On Wednesday 7 June the Provincial Commission for the Laity organized the Festa Familja Agostinjana which has now become a long awaited annual activity by several lay people close to the Augustinian communities. In fact, around one hundred and twenty people took part in the activity, coming from the communities of Saint Nicholas in Tarxien, Saint Mark in Rabat, Santa Rita and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Saint Julians, and of Saint Augustine in Valletta.

The day on the island of Gozo started with a mass in the Church of Saint Augustine in Victoria, presided over by Bishop Giovanni Cefai MSSP who shared a few experiences of the missionary Church particularly in lands of great need. Following the mass there was a short presentation on the new adoration chapel that has just been inaugurated in the same priory. All those present then had the opportunity to visit the chapel before entering the priory for some refreshments. Later the group continued its’ day with lunch in Marsalforn. Late in the afternoon a stop was then made at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu for a short moment of prayer, after which the group continued on its way to the ferry.

These initiatives for the laity close to the Augustinian communities are moments that bring together several people who not only frequent our churches, but also support the work of the Augustinian friars in the various realities in which they serve. Above all, these are moments that help build positive relationships and strengthen the Augustinian identity.