Member of Gozo Cathedral Chapter assaulted

A member of the Gozo Cathedral Chapter was assaulted by a man in the sacristy of St George Basilica in Victoria on Saturday evening in the presence of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, the Leone Society said last night.

In condemning the attack, the society said Mgr Ġużeppi Bezzina was assaulted as he was taking off his vestments after Vespers on the eve of the feast of St George.

The society added that the man who had shouted insults at Mgr Bezzina was held back by some of the people who were at the sacristy.

Michael Caruana, president of the Leone Society told timesofmalta.com that Mgr Bezzina was hit on his face and slightly injured.

"He was still in shock when I spoke to him this (Sunday) morning," he said.

In a statement, yesterday the Gozo Curia condemned any offence on any person, especially on a member of the clergy.

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, the Curia added, appreciates the immediate intervention and support that was shown Mgr Bezzina by the Archpriest, the Cathedral Chapter and Presbytery of the parish of St George.