The statue of Mgr. Lwigi Vella was unveiled by the Hon Minster for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo in a memorable ceremony at Savina square in Victoria, Gozo. Undoubtedly, no better place could have been chosen as a location for such a monument. While delivering his inauguration speech, his Excellency Mgr. Dr. Joe Vella Gauci, UNESCO Ambassador for Malta, stated that Mgr. Lwigi Vella’s life was deeply rooted in this picturesque square and its narrow winding roads, situated in the heart of Gozo. A square so tiny, yet filled to the brim with memories stretching over a century and beyond; memories that are kept alive in people’s hearts, minds and writings. Amongst which are the laudable works of Mgr. Lwigi Vella.
Mgr. Lwigi Vella is still remembered as a priest, writer and philanthropist. His poetry and prose include spiritual and historical writings, such as ‘L-Ewkaristija’, ‘Id-devot ta’ Marija’ and ‘L-istorja ta’ Għawdex’. Nevertheless, what truly distinguishes his figure is his profound kindness. His ability of leading an erudite life and yet keeping humble, never forgetting what he was really called for: to walk hand in hand with the most humble of people, living their suffering first hand.
In his speech, Mgr. Dr. Joe Vella Gauci made reference to the words of the Swedish priest and theologian, Hans Urs Von Balthasar: ‘What you are, is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God’. These words kept echoing in my mind, as no words could do greater justice to Lwigi Vella’s memory. A man who took God’s gift and returned it tenfold; not only to God, but to all who had the blessing of having him in their lives.
As a choir each one of us had the pleasure of giving our share of gratitude to such a commendable figure. Under the direction of Ms. Marouska Attard and accompanied by the pianist Shirley Helleur, the choir performed ‘Nadurawk ja Ħobż tas-Sema’ (Caruana), ‘The Lord Bless you and Keep you’ (Rutter), ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ (Mozart), ‘Ir-rgħaj u s-Sid tiegħi’ (D. Grant), ‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ (Temple), ‘Innu ta’ Savina’ composed by Lwigi Vella himself, concluding with the Maltese National Anthem by R. Sammut.
Present for the ceremony were also Hon. Dr. Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Aging, Dr. Samuel Azzopardi, the mayor of Victoria, Mgr. Giovanni Bosco Gauci who blessed the monument and Mgr. Arc. Joseph Attard together with the Chapter of Monsignors from the Gozo Cathedral. The evening compère was Mr. Charles Coleiro.
Text by Victoria C. Buhagiar
