BLESSING of ST GEORGE PRECA of MALTA MONUMENT

In the presence of the President of Malta, Dr Edward Fenech Adami and the Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tonio Borg, the monument of St George Preca in the grounds of St Patrick’s cathedral, Melbourne was unveiled and blessed on Sunday 22 February 2009. Archbishop Denis Hart blessed the monument and spoke of the SDC and of the great love among the Maltese of the saint.

During the unveiling, Dr Fenech Adami said: "The bust will remind all Maltese of their cultural Christian values, a characteristic of the Maltese identity which is deeply cherished." He also praised the valuable work of the SDC Members in Australia based on the teachings of their founder St George Preca 'the benefactor who has left a mark on all Maltese'.

Over the past year the SDC has worked closely in committee with the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, the sculptor, Peter Corlett and the cathedral to action what we see as a most satisfactory conclusion.

Someone remarked on the day that George was the first Maltese citizen in Oz without a visa that has permanent residency ! This brought a smile to us all as we were certainly pleased with the outcome.