Fr Mercieca was known as the Poet of the Assumption as he used to write a special poem every year in honour of Mary, Mother of God, that he would read as her statue was taken out from its niche in the days prior to the feast of the Assumption.

A literary evening in honour Fr George Mercieca, of Victoria, popularly known as Dun Ġorġ, who passed away on January 22 aged 70, will be held on Friday at 7pm at the Circolo Gozitano premises in Savina Square, Victoria.

Fr Mercieca was known as the Poet of the Assumption. As August 15 approached every year he used to write a special poem in honour of Mary, Mother of God, which he would then read as her statue was taken out from its niche in the days prior to the feast of the Assumption. Copies of these poems may be read in the parish annual L-Għid tal-Assunta. His last book of verse, L-Għanja taċ-Ċinju, was issued in 2006.

During the literary evening, writers who knew Dun Ġorġ, including John Cremona, Joe Psaila, Charles Bezzina, Joe Camilleri, Alfred Grech, Anton Attard, Mario Borg, and Fr Remig Galea, will share their experiences and thoughts on the poet. Some of his poems will be read by George Mercieca, Matthew Sultana and Antoinette Grech.

All are invited to attend.