Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ramallo (Agenzia Fides) – An entire city, with over 12,000 inhabitants, is getting ready to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier: the City of Ramallah, in the Province of Buenos Aires. The program of festivities dedicated to the Patron of the Missions have begun with the Novena to the Saint, accompanied by celebrations in parishes and schools throughout the city. On the Feast of the Patron Saint of the City, December 3, there will be the blessing of the waters of the Parana River in the morning and in the afternoon, the great Mass in the Cathedral and a party in the city's main square. The Novena which is celebrated at the Parish of St. Francis Xavier is also being prayed by students from different schools and missionaries who are in Ramallah.
With the blessing of the waters of the river, God's blessing is invoked through the intercession of the Patron Saint for the summer period that begins now in that part of the continent and throughout the next year. On this occasion, it is customary to bless local sites and buildings that will be used for community services. In the afternoon of December 3, during the celebration of main Mass, many children will receive their First Communion, which they have prepared for during the year. After the Mass, there is a procession of the Saint' statue and finally, in the evening, a great celebration in the city with cultural events and fireworks to conclude the day.
Devotion to St. Francis Xavier has grown steadily throughout many cities of Argentina. Many are celebrating the feast of the Saint with a distinctly missionary tone, as in Salta, where every year the sending of missionaries takes place on this occasion (see Fides 21/11/2009 ). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 2/12/2009)
