This weeks 1st of May 2012 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.

This weeks articles in the PDF download include the following:

1. On Sunday the 15th of April the diocese of Gozo celebrated ‘Pope’s Day.’ The Bishop of Gozo Mgr. Mario Grech invited the Apostolic Nuncio for our islands, Mgr. Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, to come to Gozo and preside over the concelebration at the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary.

At the beginning of the celebration the Bishop of Gozo reminded the congregation that on Monday the 16th of April the Pope would come to be 85 years old and on Thursday the 19th of April the seventh anniversary from the Pope’s election as successor of Peter would be commemorated.

Wednesday the 18th of April would be the second anniversary of the giving of the golden rose to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu by H.H. Pope Benedict XVI.

Bishop Grech reminded the congregation that it is the duty of every Catholic Christian to pray for the Pope in order that he may continue to proclaim Christ’s message of light to mankind.

In his homily Archbishop Caputo mentioned the importance of renewal in faith especially in the light of the inauguration of the year of faith next November. Mgr. Caputo said that we are living in an era characterised by both relativism and various conflicting opinions with the teaching of Mother Church’ the ethical and doctrinal principles are not always being respected. In the light of all this, the importance of the role of the Holy Father becomes all the more important.

He ended his homily by stating the following: “I would like to renew the invitation of the remember the Pope in your prayers and therefore let us turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ta’ Pinu in order that she may intercede for all of us who come to worship in this sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage, and that she may also look after the His Holiness the Pope that together we may get strengthened in our love for our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church.”

A large group of diocesan and religious priests took part in the concelebration and the animation of the choir was by the Stella Maris choir under the direction of Carmel Grech.

2. The Victoria Scout Group held its Easter Camp at Dwejra. Around 95 members – Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and leaders attended this camp. Each section carried out its programme.

Those present took part in tent pitching and striking, nature hikes, kite and pennant making, clean-ups, incident courses, cooking on open fires, treasure hunts and various games. They also received instruction on Scoutcraft and completed requirements for Scout badges.

An English Scouter, Mr Dave Clements joined the group for the camp. Mr Robert Gonzi and Fr Anton Briffa, Secretary and Chaplain of the Scout Association of Malta, paid a visit to camp.

3. The first edition of the Gozo Organ Festival and Sacred Liturgy was organised by the Gozo Cultural Council in collaboration with the Gozo Diocese.

To mark the occasion, the organ was played in several churches during Sunday Mass. Lawyer Dr Joseph Camilleri played the organ at the Maria Bambina Basilica in Xaghra. The Schola Cantorum Jubilate choir also took part.

4. The Victory Philharmonic Society presented a Concert of Sacred Music – RESURREXIT – at the Collegiate, Basilica and Sancutary of the Nativity of Our Lady in Xaghra.

During this concert, the Band commemorated the memory of four former bandsmen who passed away to eternal life during the last six years. These are Michael Refalo (September 2005), Carmel Vella (December 2009), Francis Bonello (January 2011) and Joseph Grima (November 2011).

The Victory Band also commemorated the late George Cini, co-founder of the same musical society, on the 25th anniversary of his demise.

Soprano Rita Dimech took part. The Nativitas Choir, under the baton of Ivan Attard, participated especially during the performance of the hymn ‘Quddiem Gesu’ Msallab,’ lyrics by Mgr Michaelangelo Apap and music by Mro. Vincenzo Ciappara.

Photos by Charles Spiteri: show Lawyer Dr Joseph Camilleri playing the organ at the Maria Bambina Basilica in Xaghra. The Schola Cantorum Jubilate choir (above) also took part.

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