statues of the Mater Dolorosa are carried throughout the streets of every town
and village in Malta and Gozo. Many priests will celebrate extra Masses in
places of work and in smaller groups. I have 4 Masses planned today, including
two at workplaces, and it’s so consoling to see all the workers stop and
pause, attend Mass, receive Communion and promise to lead a better lifestyle.
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