The Presbyterium of St George’s Basilica, that is, the priests of the parish, have today issued a statement regarding an alleged incident that took place on the 29th of April.

The statement by the Presbyterium of St George’s parish, who are responsible for the sacred liturgy at basilica dedicated to the saint, was issued in Maltese and is being carried in this week’s parish bullettin. The bullettin is distributed to almost all the households of Victoria as well as others around Gozo.

The statement said that, “It is with sorrow that we, the priests of Saint George’s parish, note how, during a public activity commemorating the donation of the titular statue to the parish dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Victoria, a band march evoking the antiphon in honour of Saint George was played to mock the martyr saint.”

The Presbyterium continued, “this happened at Independence Square on Sunday 29 April 2012, less than a week after 23 April, the day of the liturgical commemoration of Saint George.”

The statement goes on to say that “our love for the Blessed Virgin and for Saint George as well as, in general, our veneration for the saints should never be for us Catholics matters of controversy. Their holy name, the places of Catholic worship and the sacred texts should never be the target of ridicule or the pretext of rivalry which is neither appropriate nor does it lead to any good.”

The priests of Saint George’s parish go on to say, “We wish to take the opportunity that this sad occasion gives us to call, once again, for a behaviour that respects the principles of justice, truth and mutual respect”.

The statement concluded,”as priest of St George’s Parish, we are committed to do our best so that the two sides draw nearer to each other so that the two cherished feasts that we have in Victoria take place in a dignified manner and produce spiritual profit.”

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