Last Sunday afternoon, a special Mass was held next to the monument dedicated to Pope John Paul II in Victoria to mark his and Pope John XXIII’s canonisation a few hours earlier in Rome.

Pope John Paul II visited Gozo on May 26, 1990, and passed through St Ursola Street on his way to Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, where he concelebrated Mass.

A year later, to commemorate his visit, the John Paul II Foundation was established and erected the bronze monument in the middle of this road, part of which was subsequently renamed Pope John Paul II Street.

For the past 23 years, the monument has been tended to by a group of residents of Pope John Paul II Street, St Ursola Street and other Victoria residents in collaboration with the foundation and supported by many devotees who donate candles, lay flowers and attend events organised by the foundation.

The Mass was celebrated by Cathedral parish archpriest Mgr Joseph Attard. The Good Shepherd Chapel Choir of Victoria sang hymns and the monument and its surroundings were decorated with flowers and candles for the occasion.

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