The 50th anniversary issue of the Gozo cathedral annual Il-Għid tal-Assunta has been published. It features historic and cultural Marian articles and poems and a chronicle of important events that took place at the cathedral over the past year.

This edition features an article by editor Joseph Bezzina on the history of the annual since it was first published by former cathedral archpriest, the late Carmelo Scicluna, in August 1966, and a colour supplement of all 50 covers of the annual.

The main article commemorates the pastoral visit of Bishop Baldassare Cagliares to the Matrice almost 400 years ago. It includes a plan of the old church from the report of the bishop’s visit. Giovanni Bonello and Winston Zammit contribute two other historic articles.

Ġanninu Cremona, known as the Assumption poet, is the only person to have contributed to the annual’s first and the 50th editions.

The publication’s cover features a photo by Daniel Cilia of the statue of Santa Marija being carried down the cathedral’s steps with its restored facade in the background.

Copies may be obtained from the cathedral parish office (tel. 2155 4101) against a donation.