Fifty years ago, the Leone Philharmonic Society, in Victoria, donated the statue of Santa Marija to the Gozo cathedral in an event that will be re-enacted on Saturday.

According to former Leone Philharmonic Society secretary Edward Grech this was more than a simple donation, however. On April 29, 1956, the statue, accompanied by the Leone Band, departed from the band club in Archpriest Saviour Cassar Street and was welcomed by Bishop Giuseppi Pace and the Cathedral Chapter in Sabina Square, which was jam-packed with people from all over the island.

Mr Grech described the event as one that he remembers to the last detail. He also highlighted the problems the band club encountered trying to persuade Bishop Pace to approve of the Leone Band accompanying the statue in a procession every August 15, starting from the Gozo cathedral.

Since 1956, the cathedral has become a centre of Marian devotion where thousands of people flock throughout the year to gather in prayer, with the climax reached every August 15. On that day the cathedral is overcrowded with pilgrims.

A re-enactment of the whole event will be held on Saturday evening, when Bishop Mario Grech, together with the Cathedral Chapter, will welcome the statue of Santa Marija in Sabina Square.

For more information regarding the programme of events visit the Leone Philharmonic Society website www.leone.org.mt.

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