Victoria or Rabat is the capital city of Gozo. The oldest part of this town is the Gran Castello, known also as Cittadella, an impregnable strategic point which owes its origins to classical times, and which was refortified by the Knights of the Order of St. John. This town is divided into two main areas-the Citadel or Castello and its suburb Rabat. The main square It-Tokk is the center of most commercial activities. The most important building in this square is the old Town Hall, known also as the Banca Giuratale, built in 1733 and which served as the Commune where local administrative affairs were discussed.

View narrow Streets In Victoria:  Please Click Here

POPE Benedict XVI was inaugurated as the 265th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at a solemn mass in front of world leaders and up to half a million pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. The Pope, wearing a gold robe over sacred white vestments, emerged from St Peter's Basilica at the start of the mass in a procession of 150 cardinals as a choir chanted the Laudes Regiae, a litany invoking divine assistance for the new pontiff.

TENS of thousands of joyous faithful cheered and applauded a smiling Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica. The 78-year-old German bishop closely associated with the papacy of John Paul II, was today named as Benedict XVI, the 265th Pope.

It was with the deepest sympathy and sorrow that the world learned of the death of Pope John Paul ll at 21.37 on Saturday 2nd April 2005. The Pontiff died in the company of 13 people – old friends and aides from his home country, Poland, and his Italian doctors and nurses. Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope on 16th October 1978. He was then 58, the youngest Pope of the 20th Century. In his early years before becoming pope, he was known for his adventurous hobbies. The world has truly admired the energy and passion that he has brought to his life’s work.

Even in recent years when his health has been frail, His Holiness has remained a dynamic leader, traveling worldwide to meet his people. His conservative views have shaped his leadership and attracted both criticism and respect. Throughout his reign his work to maintain the dignity of mankind against what he saw as the dangers of modern life, together with his personal magnetism, made Pope John Paul ll one of the most remarkable men of our times. .

The conclave of cardinals will meets beneath the Michelangelo frescoes of the Sistine Chapel next Monday afternoon.

An Italian cardinal whose diocese is the biggest in Italy, and the son of a Cuban factory worker are favourites to replace John Paul II as pope. Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi of Milan is tipped as most likely to be installed in the Vatican after 25 years of a non-Italian pope. And Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino of Cuba is second favourite. He would become the first pope from Latin America, home to 500 million Catholics.

If the cardinals decide on a non-Italian, the field is wide open. Africa, where the Church is facing competition from Islam and other religions, has a strong candidate in Nigeria's Cardinal Francis Arinze, 72. (picture).

Read more

Pope John Paul ll funeral:

On Friday 8th of April, huge crowds of pilgrims waved Polish flags in honour of the first Polish-born Pope, singing hymns in the cobbled streets. The Via Della Conciliazione was packed with people, and around the street’s of Rome thousands gathered to watch the ceremony on giant television screens.

Applause and bells rang out in St Peter's Square, as Pope John Paul II was laid to rest.

For more pictures of the Pope  Please Click Here

Read More                                     Please Click Here 

The sham trial had proceeded as expected. Jesus claimed that he was the Son of God. False witnesses contradicted themselves in their testimony. Yet Caiaphas obtained the pre-arranged death sentence. This penalty must be pronounced by the Romans, however, so the Jews took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, a weak man, anxious to avoid responsibility, send Jesus to King Herod. But Our Lord refused to answer this vicious king’s questions, so Herod mocked him and returned him to Pilate. Annoyed when saddled with the case, once more, Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas, a murderer. To his surprise the Jews’ choice was persisted and definite. They wanted Barabbas released and Jesus crucified.

To view miniature set of Good Friday statues:  Please Click Here >>

                                                                                      Read more >>

Ta’ Cenc is a site of ecological, historical, geological, archaeological and geomorphologic importance. This site offers a very interesting garigue habitat and the cliff area is important for various species of birds such as the scarce spectacled warbler, the corn bunting and the blue rock thrush.

This site includes a rich Mediterranean plant biodiversity in its garigue and rupestral habitats with several rare and endemic species such as the National Maltese plant Rock Centaury. This makes the site a prime Eco-tourism area for those looking for a unique experience during their visit to the Maltese Islands.

View Ta Cenc Pictures Please Click Here >>

The Priest who suffered.

Dun Guzepp Cauchi gave a lot to the village community of San Lawrenz, Gozo. He led an exemplary life of humanity and suffering, of a strong faith in the Eucharist and in Divine Providence. He gave advice to all who sought him.

Dun Guzepp used to implore the Lord to draw him closer to His image by making him share in His suffering and in the burden of His cross. He fasted daily and spent entire nights in prayer. He sought ways of increasing his physical suffering and for this purpose he used to wear the “cilizzi” – a coil of wire with bards worn round the waist.