The Dominican community and the people of Birgu will welcome three distinguished bishops who will preside over three important liturgical celebrations during the Solemn Feast of St. Dominic, being celebrated in Birgu between 21 and 30 August 2026.

The presence of Msgr. George Frendo OP, Archbishop Emeritus of Tirana, Albania; Msgr. Sandro Overend Rigillo OFM, Apostolic Vicar of Benghazi; and Msgr. Carmelo Zammit, Bishop Emeritus of Gibraltar, will add a special dimension to this year's celebrations, bringing together the Church's universal character and the deep devotion of the Birgu community to St. Dominic.

Msgr. George Frendo OP – Last Tuesday of St. Dominic

The first of the three bishops to preside over a major celebration will be Msgr. George Frendo OP, Archbishop Emeritus of Tirana, Albania.

On Tuesday, 25 August, the Archbishop will lead the traditional celebration of the Last Tuesday of St. Dominic, an important moment in the spiritual preparation for the solemn feast.

The celebration will include Solemn Vespers followed by Holy Mass, offering the faithful an opportunity to gather in prayer and reflection as the feast approaches.

Archbishop Frendo, himself a member of the Order of Preachers, will bring to Birgu his experience of pastoral ministry and his close connection with the Dominican family.

Msgr. Sandro Overend Rigillo OFM – Solemn Translation of the Relic

On the eve of the feast, Saturday, 29 August, Msgr. Sandro Overend Rigillo OFM, Apostolic Vicar of Benghazi, will preside over another particularly significant celebration.

He will lead the solemn translation of the relic of St. Dominic, followed by Solemn Vespers.

The translation of the relic is one of the deeply cherished moments of the feast, symbolically bringing the relic of the Founder of the Order of Preachers into the midst of the community gathered to honour him. The celebration will also serve as a fitting spiritual preparation for the principal feast day.

The presence of Bishop Rigillo, a Franciscan bishop serving the Church in Benghazi, will provide a meaningful expression of the universality of the Catholic Church and the bonds of fraternity between the Franciscans and the Dominicans. 

Msgr. Carmelo Zammit – Solemn Pontifical Mass on the Feast

The climax of the celebrations will take place on Sunday, 30 August, the solemn feast of St. Dominic.

At 9:15 a.m., Msgr. Carmelo Zammit, Bishop Emeritus of Gibraltar, will preside over the Solemn Pontifical Mass.

This principal Eucharistic celebration will bring together the Dominican community, parishioners, devotees of St. Dominic and visitors who come to Birgu to participate in the annual feast.

The celebration will be the high point of a period of prayer and devotion dedicated to St. Dominic, whose spiritual legacy continues to inspire generations of Christians and whose presence remains deeply rooted in the religious and cultural heritage of Birgu.

A Special Privilege for Birgu

Having three bishops preside over these three significant liturgical celebrations is a particular privilege for the Dominican community and the people of Birgu.

Msgr. George Frendo OP, Msgr. Sandro Overend Rigillo OFM and Msgr. Carmelo Zammit will each bring their own pastoral experience and ecclesial witness to the celebrations, making this year's feast a truly special occasion.

As Birgu prepares once again to honour St. Dominic, Founder of the Order of Preachers, the presence of these three bishops will enrich the spiritual programme and highlight the universal dimension of the Church and of the Dominican Order.

The people of Birgu and all devotees of St. Dominic are therefore invited to participate in these important celebrations and to join together in prayer as the city celebrates its beloved patron with faith, devotion and joy.