Rev. Papas Profs Martin Zammit, the preacher of this year’s Triduum in honour of St George, must be feeling very gratified at the massive presence of people who listened to his three sermons on the Martyr Saint of Lydda and on his power of intercession.
The form that the annual Triduum takes; it is celebrated in preparation to the summer solemnity of St George – is unique in the Maltese islands. It is traditional in that it consists of the celebration in Latin of First Vespers, followed by the sermon, the Hymnus, Antiphona and Tantum ergo in full choir and orchestra followed by Sacramental Benediction, but it is also adapted to allow for the maximum participation of the congregation. The officiating clergy moreover does not stay is the choir stalls but sits on the presbytery so that no unnecessary distance separates clergy and congregation during the celebration of the liturgy of the evening.
The Laudate Pueri Choir has attended for the three consecutive days to sing the Vespers with verses of psalms and canticles alternating between the musical chapel singing a cappella and the congregation in plainchant. Rev. George J. Frendo, musical director and Maestro di cappella of the basilica, led the full choir, while the Rev. Joseph Mercieca directed the Schola Cantorum Gregoriana.
Yesterday’s Vespers were presided by Can. Geoffrey G. Attard. Following the sermon, on each of the three days, V. Rev. George J. Frendo, maestro di cappella of the basilica, conducted the choir and resident orchestra in the performance of Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia’ s famous Georgi miles inclite and Beatus Georgius.
Many people attend this part of the evening function with excitement and expectation.
It is such beautiful music!