Gozo marks martyrdom of its patron saint

St George's Basilica, in Victoria is hosting an international symposium on its patron saint as part of its week-long celebrations to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the martyrdom of St George.

Entitled "The icon and its mystery", the event will bring together local and foreign scholars in a two-day symposium being held between April 24-26 in the basilica's Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia.

This is the first symposium of its kind in Gozo. It will be inaugurated by the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Nikol Cauchi and convened by the Archpriest, Mgr Joseph Farrugia. Cardinal Antonio Javierres Ortas from Rome will deliver a concluding address.

All the Christian world is celebrating the martyrdom of St George, Gozo's patron saint, and the basilica has a variety of events for both young and old which kick off on Easter Sunday and run until April 27.

On Easter Sunday there will be a pontifical Mass at 11 a.m., led by Mgr Cauchi, followed by solemn vespers on April 22 and a night vigil in which the La Stella Band will take part.

On St George's day, April 23, there will be a pontifical Mass when Joseph Vella's popular Mass in D will be performed, with the participation of soprano Miriam Cauchi, tenor Joseph Mercieca, baritone Carlos de Miranda and the Laudate Pueri Choir.

Orchestra, soloists and chorus will be under the direction of Prof. Mro Joseph Vella, maestro di cappella of St George's Basilica, and the musical director of the Astra Theatre. Band marches will be played in the main streets of Victoria.

On April 24, President Guido de Marco will inaugurate an exhibition on The Patronage of St George in Gozo.

On April 26, there will be a rendition of Joseph Vella's Vespers, followed by dinner.

On the last day of the activities, April 27, Cardinal Javierres Ortas, together with the Archpriest of the basilica's Chapter and clergy, will concelebrate a Pontifical Mass at 8.30 a.m.

A solemn procession with the statue of St George will march through the main streets of Victoria, accompanied by La Stella Band, after Mass.

To round off the activities, there will be a piano duo concert featuring the young promising pianists Charlene Farrugia and Valerie Fenech in the Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia at 7 p.m.

The public is invited to attend all the events. Entrance is free.