Fund-raising concert for 'open sanctuary'

Four members of the Classical Music Society will be giving a fund-raising recital on Friday at 7.45 for 8 p.m. to be held in the inner courtyard of St Rita's Priory, St Julian's (opposite side entrance to Bay Street).

As in previous years, this evening augurs to be another success since the group will be performing works from film soundtracks and musicals.

Proceeds from the sale of programmes (at Lm1) together with donations will be in aid of the embellishment project attempting to create a breathing space in an area suffocated by commercial activity. After the successful integration of the Millennium Chapel in the heart of Paceville, the Augustinian Fathers are embarking on another ambitious project - to create an open-air sanctuary bringing visitors closer to nature and the Creator.

The project aims at bridging the gap between the secular and the sacred. Once completed, the new priory grounds will boast an exclusive entrance to the site across a bridge suspended over a cultivated garden. The development will include areas for social activity such as a barbecue area and a children's playground. The centrepiece of the development would be the amphitheatre (forum) used for religious and social activities organised by the Augustinian communities.