Traditional pilgrimage

Archbishop Charles Scicluna will inaugurate a series of penitential Lent pilgrimages, on the day of the traditional Ħadd in-Nies (People’s Sunday), on March 5 at 4.30pm in Żabbar, accompanied by the statue of Our Lady of Graces. In the past, this aspect of thanksgiving and penance moved our forefathers and fathers to pay visits and join in pilgrimages to the venerated Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar. The tradition dates back to centuries before the Order of St John came to Malta in AD1530. With the introduction of Carnival during the early days of the Order in Malta, visitors to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces increased on Ash Wednesday as an act of penance for any follies committed during carnival festivities. People from all walks of life came to the Sanctuary to fulfil their vows, pray and ask for God’s blessings. From Ash Wednesday, these visits slowly shifted to the first Sunday of Lent. In the 17th century, this event turned into a festivity similar to L-Imnarja and San Girgor, until around 80 years ago when the spirit of penance was revived via the use of floats and groups depicting the history and devotion to our Lady of Graces. In recent years, the annual...