Five centuries-old documents exhibited

An exhibition of manuscripts and photos, Religious Aspects of Life in Gozo, was opened on the occasion of Archive Awareness Week at the public library in Vajringa Street, Victoria, on November 16.

The exhibition, which was held for the second consecutive year, included around 30 documents and important religious historical photographs. Other exhibits dating from 1575 to 1965 include a 16th century report by Pietro Dusina who had been appointed apostolic delegate by Pope Gregory XIII, and pre-World War II photos of churches in Gozo.

Rev Dr Joseph Bezzina, assistant archivist, and Charles Farrugia, national archivist, highlighted the archive's role.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said that such exhibitions formed an important part of cultural, educational and social life in Gozo as they help to raise awareness of the island's history from different perspectives.

She presented an album and slides with material on lace-making gathered by Stephanie J. Armishaw (Sussex) in 1973 to the archives.

In the presence of Dr Victoria Borg of Xaghra, who lives in Australia, Minister Debono also presented a thesis by Dr Borg, entitled "Life Satisfaction Adolescents - a cross-cultural study in Malta and Australia" to the public library.

Well-known poet Gorg Mercieca presented a copy of his latest publication L-Ghanja tac-Cinju to the library.

For more information on the archive, visit the Gozo Ministry Website at www.gozo.gov.mt.

The exhibition is open between tomorrow and Thursday from 7.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It remains open till 6 p.m. on Wednesday.