A profound exploration of Gozo’s liturgical art heritage was held on Friday, 21st June 2024, through a seminar titled ‘L-Arti Nisranija f’Għawdex. Minn fejn tlaqna u fejn sejrin?’ (Christian Art in Gozo: Where We Started and Where We Are Going?). The seminar, which began in the morning, offered seminarians an immersive experience through visits to four significant cultural and religious sites on the island.
The seminar kicked off at the Museum of the Gozo Cathedral, where Mons. Dr. Joseph Bezzina provided an enlightening talk on the historical evolution and significance of the artifacts housed within the museum. His deep insights into the cathedral’s treasures set the tone for a day rich in learning and reflection.
The second visit took the seminarians to the Gozo Cathedral itself. Paul Muscat, director of the restoration company ReCoop, led this session. He detailed the meticulous restoration processes that have preserved the cathedral’s grandeur, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at the techniques and challenges involved in maintaining such a historic structure.
Next, the group visited Eikon, a renowned liturgical art centre. Here, iconographer Fr Roberto Gauci guided the seminarians through the intricacies of iconography, highlighting the spiritual and artistic elements that define this sacred art form. His expertise provided a deeper appreciation for the devotional and aesthetic qualities of liturgical icons.
The final stop of the seminar was the chapel of Santa Luċija in Kerċem, Gozo, where contemporary artist Austin Camilleri delivered an engaging talk. He discussed modern interpretations and expressions of liturgical art, bridging the traditional with the contemporary. Camilleri’s perspective invited seminarians to contemplate the evolving nature of religious art in the modern era.
The seminar was meticulously organized and coordinated by Jason Farrugia, whose efforts ensured a seamless and enriching experience for all participants. The primary aim of the seminar was to deepen the seminarians’ knowledge and appreciation of liturgical art in Gozo, fostering a greater understanding of its past, present, and future.
This unique educational journey allowed the seminarians not only to gain intellectual insights but also to experience firsthand the profound connection between art and spirituality in Gozo’s religious heritage. The seminar was a resounding success, leaving participants with a renewed appreciation for the island’s rich artistic legacy and its continuing evolution.
