This weeks May 17th 2011 edition of The Maltese Herald Gozo section is now available for download by clicking here

Previous editions are also available by clicking on this link.

The stories covered in this weeks issue are:

1. Pope John Paul II’s monument in Victoria was decorated with flowers and lit candles for the pontiff’s beatification.

Carmel and Antonia Cini and Maria Caruana, who see to the upkeep of the monument all year round, bought the flowers and candles with money forked out by the residents who live nearby. Meanwhile, the JP2 Foundation, responsible for the erection of the monument, organised a concert of sacred music at Ghasri Parish Church to mark the occasion.

Taking part were the University Junior College Orchestra and tenor Aldo Busuttil under the direction of Mro. Manuel Pirotta. The monument marks Pope John Paul II’s visit to Gozo on May 26, 1990. It was inaugurated on May 26, 1991.

The JP2 Foundation also put up a sacred art exhibition at the Culture and Art Centre at the Citadel in Victoria. It is open from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until May 29.

On May 4, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech led a thanksgiving Mass at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary.

2. The Institute of Tourism Studies in Qala recently held an open day. Visitors were shown around the facilities at the institute and briefed about the courses it offers both on a full-time and part-time basis.

3. The Gozitan students that are attending the first year course in B.Sc Nursing, took the initiative and organized a day full of activities for their Maltese class mates. The first place they visited was the awesome Rotunda in Xewkija, dedicated to St. John.

Apart from seeing the masterpiece in stonework of the old church situated near it, they had the opportunity to go on the top and admire from its enormous dome, the breath taking 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s countryside, from its hills and valleys and villages, to even distant islands of Comino and Malta. Then they paid a visit to the Citadel in the heart of Victoria, where they had just a small taste of the great history it entails. They visited the old prison and the majestic Cathedral dedicated to St. Mary, both situated in this small fortified town.

Moreover they also admired the unforgettable panoramic view of Gozo. After they visited one of the most picturesque places on the island of Gozo, Wied il-Ghasri, which is a stunning narrow cliff-bound cove located in the tiny village of Ghasri.

Then they walked towards the bay of Xwejni where they had the opportunity to watch the saltpans, which have a long tradition in Gozo, that are still in use even in these days. After they departed for Dahlet Qorrot, a small inlet, pebble beach, that can be reached from Nadur. There they had the time to eat some traditional Gozitan food, such as Gozo cheeslet and tuna ‘ftira’.

The last place they visited was sandy beach of Ramla il-Hamra, where they had the time to relax and sun bath, while other tended to jump in its beautifully clear sea. This activity was greatly appreciated by these students.

Thanks to their Gozitan class mates, they had the opportunity, although for a short time, to discover and enjoy the tradition and beauty such an island can offer. Photo by Charles Spiteri – Pope John Paul II’s monument in Victoria was decorated with flowers and lit candles for the pontiff’s beatification.

Photo by Charles Spiteri shows Pope John Paul II’s monument in Victoria was decorated with flowers and lit candles for the pontiff’s beatification.

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