A night shelter, which will provide a service for the elderly in the community, was inaugurated at the Ċentru Ġesù Nazzarenu in Xaghra. The shelter project, the brainchild of Fr Anton Refalo Rapa, has been described as a monument of love, as it has brought together the Nazzarenu community in Xaghra and a number of volunteers, including parish priest Carmelo Refalo, who worked hand in hand with contractors and workers contracted by the Gozo Ministry.

The shelter, inaugurated by Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, was made possible thanks to an agreement between the Government and the Church. Mgr Grech said: “The centre will provide the necessary means for the formation of families, youths and children with special attention and care for the elderly within the community.”

Dr Caruana said through the agreement the Church and the Ġesù Nazzarenu community provided the premises, while the government would handle the administration and provide the services of qualified staff.Dr Caruana thanked Mgr Grech and Fr Anton for their collaboration in the project and urged for similar projects for the good of the Gozitan community.

The major part of the expenses for this centre was provided by the Xaghra community, while the St Mary parish in Manhasset, New York, forked out the expenses for the shelter in return for the pastoral work carried out at St Mary parish by Fr Refalo and other Gozitan priests. Xaghra parish is twinned with St Mary parish.

Xaghra parish also bought a piece of land annexed to the centre which is being used as a recreation centre for children.

The Gozo Youth Band and The Capitals band took part in the inaugural evening.