The 75th anniversary of the first issue of the magazine Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex – Life in Gozo – in the Diocese of Gozo was commemorated yesterday, and to mark the occasion, Bishop Mario Grech, Apostolic Administrator for Gozo, established by decree and by a notarial deed, the Fondazzjoni Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex.

The publication started in 1945 and its first editor was Fr Akkursju Xerri ofm. Over the years it has evolved in to an attractive encyclopedia about Gozo, and from last year began to be printed entirely in colour.

In October 2018, the magazine published its 1000th edition and MaltaPost issued a special hand stamp to mark the occasion.

The Diocese explained that, in addition to guaranteeing the future of this Diocesan Magazine, the objectives of this new Foundation are “to preserve and maintain the historical, artistic, literary and Christian heritage of the Diocese of Gozo and, to the best extent possible, give its support to promote all that gives identity to the Diocese as well as to the Island of Gozo, and to work hand in hand with the Diocese and diocesan entities, as well as Gozitan entities and those with common interests, to promote education, awareness, knowledge and the promotion of this heritage.”

The Diocese of Gozo has undertaken to provide the necessary financial support to the Foundation so it can start operating and fulfilling its objectives, which include not only publication of the only monthly magazine about Gozo, but also books from the publisher – Lumen Christi Media Centre.

Bishop Grech has appointed Mr. Joe W. Psaila as the first President of the Foundation.

During a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary on Wednesday, Bishop Grech called Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex “a microphone for Gozitans” which records the events of the Gozitan people and conveys the feelings that is in those who cherish this island in terms of beliefs, family, education, employment, culture, economy, sport etc – always through a Christian lens.

“Even if, compared to the number of other media voices in our country, the voice of this the magazine is just a whisper, it is still an important and necessary voice,” stressed Bishop Grech, and he went on to call it “our native Gozitan voice and enriched by the Gozitan spirit.”

The Bishop ended his message by greeting the editors, contributors and subscribers “who in various ways keep this magazine alive.”

One of the first projects the Foundation will work on is the creation of a platform for the Magazine, where over a thousand issues of this “encyclopedia of Gozo” are expected to be available online.

Those interested in subscribing may visit the facebook page Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex or send their details along with a cheque of €15 (one year subscription) to: Rivista Il-Hajja f’Ghawdex, Lumen Christi Media Centre, Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria VCT 2579, Gozo; email: ilhajjafghawdex@gozodiocese.org

Photograph: Anthony Grech

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