Feast of Our Lady of Victories
by Paul Vella

Every year in the State of Victoria, the Feast of Maria Bambina, also known as the "Vitorja", is celebrated with great solemnity.
 
This year was no exception as the Maltese community attended in great numbers for all the celebrations held in conjunction with this feast.
 
On Sunday, 2nd September, a Mass in honour of Maria Bambina was organised by the Australian Association of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (Victoria Branch). This was held at Newman's College of the University of Melbourne. The Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Peter L'Estrange, SJ, Magistral Chaplain and the organist was Confrere Richard Divall. A large number of the Maltese Community attended and among those present were the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Zammit, and the President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Mr Victor Borg. Refreshments were served after the Mass.
 
On Thursday, 6th September, the Reskeon Maltese Association organised the Maria Bambina Mass at the Maltese Centre in Parkville, which again, was well attended.
 
The hall was beautifully decorated by Mr Freddie Asciak assisted by the committee and members of Reskeon Maltese Association, and the statue of Maria Bambina was displayed in the hall.
 
Before Mass, the National Anthems of Malta and Australia were sung.
Among those present was the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Zammit.
 
The Mass was celebrated by Father John Taliana, mssp, while the singing and music were in the hands of Mr Emmanuel Farrugia and his wife, Margaret. Fr Taliana did the Homily.
 
After the Mass celebration there was a break of half an hour and then, those present were entertained by the St. Albans Melita Band in concert, playing several marches and other music. Bandmaster was Mro. Mario Cassar. We enjoyed seeing so many young members in the band.
 
The day after, Friday, 7th September, the Xaghra Association of Australia organised their Maria Bambina Mass at the Maltese Cultural Centre in Albion. Again, the Maltese Community attended in great numbers for this celebration. Reskeon Maltese Association was invited for this Mass and they attended in great numbers.
 
Among those present were the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Zammit, and City of Brimbank Councillor, Mr Charlie Apap. Mr Clemente Zammit did the Commemorative Speech on the 8th of September. Master of Ceremonies was Ms Marlene Galea.
 
The Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society Inc., under the direction of Mro George Aquilina, opened the night by playing the Maltese National Anthem and Advance Australia Fair.
 
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Victor Bonello, OFM, and co-celebrants were Fr Manuel Bonello, Fr Eddie Zammit from Xewkija, Gozo, and Fr Victor Farrugia, who delivered the Homily.
 
After Mass, the President of Xaghra Association of Australia, Mrs Antoinette Bajada, presented a commemorative plaque to the Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society as recognition for its participation in the celebration. The presentation was accepted by the President of the Band, Mr Solero Xuereb and the Bandmaster Mr George Aquilina. Afterwards there was a concert given by the same band.
 
On Saturday, 8th September, Reskeon Maltese Association had their Vitorja Dinner Dance at the Oasis Ballroom of La Mirage Reception and Convention Centre, which was well attended as usual. This dance is very popular with the Maltese Community. Music was provided by the "Speedsters", while the MC for the night was Edwin Baldacchino.
 
The night commenced with the singing of the National Anthem of Malta and Advance Australia Fair.
 
This followed by a beautiful five-course meal, with beer, wine and soft drinks served all night long.
 
Distinguished guests were The High Commissioner of Malta in Australia, H.E. Mr Ives De Barro and Mrs De Barro; the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Zammit; the President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Mr Victor Borg; and Father John Taliana, mssp, among others.
 
Around 11.30 pm, the Maltese United Brass Band entered the hall and took its place on the dance floor playing marches, creating that "Maltese Festa" atmosphere with all those present waving flags and following the band and dancing to the music. Again, we noticed a lot of young members in the band.
 
During the night, Mr David Fuller, Chief Representative of HSBC Bank Malta plc, made a presentation to the President of the Reskeon Maltese Association, Mr John Gauci.
 
Then we come to Sunday, 9th September - the Feast Day of Maria Bambina. This feast is held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, in West Melbourne, better known as the "Church of the Maltese". Every year, Reskeon Maltese Association, organises this feast on behalf and in conjunction with the Fathers of the Missionary Society of St. Paul. More than 1200 members of the Maltese Community filled the church to capacity. This year there were as well two coaches from New South Wales.
 
Being that Reskeon this year celebrated their 25th Anniversary, they used for the first time two new flags, that of Malta and another of Australia.
 
This year, for the first time as well, a special canopy over the statue of Maria Bambina was used.
The work was started by the late Mr Emmanuel Scicluna, who worked on the crown on top of the canopy. The rest of the work was done by Mr Laurie Bartolo (the steel frame), and the sewing was in the hands of Mrs Emily Depares and Mr George Pace. Other work was in the hands of Mr Fredie Asciak who is always there when needed.
 
The Rosary started at 2.30 pm followed by Mass which was celebrated by Father John Taliana, mssp, with co-celebrants Father Karm Borg, mssp; Father Dominic Degiorgio, mssp; and Father Raymond Bugeja, mssp, who delivered the Homily on Our Lady. Master of Ceremonies was Mr Emmanuel Farrugia; altar boy was Jason Neagoe. The singing was in the hands of the Maltese Choir of Victoria, under the direction of Mro. Noel Mangion.
 
Present, among others, were The High Commissioner of Malta in Australia, H.E. Mr Ives De Barro and Mrs De Barro; the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Zammit; the President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Mr Victor Borg; Members of the Australian Association of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (Victoria Branch); members of the Maltese Ex-Services Association, and a large number of associations carrying their banners, namely St Paul's South Eastern Suburbs Association, Reskeon Maltese Association, St. Helena Maltese-Australian Social Club, Tarxien Social Club, Maltese Association Hobsons Bay, Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society, St Margaret Social Club, Our Lady of Grace Association, Australia Nadur Association, St Sebastian Social Club, Maltese Cultural Centre (Albion), Maltese Literature Group, Stella Maris Maltese Association, Immaculate Conception Social Club, St Paul's Parish (Glengala Road), Maltese Pastoral St. Luke's (Lalor), Maltese Salesian Past Pupils Association of Victoria, Marija Bambina (Xaghra), Marija Bambina (Naxxar), Marija Bambina (Senglea) u Marija Bambina (Mellieha), as well as a number of young children dressed in Maltese costume, in the care of Mrs. Lillian Calleja.
 
After Mass there was a procession with the statue of Maria Bambina, accompanied by the Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society and the St. Albans Melita Band. At first it was thought that the procession will not take place because of the inclement weather, but at the last minute it was decided to proceed with the procession. After the procession there was the Sacramental Blessing.
 
Father John Taliana thanked all those who helped in one way or another to make this Feast a success, especially the Reskeon Maltese Association for their work in organising this feast on their behalf, as he always says, they do most of the work.