This weeks 22nd of December 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.

The stories covered in this weeks issue are:

Page 2.

‘Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem’ was officially opened by the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi.

Mayor Francis Cauchi and project manager Franco Ciangura then accompanied the Prime Minister and Mrs. Kate Gonzi around the nativity village with the first stop was at the Inn where they had the opportunity to go on the rooftop to enjoy the panoramic views of ‘Ta Passi’ fields. Frank and Lorietta Buttigieg then greeted them at the bakery.

This year, the carpenter house was again animated by Karmnu (il-Brajjes) Xuereb ’s family while the nearby blacksmith which this year featured a watermill was animated by Guzi Mallia and Frans Buttigieg.

The Prime Minister then visited the shepherd’s cave and headed to the the market where the Franciscan community headed by Fra Lorry Zerafa was selling natural fruits, and vegetables. The final stop was at the grotto where baby Jesus was born.

Beside the fact that the nativity village was full of live animals and actors walking with the oil lamps, this year the atmosphere was enhanced by the spring which ends in a waterfall, the watermill, the large grotto and bakery and the panoramic roof of the Inn. This year one can also enter inside the carpenter’s house.

The nativity village will remain open until Sunday 3rd of January. It will be animated on weekends and public holidays.

Page 9

1. Republic Day was marked with a concert at the Exhibition Hall at St Francis Square, Victoria, under the patronage of President George Abela and Ms Abela. Attending the concert, under the direction of Mark Gauci, who recently obtained a Master in Performance with distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music, was Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, Parliamentery Secretary Dr Chris Said, Members of Parliament Frederick Azzopardi, Justin Caruana, Acting President Anton Tabone, Magistrate Paul Coppini and other personalities. The concert was followed by a reception.

2. In a ceremony held at St Laurence Parish Church, San Lawrenz, Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo instituted five Seminarians to the Ministry of Acolyte: Krystof Buttigieg (Qala), Samuel Grech (Ghajnsielem), John Meilak (Cathedral), Trevor Sultana (Xewkija), and Franklin Vella (Xewkija). Relatives and friends filled the church to capacity.

The acolyte is appointed in order to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It is his duty therefore to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass; he is also to distribute communion as a special minister.

3. On the occasion of the week dedicated to people with disabilities, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malta, Mons. Tommaso Caputo was invited for an official visit to the Arka Foundation respite centre at Ghajnsielem.

During this visit, Mgr. Emmanuel Curmi, Director of the Arka Foundation, which manages the centre, gave the Apostolic Nuncio a tour of the facilities and services provided at the respite centre.

The Arka Foundation Gozo is a non governmental organisation (NGO) that has been caring for individuals with special needs over the past years. The Foundation, through the Respite Centre, cares for people with special needs on both a permanent or temporary basis. The management of the Respite Centre depend on the generosity of sponsors and donations from the public.

4. Nadur Local Council held it fifth Christmas market at St Peter and St Paul Square on the 4, 5 and 6th of December. The market was held under a large tent which was decorated for the festivity. Stalls sold different items from wooden toys, christmas decorations,pionsettas, books, jewelry and wood carvings. There was also a variety of stands which sold chocolates, doughnuts, mulled wine and other food. Most of the stands were managed by the different local groups who work in their community.

Every evening was filled with entertainment which kept the atmosphere lively. Santa Claus was accompanied by the Nadur Band Club from December 13th Street to the main square were he was met with a lot of children. Guest singers included the Curtain Raisers, Annette Mystic Dancers, The X Tend , Alessia, David Azzopardi, St Monica Choir, Gozo Boy and Keith Buttigieg. There were also entairtainment for the children which included crafts making, cooking demonstration, face painting, the bouncing castle and the go carts.

For the occassion the war shelter was opened for the public. James Azzopardi a local artist set up Baby Jesus at the far end of the shelter. The message chosen for this year was “Christ fill our hearts with peace and love’.

Page 15

Bishop’s Mario Grech Christmas Message to Emigrants in Australia

Photograph by Charles Spiteri shows the Republic Day reception.