Ms Cilia was speaking at the launch of the third edition of the Bible in Maltese. The findings of the research, made among population samples of different ages and backgrounds, guided the design concept of the new edition, she explained.

In fact, the new edition includes a section with a series of graphics that serve as visual contemplations of themes from the Bible. The jacket also features a contemporary design and a lot of emphasis was placed on the readability of this new edition, Ms Cilia emphasised.

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca was also present at the launch. He congratulated the team who worked on the project ñ Ms Cilia, Ms Nadine Theuma and Ms Alexandra Pace for their efforts, adding that one has to appreciate the work such an undertaking involves. He also thanked the United Bible Societies for their financial and technical assistance.

He recalled that the first edition of the Bible in Maltese was launched by his predecessor, Mgr Mikiel Gonzi, while he had the chance to present the second edition, published in 1996, before this latest release.

The society estimates that some 100,000 copies of Maltese version bibles have been sold to date.

The books were published in Milan, as there is no local press that has the facilities to print on the paper chosen for this edition. The paper chosen is used especially for Bibles and is colloquially called Bible-paper. The cream pages, in fact, are very thin yet at the same time resistant to wear.

The book comes in two versions, the standard format (216mm-138mm) and the compact (178mm-113mm), which will be released in the coming weeks. The society is also working on a limited edition in brail, as well as one in audio, which should be released by next Christmas. Longer-term projects include a CD-ROM version and an Internet publication.