The Ministry for Gozo, together with the Masini and Refalo Families have announced that a series of events will be taking place to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary from the death of the late Dr Francesco Masini (1894-1962).

Among the commemorative events, is an exhibition, entitled ‘Ghawdex Ifakkar,’ which was inaugurated on Sunday by the Minister for Gozo, Giovana Debono. The exhibition, which is being held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria includes numerous photos and documents relating to Dr Masini’s life and achievements.

The Minister referred to Dr Francesco Masini as a Gozitan personality who distinguished himself not only through his personal successes in the legal profession, but also because throughout his life he strived to ensure that conditions for his fellow Gozitans were not only improved but that they also gained the attention they deserved. The Minister added that the name of Dr Masini will always be linked to the history of the island ensuring its link with Parliament and his example is considered as an inspiration to its people in seeking what is best for the island.

Dr Chris Said, Minister for Justice, Dialogue and Family, Anton Refalo, Labour’s main spokesperson for Gozo, Mr Anton Tabone and family members of Dr. Francesco Masini were also present for the inauguration.

Dr Masini was a leading lawyer, serving in the Gozo Law Courts between 1919 and his death in 1962. He was also a member of numerous organisations and committees, perhaps the best-known of them being the Leone Philharmonic Society, of which he was appointed as honourary president.

However, Dr Masini’s greatest achievement was certainly the foundation of the Gozo Party in 1947. Together with six other professionals and entrepreneurs, Masini set up the party, which according to Mabel Strickland signified that “Gozo is out to make its voice heard.” In the 1947 election, together with Dr Anton Calleja, and Joseph Cefai, Francesco Masini was elected to the Legislative Assembly on the party ticket, serving as member till the collapse of the Boffa government in 1950.

The exhibtion will remain open till Thursday, 5th July, opening hours will be from Mon-Fri: 8.00-13:00 Sat-Sun: 9.00-12.00.

Apart from this, a special commemorative evening will be held on Friday, 6th July, at Francesco Masini Street in Victoria. During this event, several speakers will share their thoughts on Dr Masini’s work for the Gozitan community. This event will commence at 7.30 p.m.

The events will be concluded by a mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria, on Monday, 9th July, 2012: the day of the anniversary of Dr Masini’s demise, at 6.00pm.

For more information, the public is invited to consult the official website of the Gozo Culture Department within the Ministry for Gozo: www.gozoculture.com, or the official Facebook page commemorating Dr Masini on www.facebook.com.

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