Paul A. Attard, president, The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation, Valletta
Co-Cathedral fees
Writing in The Times (May 27) Francis Farrugia asked: "Has St John's Co-Cathedral and Mdina Cathedral been turned into a money-making enterprise like any profane museum?"
The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation is non-profit making and funds earned through the admission tickets are invested in the conservation, restoration and maintenance of this unique world monument. Although the government does make a substantial financial contribution annually, the accumulated needs of St John's require an ongoing huge investment in order to preserve the Co-Cathedral for future generations. It is primarily, if not exclusively, the duty of all Maltese citizens to contribute towards the preservation of their cultural heritage. However, foreign visitors are ready to pay a fee to tour St John's in order to appreciate its exceptional beauty. The multilingual audio guide is included in the admission ticket in order to make a visit to the Co-Cathedral an educational, cultural and religious experience.
In the past, the Foundation has explained very clearly why St John's has an admission fee during visiting hours and what the Foundation has been doing during the last few years to ensure that the national treasure is professionally looked after. The results are there for all to appreciate. The Foundation has made it very clear, as well through the media, including The Times, that during liturgical celebrations admission to St John's is free while visitors entering St John's to pray are admitted to the Chapel of the Sacrament without having to pay a fee.
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Raymond Sammut
Jun 3rd 2008, 23:21
With all due respects, Mr Bartolo, I do not think your argument can hold any water. The intention that you describe is shared by all of us Roman Catholics. This intention is never specific to any particular chapel, church or cathedral. Every such entity is God's station, and God will embrace us regardless of station. Please be understanding. We are not the biblical Jews using God's temple for regular and systematic trading. A small nominal fee is collected, and made obligatory, only in the context of our precious cathedral as a national monument for its continued preservation. Also remember that the St John's was bequeathed to us the Maltese people by the Order, and is property of the Maltese government. The person at the door you describe as "gruff" is merely an employee of that government. He is probably the same gruff guy who had a go at me when my camera flashed on me unexpectedly. Please, Mr Bartolo. No need to make a fuss.
kenneth cauchi
Jun 2nd 2008, 12:22
Not replying to the keen fee-rebels is probably the best way to solve this. The fees are thankfully there and there to remain. They were implemented after much deliberation. The results of the fees speak for themselves. Well done to the Foundation and all who manage it.
Jon Grima
May 31st 2008, 01:26
Well done Mr. Attard and Foundation.
Fellow Maltese/Gozotans, please lets consider such fees as INVESTMENTS in the future of our Islands, and our next generations.
Such treasures require large sums of money to maintain and restore. And believe me, they will pay back great dividents to all.
Keep up the good work.
Jon Grima
May 30th 2008, 16:48
Well done Mr. Attard and Foundation.
Fellow Maltese/Gozotans, please lets consider such fees as INVESTMENTS in the future of our Islands, and our next generations.
Such treasures require large sums of money to maintain and restore. And believe me, they will pay back great dividents to all.
Keep up the good work.
John A. Azzopardi
May 30th 2008, 15:55
Honestly and truly I am nauseated hearing such nonsense as 'the Government is contributing or subsidising....." Whose money is the governments's using - the Prime Ministers", the Members of Parliament ? Do they put their hands in their pocket and come up with cash? Of course not, it is our, all of us, direct and indirect taxes that are used. Please do not give me any lengthy lessons in economy.
I agree wholeheartedly with Mr Farrugia and go one step further: St. John's Co-Cathedral and all the other churches/museums around the Island belong to the Maltese nation, the Maltese tax-paying citizens. Has anybody ever paid to enter his/her own house? Maintenance costs are natural and essential and they are extra costs but these costs are borne by the 'owner' and not by his/her guests.
Leo Bartolo
May 30th 2008, 15:48
What does Mr Attard mean by saying that "visitors entering St John's to pray are admitted to the Chapel of the Sacrament without having to pay a fee"? Is he referring to that same time when visitors are touring the Cathedral? If this is his argument, then I strongly disagree because I had specifically stated that I simply wanted to pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament when I was unethically affronted by a man guarding the entrance door. He gruffly stated that I had to go to the entrance in the Republic street. After waiting in the queue for about 15 minutes, I was turned away by the cashier after I told him my intention. This hurts Mr Attard and it is a shame that the person who was collecting the fees was more interested in the tourists' money than in my intention.
Denis Catania
May 30th 2008, 14:36
I believe a fee should be paid to visit all of our national landmarks. We also need to charge a good fee for the temples so they can be maintained and secured. I mean 24HR security. So no one can spray paint on them again.If you go to school in Malta you will probably see them for free on school trips at one time or another.Although I'm not against any discounts for certain groups.
kenneth cauchi
May 30th 2008, 14:13
Mr Attard said it all. One can only augur that locals and foreigners alike appreciate the efforts being done to this monumental church.
C.Gouder
May 30th 2008, 14:00
To Paul Attard.
Now it is confirmed. It is simply disgusting. I would suppose donation would be more appropriate than impose a fee in the house of the Lord. Shame on you.