A special evening of music and devotion will take place in Sliema this Friday, 2 October, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of the Franciscan Friars.

Organised by the Sliema Philharmonic Society together with the Franciscan Community of the Parish Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the special vocal and musical concert will begin at 7.30pm at the Sliema sanctuary. The event forms part of the activities celebrating the Feast of St Francis and is being held with the collaboration of the Sliema Local Council.

The programme will be performed by the Sliema Band, under the direction of Musical Director Mro Lesley Tabone, with soprano Gabrielle Portelli. The selection will feature works inspired by St Francis’ life and spirituality, including Antiphons in Honour of St Francis, Għanja tal-Ħlejjaq, Robert Sheldon’s Commemoration Overture and Eulogy by Mro Neville Pace.

The evening will also highlight a special piece of history. The Franciscan Banner, presented to the Sliema Philharmonic Society in 1926, will be displayed, marking a century-old bond between the two communities.

Presented by Mario Fenech, the concert will conclude with the Hymn to St Francis and the Inno Sliema, bringing together music, culture, remembrance and devotion.

Will you be attending this event?