(Adds statement by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech)

A monsignor of the Gozo Cathedral Chapter was assaulted by a man in the sacristy of St George Basilica in Victoria yesterday evening in the presence of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, the Leone Society said in a statement this evening.

In condemning the attack, the society said Mgr Guzeppi Bezzina was assaulted as he was taking off his vestments after Vespers on the eve of the feast of St George.

It said the man was held back by some of the people present and had shouted insults at Mgr Bezzina.

The Leone Society said it wanted to express its solidarity with Mgr Bezzina.

Dr Michael Caruana, president of the Leone Society told timesofmalta.com that Mgr Bezzina was hit on his face and slightly injured. "He was still in shock when I spoke to him this morning," he said.

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech in a statement this evening condemned the assault on Mgr Bezzina.

He also expressed his appreciation for the immediate intervention and support of the Archpriest and Chapter of St George Parish who also wrote to Mgr Bezzina to deplore the incident and to disassociate themselves from it. They also thanked him for his presence for the feast.