On the 1st January, Solemnity of the Mother of God, Bishop Sylvester Magro, Apostolic Vicar of Benghasi, blessed a new gilded stellario that was once again affixed to the titular painting of the Benghasi Cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The blessing took place during the 10.30am Mass celebration and was a great occasion of joy for the Catholic Community of Benghasi.

The Stellario was worked in silver and bronze by George Farrugia of Tarxien and gilded by Gold Lady Jewellers of Zejtun. It was taken to Benghasi by Fr. Marcello Ghirlando OFM, who was in Libya over the Christmas period, visiting the Franciscan Friars and the different Communities of Nuns in Tobruk, Derna, Beida, El-Merj and Benghasi.

Concelebration the New Year’s Day Mass were Friars Alan Castillo OFM, Ragheb Marzouk OFM and Fr. Marcello Ghirlando OFM.

“May this stellario be a sign of our great devotion to Our Lady in the mystery of her Immaculate Conception, and also an invocation from our hearts that She may protect us always and guide us to her beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ”, Bishop Sylvester concluded the blessing ceremony.