MALTA: Gozo-St George's Basilica-The Golden Temple

"Arise, shine, for your light has come! The glory of the Lord has risen upon you!"

The Basilica of St George in Victoria Gozo needed some changes to its lighting system to allow its beauty to be enjoyed to its maximum. The then Archpriest Mgr Dr Joseph Farrugia, who was the promoter of this idea, formed a commission and appointed the Italian designer, Stefan Dall'Osso and his team to prepare the necessary plans. The work was eventually carried out by the electricians George Schembri and Peter Cutajar with the help of many volunteers.

St George's Basilica is an attraction to tourists who are awed by its beauty and work of art and the colorful paintings by Giov Battista Conti. It has been featured on several TV stations in Europe.

When the ceremony commenced, the church was darkened and illuminated by strategically located candles. The new electrical lighting was turned on in three stages creating a beautiful atmosphere until the whole church became a truly Golden Temple.

The illuminating system was blessed by Gozo's Bishop, Mgr Mario Grech.

The hymn you hear is "Qui Biberit Aquam" and it's sung by the famous Laudate Pueri Choir of St George's Basilica, Victoria Gozo. The choir is under the direction of Mro Fr George J. Frendo and Dr Maria Frendo. This same choir has performed at the Vatican when our San Gorg Preca was canonized. They also performed in France, Italy, UK and the U.S.A.

Photos by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech.
Video by Alfred & Jasmine Grech, Mosta, Malta.

© jasalf5959 - 2009

Category:

Travel & Events

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• Stefan Dall'Osso
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• jasalf
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• choy hong
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[cackywacky1]

today we celebrate ST GEORGES day.This was a man who died for his sins but may i tell you the christian values remain.i would love to visit there.thank you italy.xx

[JasAlf5959]

@cackywacky1 Thanks for your comments. We are from Malta not Italy. Happy St George's Day.

[cackywacky1]

OH MY word.i was about to thank the italian people for giving the english their saint.....but im kinda stuck for words.thank you.amazing.beautiful.thankyou­.23/04/10.

[JasAlf5959]

@cackywacky1 Thank you very much for your comments. Glad that you enjoyed the video. It is a very beautiful Basilica, indeed.

Jasmine

[beadsstitcher]

very,very nice!!.i used to go to this church many times........i even played the organ, duriing a wedding mass for a special friend.

[JasAlf5959]

Thanks for appreciation. Yes, the church is very beautiful. It was a sentimental event indeed and to be remembered for a long, long time for both, playing the organ for a special friend and the wedding mass.

[JasAlf5959]

Nothing. It is though the house of worship. We all decorate our houses - kings and queens have nice palaces. Why shouldn't the house of the King of kings be also decorated?

[vincit77]

What has all this got to do with Christ and his teachings?? This is the inheritance of Byzantium!!!

[JasAlf5959]

You're welcome, Louis. It is a monumental Basilica and the pride of Gozo and even of Malta.

[JasAlf5959]

Yes, the basilica is awesome and when illuminated, it's a heaven on earth.