Lenten campaign 2026
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This August, the Maltese island of Gozo is radiant with devotion as faithful gather in Victoria to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the Cathedral’s beloved Assumption altarpiece.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, as his Special Envoy for the festivities, underscoring the celebration’s significance in this Holy Year.
The solemnity falls on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when the Church rejoices in the belief that Mary, “predestined and appointed by God above every creature as an advocate of grace and a model of holiness,” shares fully in the glory of her Son.
In his letter to Cardinal Grech, Pope Leo called the event an occasion to “adorn her images with crowns of gold and precious stones as a sign of faith and love for God,” while also strengthening the faith of those gathered “in the joy of the Gospel.”
The Cathedral of Gozo’s Assumption painting — measuring nearly four meters across — was created in 1791 by Maltese artist Michele Busuttil.
Commissioned by Canon Benedetto Stellini, it has presided over the high altar for over two centuries. Its crowning took place on August 15, 1975, by Cardinal Franjo Šeper, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, acting under Pope Saint Paul VI’s authority through the Apostolic Brief Qui dignitatem.
75 Years since Pius XII's proclamation
This year’s jubilee coincides with another milestone: the 75th anniversary of Pope Pius XII’s proclamation of the dogma of the Assumption in 1950. To honor both, the Diocese of Gozo together with the Cathedral Parish prepared a program blending solemn worship with heartfelt community celebration.
On Sunday, August 10, Cardinal Grech presided over a Pontifical Mass in the Cathedral at 6:00 p.m., joined by Msgr. Tarcisio Camilleri, Vicar General of the Diocese of Gozo, and Msgr. Edward Zammit, Chancellor of the Diocesan Curia.
Following Mass, a grand procession carried the Assumption painting to Savina Square, where the consecration of the Gozitan people to Mary was renewed.
Pope Leo’s message was broadcast to the crowd, echoing his prayers and closeness to the community.
The evening featured traditional Maltese festivity: fireworks from Gelmus Hill, arranged by the Vampa Organisation, illuminated the summer sky in honor of the Mother of God. The Leone Band accompanied the painting’s return to the Cathedral around 10:00 p.m., bringing the night to a close in an atmosphere of joy and reverence.
For Catholics, Marian coronations are more than ceremonial honors — they are public declarations of love for the one the Catechism calls the Church’s “eschatological icon” (CCC 972), a reminder of the destiny awaiting all who remain faithful to Christ.
In Gozo, this year’s jubilee was not only about remembering a golden anniversary but also about renewing trust in Mary’s maternal intercession for the island, for Malta, and the world.
As the bells of Victoria’s Cathedral ring out on August 15, they will carry a message as old as the Gospel and as fresh as the morning sun: Mary has been assumed into Heaven; the angels rejoice!
