A series of events [1] have been taking place this week, organised by the British Residents’ Association, in collaboration with Belt Victoria – Il-Hagar, St George’s Basilica and Laudate Pueri Choir to remember and commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI here on Gozo.
As part of this programme, on Thursday evening an Ecumenical Service was held at St George’s Basilica, Victoria, in remembrance of WW1 Gozitans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Rev. Neill Robb for the Anglican congregation and Rev. Kim Hurst for the Presbyterian and Methodist congregation, took part in the service, which was presided by the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr. Bishop Mario Grech.
Distinguished guests included the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, the British High Commissioner for Malta Rob Luke, the former Speaker of the House, Anton Tabone and Mrs Tabone, among others.
Members of the Armed Forces read out the names of the Gozitan servicemen who died in the First World War, known in Maltese literature as ‘Il-Gwerra l-Kbira.’
At the end of the service, both the Maltese and the English National Anthems were sung accompanied by the pipe organ of the Basilica which was played by Dr Maria Frendo..
The ceremony included the laying of wreaths and following the service the British High Commissioner to Malta unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Next Sunday a Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at the St Mary’s Cemetery in Victoria at 10.30am.
Photographs: MGOZ George Scerri