Bishop Mario Grech has visited the Leone and La Stella band clubs as part of his first pastoral visits to the Gozo Cathedral and St George's Basilica in Victoria.

At the Leone Band Club, the bishop was welcomed by club president Michael Caruana. Bishop Nikol Cauchi, who was present, was thanked for his dedication to his pastoral mission during the past years. Short poems were read by authors John Cremona and Anton F. Attard.

Dr Caruana presented Bishop Grech and Bishop Cauchi with gifts on the club's behalf.

Representatives of SK Victoria Wanderers showed the bishop round their nurseries.

At the La Stella Band Club and Astra Theatre, the bishop was accompanied by St George's Basilica archpriest Mgr Joseph Farrugia, band chaplain Mgr Salv Borg, and two canons from the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, Mgr Zinno and Mgr Bona.

Bishop Grech was welcomed by club directors and members led by president Dolindo Cassar.

The bishop entered the theatre foyer to loud applause: he was greeted with the pontifical anthem performed by the band, and was presented with a marble replica of the band's emblem.

He was shown round the theatre complex's main hall where he could see for himself the recent restoration works. A small reception was later held in Giardini Vella Hall where the bishop chatted with band club members.