Local
Blessed's blood as relic for canonisation
By MaltaMedia News
Apr 20, 2007 - 1:46:11 PM

The relic to be taken to the Vatican for the canonisation of Dun Ġorġ Preca will be the blood of the Blessed, collected in a small tube. The relic will be taken to Rome by Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona and it will be returned to Malta by Gozitan Bishop Mgr. Mario Grech.

A total of 3,900 persons have registered to attend the canonisation function to be held on the 3rd June. Registration closes at the end of April.

The mass in which the late priest will be officially declared a saint will start at 1000CET after pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square at 0800CET.

Access will be granted to free ticket holders as from 0800CET.

Tickets can be collected from the Liturgical Office at the Archbishop’s Curia, Floriana on the 21st and 22nd May from 0830 to 1700CET and on the 23rd, 24th and 25th May from 0830CET to 1300CET. Pilgrims have also been urged by organisers to purchase packages containing a cap, scarf, badge and book for the occasion. The package costs Lm3. organizers said that the contents of the package will serve to distinguish Maltese pilgrims from others.

On Saturday 2nd June at 1900CET, a prayer vigil for Maltese Pilgrims will be held at Basilica Sta. Maria Maggiore in Rome, while on Monday 4th June at 1100CET, Archbishop Cremonawill lead a concelebrated thanks giving Mass.