The new set of eight bells which are set to dominate the belfry of the Ghajnsielem Parish Church, have arrived after the long trip from Cornille-Havard bell foundry in Normandy, France.
Hunderds of parishioners gathered at Mgarr harbour to welcome the arrival of this long-awaited project. The largest bell, is the 5-tonne ‘Maria Loreta,’ with a diameter of slightly more than two metres, which, the parish says, makes it the second largest in Malta and Gozo.
The bells were transported by trailer, complete with carcade from the harbour to the main square of Ghanjnsielem and placed on pillars purposely prepared for their arrival. The whole process was assisted by Mr. Paul Bergamo, general manager of the French bell-foundry. Archpriest Can. Frankie Bajada delivered a speech for the occasion.
Tomorrow, Sunday, the 14th of August, Gozo Bishop, Mgr Mario Grech, will preside over the ceremony of the blessing of the new bells. During the ceremony the statue of Our Lady of Loreto will also be taken out of its niche.