St George’s Basilica commemorates late bishop

St George’s Basilica, Victoria, commemorated the late Bishop Emeritus Nikol Cauchi with a musico-literary soirée on March 12 and a requiem Mass last Sunday.

Following a short address by archpriest Paul Cardona, the La Stella Philarmonic Band, under the direction of Joseph Vella, rendered its first march, composed by Mro Vella himself.

After Antoine Vassallo’s look at Mgr Cauchi’s episcopal ministry, the Laudate Pueri choir sang a motet by Domenico Bartolucci, followed by a reading of Mgr Cauchi’s pastoral letter for the 2003 Georgian centenary by Maria Schembri.

The band then played an excerpt by Francis Thomé, followed by the recitation of the late Canon Joe Mejak’s poem by Joe Camilleri and another motet by Mro Vella.

Historian and researcher Paul George Pisani spoke about the relationship between Mgr Cauchi and St George’s parish, followed by the playing of an elegy by Mario Galea, premiered for the occasion.

Paul Cassar then read excerpts from the degree setting up theCollegiate Chapter.

The two-hour programme continued with a Lorenzo Perosi motet and two poems by Joe Attard and Canon Joe Zammit, read by the authors themselves.

Following another Joe Vella march, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech delivered a speech.

The concluding musical piece was a Vella overture by both band and choir.

An exhibition featuring documents and objects related to Mgr Cauchi was also put up at the Jesus and Mary chapel.

A special illustrated 120-page book, including material by Bishop Cauchi, was launched recently. The books are available from the parish office, Charity Street, Victoria, tel: 2155 6377/2155 0403, e-mail: info@sangorg.org.