Fr Peter Paul Cachia, OSA, has launched a new book, Spirituality, Devotions and Traditions of the Augustinians Friars in Gozo, at St Augustine Priory in Victoria.

The book launch coincides with the third centenary of the existing priory of St Augustine in Victoria (1717-2017) and the bi-centenary of the Maltese Augustinian Province (1817-2017).

The key feature of the book is how in the past the friars were unwavering and indefatigably devoted to their mission, but they also looked beyond the cloister to the active winning of souls. They were men of their time. They provided the necessary ingredient of vision which transforms a religious movement into a religious ideal.

The hardbound book has 410 pages and 250 coloured photos.

During the launching of the book, Fr Cachia, together with the photographer, Anthony Grech and the designer, Paul Cassar, gave his impressions on the book, while soprano Marouska Attard, accompanied on the piano by Joseph Camilleri, sang the Ave Maria by Caccini, Laudate Dominum  by Mozart, O Mio Signore by Handel and Sliema by P. Portelli.

Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, the vicar general for Gozo, Mgr Tarcisio Camilleri and assistant provincial, Fr Leslie Gatt, were presented with a copy of the book.

Different areas of the cloister were opened to the public during the event.

Those who would like a copy of the book should contact the Gozo convent. The book costs €60.