Gozo’s golden basilica

Artistic treasures and a unique ambiance conducive to both spirituality and creativity are brought together in a publication on the basilica of St George.

Edited by Fr Charles Cini, St George, The Golden Basilica features photography by Daniel Cilia taken over 12 months of the paintings, treasures, sculpture and architecture of the basilica itself as well as the Holy Week ceremonies.

The book is divided into four main chapters: History, Art, Holy Week, and the Feast of St George.

In the history chapter, Pisani uncovers new information about the history of the church. Besides reproductions of some of the actual plans for the church extensions between 1906 and 1940, old photographs of the church, were then used to illustrate the text.

In his chapter dedicated to the art treasures of the church, Mark Sagona discusses the most important works of art in the collection of St George’s Basilica within their artistic and historical context.

The chapter also takes into consideration the works of silver and other items of church furniture and liturgical objets d’arts.

The Good Friday procession of the basilica is one of the oldest in Malta and the first in Gozo. It is still observed in its traditional unostentatious, if somewhat solemn appearance. Vella writes about the cult behind Holy Week after the Council of Trent and the introduction to Gozo of the Holy Week activities by St George’s parish.

The Basilica celebrates its patron saint twice: on April 23, the liturgical feast of St George, and on the main feast during the third week of July. Zammit talks about the history of the feast and its musical legacy.