Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti have launched a collection of essays called Celebratio Amicitiae, in honour of Judge Giovanni Bonello, at Le Meridien Phoenicia.
This collection of essays brings together contributions from scholars and others in Malta and abroad, who have written about topics which Judge Bonello holds most dear – history, art, architecture and human rights. This exceptional work commemorates this prolific man’s contribution to our nation’s past and its treasures, as well as his important role in the community of nations is 450 pages long, with most of the illustrations being in full colour. The 34 essays reflect the breadth of Judge Giovanni Bonello’s interest in, and contribution to, Malta’s vast cultural heritage, as well as his incisive contributions to law and human rights.
Speaking at this very well attended launch, the Chairman of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, Maurice de Giorgio thanked the editors, Theresa Vella and Maroma Camilleri, for their energy, commitment and dedication in bringing this unique collection of essays together. He said that the essays selected not only reflected the range of interests of Judge Bonello, but also the tireless work of the editors to come up with a unique publication encompassing topics ranging from medieval and contemporary history, to the celebration of the Mnarja and the circus, and from costume, jewellery and photography to human rights.
President Emeritus Prof. Guido de Marco was invited to launch this book. He spoke with great enthusiasm of Judge Bonello as Malta’s very own Renaissance man because his “Culture is not in a limited or specific approach, but as those cultural values which render a person both eclectic and complete.”
He also praised Judge Bonello’s universal form of Catholicism, his sense of history, his spirited research and above all else that all his work showed his love of people, and of events which can move humanity, sometimes unsung but still “so much a part of everyday life and society.”
Prof Guido de Marco also spoke movingly about his and Judge Bonello’s joint efforts in defending human rights, as well as the vocation he has carried out so successfully in Strasbourg as a Judge in the European Court of Human Rights.
Judge Bonello thanked all those who contributed to making Celibratio Amicitiae such a wonderful, inspiring and interesting collection of essays to mark his 70th birthday. It was also gratifying he said, “to read so many references to my own research in these essays and I am sure those who acquire this book will find as fascinating as I did.”
This book which is only available hard bound, can be found at all leading booksellers and retails at Lm24.