This weeks August 9th 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. Frankie Cassar restoring the stone statue of San Gorg tal-Hagar. The 1925 statue, sculpted by Guze Agius from one stone, was put back in its place in St George Street, Victoria.

2. Frederick Azzopardi, Parliamentary Assistant within the Ministry for Gozo, recently inaugurated ‘The Papal Corpus Christi Procession during the reign of Pope Gregory XVI,’ an art exhibition by Salvatore Busuttil, being held at the Cittadella Centre for Culture and the Arts, Victoria. Roberto Conserzio, who was representing the Fondazzione Marco Besso, was present for the official opening. This exhibition will remain open till Sunday, September 25, from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m and 4 p.m and Saturdays and Sundays between 11a.m and 3 p.m.

3. A special and historic literature and music evening was held recently at St. Augustine’s Church in Victoria. The principal aim in organising this evening was to exhault historically and artistically the titular painting behind the main altar of this church, as an important document found recently in the Priory archives leaves no doubt about the painting being the true work of the prolific Calahian artist, Mattia Preti and bottega (c.1694).

The evening, which was organised in a joint collaboration of the Pope John II Foundation and the Augustinian Community in Gozo, included selections from the repertoire of famous composers. Soprano Claudia Tabone and Baritone Kevin Caruana gave a beautiful renditions of works by Mozart, Handel, Faure,’ Schubert and Gaberain. Their beautiful voices were furthermore accentuated by the excellent acoustics of the church. Maestro Stephen Attard accompanied them on the piano. Mrs Christine Scerri presented this wonderful evening.

The literary section started by a welcoming message from Fr. Peter Paul Cachia O.S.A. on behalf of the Augustinian Community in Gozo. He expressed the pride and joy shared by the Augustinian Community and the people of Gozo at such a historical find.

The first part of the main talk was delivered by Mario Micallef a B.A. (Hons) graduate in history. He gave an extensive outlook of the Augustinian Friars’ historical link with Gozo. Emphasis was made on the present St. Augustine Church and Priory which are considered among the oldest and finest architectural and artistic assets in Gozo. He continued to give a long and detailed list of the numerous artistic treasures in the church and priory.

The second part of the talk was presented by Paul Cassar who is a B.A. (Hons) graduate in the History of Art. It was through his studies in preparation for the thesis and after extensive studies in the archives of St. Augustine’s Priory in Gozo that a most important authentic document was brought to light.

This unique document revealed information about the commission handed to the noble Giovanni Gurgion, the structural preparations, donations and payment of the Church’s main painting. Mr Cassar continued to elaborate on the condition of the painting also stating, that it was a pleasant illustration of Mattia Preti’s late work (1613-1699). The painting depicts St. Augustine as the main figure together with St. John the Baptist and William of Aquitaine. It was hanged in place in 1694 and was professionally restored in 1997 by the Gozitan artist and restorer Godwin Cutajar.

The evening was well attended and a keen interest was shown in the aforementioned document, which was duly exhibited at the end of the evening, with Paul Cassar answering several questions put to him by the people present. The Church and Priory of St. Augustine are certainly a treasure in the heart of Victoria. Undoubtedly, the Priory archives will in future yield yet more historical and artistic surprises.

4. The Zewwieqa Waterfront project is now well underway with the excavation and construction of a park which will border this area.

The park is just one of the many elements that incorporate this extensive project which will be spread over about 18,000 square meters and will include among others the construction of a rainwater storage area. The project will also see the creating of pedestrian zones, landscaped plazas with seating areas and open sea views, an area hosting the restored Dghajsa tal-Latini and an informal stage structure.

The regeneration project will cost around €5 million, with 85 per cent of the necessary funds provided through the EU’s European Regional Development Fund, (ERDF) under the Operational Programme 1, from 2007-2013 with the remaining 15% from national funds.

Photo: Frederick Azzopardi, Parliamentary Assistant within the Ministry for Gozo, during the inauguration of an art exhibition. Also seen Roberto Conserzio, who was representing the Fondazzione Marco Besso

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