""Is-Seba’ Viżti Ta’ Ħamis Ix-Xirka" translates from Maltese to English as "The Seven Visits of Holy Thursday."
Religious Significance: It is a Christian devotion observed on Holy Thursday, primarily in Malta, but also in other Catholic regions like Latin America, Italy, Poland, and the Philippines.
The Practice: It involves visiting seven different churches after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening.
Symbolism: Each visit to a church commemorates one of the final seven places or events in Jesus’ journey from his arrest to his death on Good Friday.
Activities: At each church, pilgrims typically kneel before the Altar of Repose (where the Eucharist is placed after the Holy Thursday Mass), meditate on a relevant scripture passage, and offer prayers and adoration. Common prayers include the Gloria Patri, Ave Maria, and the Lord’s Prayer. Some people also pray the Stations of the Cross.
Purpose: The devotion is a way for the faithful to spiritually accompany Jesus during his Passion.
Variations: In places with fewer than seven churches, people may visit the available churches multiple times to complete the seven visits to the Altar of Repose.
A booklet titled "Is-Seba’ Viżti Ta’ Ħamis Ix-Xirka" by Dun Karm Bezzina and Joe Zammit Ciantar exists, suggesting resources are available to guide this devotion.
"Is-Seba’ Viżti Ta’ Ħamis Ix-Xirka" refers to a traditional Maltese religious practice observed on Maundy Thursday (Ħamis Ix-Xirka). It involves visiting seven different churches to pray and reflect on the Eucharist and the Passion of Christ. This tradition is deeply rooted in Maltese culture and spirituality, symbolizing devotion and a journey of faith."
