I have resided in Gozo for nearly a decade and I have been to practically all the major churches on the island simply to admire the magnificence and beauty of their art and architecture, not for any spirituality. Apart from Ggantija, they are truly the gems of the island.

A few days ago a fellow countryman (a British national) asked me to go along for an ecumenical service at Qala parish church. On that Sunday, my wife and I attended what was apparently the first ever Gozo International Celebration, an event specifically for foreign nationals residing and visiting Gozo. Finally, somebody thinks of foreign residents!

The hour-long Christmas concert, the lecture by Professor Bezzina and the reception was an experience my wife and I will never forget. We have never in our lives together felt the warmth and spirituality that we felt in this church and event.

We had a truly moving and magnificent evening – a thumbs up to the organisers. The verdict of my family and friends was unanimous: a magnificent, Gozo International Celebration.

When is the next event?

James Griffiths

Munxar

Gozo