History tells us that the feast of Our Lady of Europe in Gibraltar was celebrated on 15^th August from time immemorial.It was in Bishop Scandella’s episcopate that the date was changed to 30^th May until 1979.

European countries were exerting more serious efforts to create greater unity in all spheres of life, so much so, that 5^th May was celebrated as Europe Day. Bishop Rapallo petitioned Rome for the transfer of the feast day of Our Lady of Europe to coincide with “Europe Day”.

Rome replied in the affirmative and since then the Feast of Our Lady of Europe has been solemnised on May 5^th. By so doing, the Shrine became even more relevant to contemporary time.

Since then a Triduum has been held at the Cathedral with a Solemn celebration at the Shrine on the final day presided by the Bishop.