Saturday, October 28, was a red letter day for the Circolo Gozitano. Through a series of activities, the Circolo marked one of the most important dates in Gozitan history: it was on this day, way back in 1798, that the Napoleonic forces occupying the island, surrendered to the Gozitan insurrectionists led by the Gozitan patriot Archpriest Saverio Cassar.

After this surrender, Gozo experienced a brief period of full autonomy.

To further promote Gozitan identity, the Circolo Gozitano is suggesting that this day be celebrated as Gozo Day.

Yesterday week's activities started with concelebrated Mass at St James's church on Independence Square, Victoria, led by Bishop Mario Grech.

In a short homily Mgr Grech encouraged the congregation to heed what the Scripture says and use the talents entrusted to us to improve our community. Our forefathers, through the good use of their God-given talents, strove to preserve their identity and Christian upbringing. So should we today.

After Mass, Dr Grazio Mercieca, president of the Circolo Gozitano, placed a wreath in front of the monument to Archpriest Saverio Cassar. In a short oration before the wreath-laying, Dr Mercieca, among other things, appealed to the political parties to give real substance and meaning to the regional status of Gozo. Anton F. Attard then read a patriotic sonnet which he wrote for the occasion.

The day's activities were rounded up with the second edition of the Gieh Ghawdex award presentation ceremony. Palazzo Palina, at the Ta' CencHotel, Sannat, provided the sumptuous setting for the very well attended award ceremony. The Gieh Ghawdex award was instituted last year by the Circolo Gozitano to honour personalities or institutions which have helped to preserve Gozo's identity through their work.

The award was presented to Fr Emmanuel Cordina in recognition of his work to combat substance and drug abuse.

The honour also went posthumously to Gozitan poet Gorg Pisani for his Maltese literary works. His son, Dr Paul Pisani, received the award.

Another award went to Don Bosco Oratory in recognition of its pivotal role in the formation of Gozitan young people.

Fr Effie Masini, director of the oratory, collected the award.

The list of this year's award winners includes the Speaker of the House of Representatives Anton Tabone, who was away on official business. He will receive the Gieh Ghawdex award during an activity to be held at the Circolo soon.

The Gieh Ghawdex award is sponsored by HSBC and Ta' CencHotel.

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