During the last 12 months, over 180 news articles were posted on this website complimented with a record 2820 photos, almost 400 more then last year. It is also worth nothing that the Biography section registered 3,875 visitors during the first 10 days. The website had 114,935 visitors from 1st January of this year.  more

Ghajnsielem F.C. finally registered their second win of the league season. The Blacks beat Nadur Youngsters 4-3. Ghajnsielem now third in the standings kept in touch with the leading pack which neither of whom seems to be in a particular hurry to wrap the championship.  more

The Ghajnsielem Parish organized an outing for the children who attended the Christmas Novena. The children visited a crib exhibition in Victoria and then went to Qbajjar in Marsalforn were the kids enjoyed themselves in the playing field. The facilitators in and some parents accompanied the children.  more

For the 3rd consecutive Christmas, the GSM Youths managed to organized an impeccable and professional 3 hour show at the 2008's edition of MTL FEST. Zoo entertained the crowd throughout all the event with their spontaneous jokes as the show offered a variety of songs, comedies and dances.  more

An ideal weather triggered many Ghajnslemizi to leave their homes on Christmas Eve and enjoy the 'Purcissjoni tal-Bambin' which this year started from the Nativity Village at 'Ta Passi'. Meanwhile, it was Matthew Zerafa's turn to deliver the 'Priedka tal-Milied' at the midnight mass. 'Bethlehem f' Ghajnsielem' was also animated in the early hours of the morning.  more

The Ghajnsielem F.C. committee organized the annual Christmas dinner for the young players of the team. The dinner was held at 'Ciappi Restaurant'. Meanwhile, the Club will also be organizing a Christmas Dinner Dance at 'Ta Cenc' hotel  for Saturday 4th January.  more

The Speaker, Hon. Dr. Louis Galea  was visibly impressed as he visited the nativity village on Saturday. A "special guest" who came specifically from the North Pole was also seen roaming on Sunday afternoon. The activities were enhanced thanks to the excellent weather throughout the whole weekend.  more

90-year-old Mikiel Cangura was awarded the 14th edition of the 'Gieh Ghajnsielem' for his contribution towards the development of the Ghajnsielem community particularly the St Joseph Band and his voluntary work at the Ghajnsielem parish. Mr Cangura was part of the first band formed by Mons De Piro in 1928.  more

Mr Sammy Rapa, General Manager of a distinguished hotel in Gozo and President of Ghajnsielem FC was awarded the 'Tourism Worker of the Year', in recognition to the service and dedication in this sector. In his speech Mr Rapa augured that tourism industry in Gozo will continue to offer an authentic Gozitan service.  more

A relatively calm weather, the smell of freshly baked bread wafts in the air, animals chase each other... this was the atmosphere at 'Ta Passi' as thousands of families continued to visit the Nativity Village on the 2nd weekend. The atmosphere was again recreated on Tuesday, during an activity organised for the students.  more

The mayor together with representatives of the St Joseph Band Club and Ghajnsielem F.C. continued their yearly Christmas tradition by visiting the elderly who are either sick or housebound or both. Many wanted to offer refreshments as they narrated their life experiences while bringing back old memories.  more

'Bethlehem f' Ghajnsielem' Vintage Wine
(Monday, 15th December 2008)

Ghajnsielem marked 'Jum Ghajnsielem' with a procession on the eve of the liturgical feast. The St Joseph Band Club accompanied the statue of the Black Madonna around the main streets ending  with a bonfire which was lit in the main square - a tradition started just last year.  more

Thousands of families from all Malta and Gozo literally flooded the 'Bethlehem f' Ghajnsielem' nativity village during the first weekend. Visitors also included hundreds of foreigners, journalists and several dignitaries. Meanwhile Radju Lauretana is back on air with a varied selection of Christmas programs.  more

After three months of hard work, the dream of several volunteers finally became a reality when 'Bethlehem f' Ghajnsielem' was officially opened by the Hon. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. Mayor Francis Cauchi and project manager Franco Ciangura then accompanied the Prime Minister around the nativity village.  more

The Ghajnslemizi responded positivity for another Blood Drive Marathon organized by the St Joseph Band Club. Donors who were constantly flowing as the band club was literally transformed into a blood donation centre.  Over 30 volunteer donors took part.  more

The Ghajnsielem Primary school held its annual prize day where Gozo Minister, Hon. Giovanna Debono together with School Headmistress Ms. Pauline Grech presented presented prize winners books and certificates for academic effort and achievement. Mayor Francis Cauchi donated books.  more

Activity marks 15th Local Councils Anniversary
(Thursday, 4th December 2008)

During a press conference held at Castille, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Chris Said together with Ghajnsielem Mayor Francis Cauchi and project manager Franco Ciangura explained the details of the nativity village to the present media. The official poster, website and nativity village map were also unveiled.  more

Dramatic equaliser denies Black victory
(Thursday, 27th November 2008)

The volunteers are applying the final touches to the 'Betlehem in Ghajnsielem' project with just two weeks to go until the opening which is planned for Saturday 6th December at 5.00pm. The nativity village will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. A press conference will also be held later this week.  more

The Anton Cassar Primary School together with the Gozo Collage organized a Field Day which included several activities targeting the mental and physical wellbeing of children in primary education. It ensures that all students take part in sporting activities irrespective of their age, gender or competiveness.  more

Ghajnsielem F.C. played another friendly match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun, this time against first division Senglea Athletics. The Blacks lost 1-3 and were unlucky not to claim a second goal when his shot came back off the bar. The Blacks dictated matter for most of this encounter and were unfortunate to concede three soft goals.  more

Ghajnsielem F.C. put four past M.F.A. premier division side Msida St. J. in a friendly match played this evening. Blacks earned plaudits from Msida and Hamrun fans in attendance, and stirred Club officials into commenting that this was Ghajnsielem's most polished performance in recent memory.  more

Radju Lauretana’s Christmas schedule will start on Monday 8th December. A varied selection of program including live transmissions from Loreto, St Anthony's Church and the Nativity village at Ta Passi will definitely ensure an attractive schedule for all type of listeners.  more

With the opening of 'Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem' being less then 1 month away, several journalists are starting to take a keen interest in this project. Several interviews took place during the last few days with some newspapers even promising a double spread feature.  more

This morning, Ghajnsielem joined the rest of the Commonwealth to mark Remembrance Day to honour the victims of the two world wars. Several people gathered to pay tribute to the victims War Memorial in a short but commemorative ceremony was organized by the Ghajnsielem Local Council. Mayor Francis Cauchi made a short speech for the occasion. more

Ghajnsielem.com is bringing you a photo update of the latest works at 'Ta Passi' fields where the nativity village is now taking shape. While the volunteers where at work, several families took the opportunity to join and see the ongoing works. Many young childrens were also seen playing around the open fields.  more

November is seeing hundreds of Ghajnsilmizi coming into the Sanctuary of our Lady of Loreto to keep the commemoration of All Saints and All Souls. They may not be days of obligation but, besides being liturgically significant they have particular resonance in Maltese culture.  more

On the 6th of December, the St Joseph band club will once again be turned into a blood donation centre. The general public is invited to take part and donate blood. The target is to start holding this event every December on a yearly basis. Blood donation is about about a few minutes of your time. It's About Life.  more

Ghajnsielem led Victoria Hotspurs all the way up to the 42nd minute of the second half, only to concede yet another soft goal, and thus squander precious points against the league leaders. The morale sapping 1-1 draw leaves the Blacks fourth in the table, 5 points behind the same Hotspurs team.  more

Works on the 'Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem' project has now entered its third week and the hard work by dozens of volunteers is starting to bear fruit as the live crib is finally starting to take shape. All rubble walls have been restored while several houses in wooden structures are starting to appear at 'Ta Passi' fields.  more

In a statement issued this evening, Ghajnsielem F.C. President Sammy Rapa made an apology on behalf of players, coaching staff and committee to all the Club supporters for the poor performance against Sannat Lions. During a workshop, several important factors were identified for this defeat including unsuccessful approach and lack of responsibility. The players vowed to do their best in order for the team to get back ‘on track’.

Ghajnsielem dropped to their first league defeat of the season after they fell heavily to Sannat Lions 0-4. Although Sannat deserved their win, which makes them joint leaders Ghajnsielem probably consider themselves unlucky having had Errol Grima and N'dayi Kalenga efforts thunder off the crossbar at crucial moments.  more

Did you know that in 1839, the bell tower of the Old Parish Church had to be rebuilt because the builder made a mistake and the tower was sloping? Or that the Parish House was built in 1904 for the sum of Lm249? Kevin Cauchi has compiled an interactive timeline which will give you the opportunity to re-live the history of Ghajnsielem in a whole new way!  more

A delegation of around 20 primary school students from the Italian village of Tolfa have just ended a 5-day cultural exchange visit in Ghajnsielem. The group was led by Tolfa Mayor Dr Alessandro Battilocchio and their itinerary included several tours around Malta and Gozo together with several extracurricular activities.  more

Blacks in draw against Victoria Wanderers
(Sunday, 12th October 2008)

On Saturday, dozens of volunteers started to clean 'Ta Passi' fields and restoring over 200 meters of rubble walls as the 'Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem' project is starting to take shape. On Sunday morning, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Chris Said made a site-visit where he was given a brief update.  more

The St Joseph Band Club hosted the second meeting for the 'Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem' project which was well attended by several volunteers. Mayor Francis Cauchi steered the meeting explaining that works are expected to start immediately. On Saturday a number of volunteers will clean 'Ta Passi' fields.  more

The Franciscan community together with the rest of the Catholic world celebrated the feast of St Francis of Assisi with the highlights taking place on Sunday morning during the blessing of the pets and horses. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Prim Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi was present at a concelebrated Mass.  more

Ghajnsielem.com is posting 30 minutes of exciting and never-seen video footage showing the preparations in the old Ghajnsielem F.C. premises, the match and the wild celebrations as the Blacks Minors triumphed for the fourth time in 1987/88 when they completed a league and cup double.  more

Errol Grima's goal mid-way through the second half was all that the Blacks needed to beat Nadur in the second outing of the season. Three years of futility against the three-time, defending champions came to an end as the Blacks finally win one against the whites in the league.  more

The Ghajnsielem Local Council together with the main organizations this evening laid out the plans for an exiting project which is being planned in Ghajnsielem this Christmas. The whole 'Ta Passi' area will literally be transformed into "live crib" and will offer a naturalistic reproduction of the environ of Bethlehem.  more

Ghajnsielem F.C. failed to hold on to a 2-1 lead and let Qala St. Joseph. Errol Grima equalized late in the first half from the penalty spot, following Ricardo Saverino's opener. In the 2nd half Grima scored a marvellous goal to put the Blacks ahead. Then Saverino poked home off the post to earn his side a point. more

Just a few days before 2008/9 snooker season starts, the Snooker committee has organized it's first fund-raising activity in the form of a BBQ Night at the St Joseph Band Club premises. During this event which was attended by several enthusiasts, Larry Buttigieg presented trophies to the U21 League winners.  more

A group of about 40 people from Ghajnsielem have returned from a seven-day visit in Lourdes, France. The group even had a close encounter with Pope Benedict XVI who visited the shrine to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Apparitions. This was the second tour organized to Lourdes this year.  more

A group of around 20 primary school students from the Italian village of Tolfa will be in Ghajnsielem next month for a six-days cultural exchange visit. The main aim behind this visit was to share the student's experiences with each other, make new friends and learn about each other's culture. More information coming soon.

Following the huge success and encouraging response from last May's Blood Drive at the St Joseph Band Club, another marathon will be organized on Saturday 6th December 2008 as part of the 'Ghajnsielem Week' activities. The general public is being urged to take part in this activity and donate blood.  more

After all the pomp and celebrations, everything in Ghajnsielem seems to go quiet again. But for weeks you will hear people saying: “Festa Suċċess” – and indeed it was!. This features anylises the highlights of the activities and publishes some statistics about this year's feast.  more

The festa schedule is over. Transmission started on Sunday 3rd August and stopped on Tuesday 2nd September. These 31 days of schedule which included live transmissions and updates again proved to be a great success. Transmission is planned to start again during the first week of December.  more

Over 130 attended a Pasta Night organized by Ghajnsielem F.C. at the Club's terrace area. For many people, this event was an excuse for an informal review of this year's feast. Many were still feeling nostalgic and a little sad when remembering that the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto came to an end. Spirjetti & Friends entertained the crowds with their popular folklore songs.  more

Ghajnsielem.com is bringing you some pictures from the Old Parish Church and the new Parish Church showing several volunteers making the final preparations for the feast.  more

The St Joseph Band and Xewkija's 'Prekursur' Band performed marches from Mgarr Road to Ghajnsielem street and finally ending in the main square. For the third consecutive year, the statue placed on the pedestal in a spectacular way. Ghajnsielem.com is bringing you three videos and another record number of photographs... over 850 photos covering the 2008's popular 'Marc tal-Balzunetta'.  more

Ghajnsielem.com has followed the process of making these famous watermelons just a few hours before the famous march 'Tal-Balzunetta' begins. more
 

The St Joseph Band together Qala's 'Ite ad Joseph' played marches from Simirat Street through Independence Square and ending in front of the club's premises at midnight. more

For the third consecutive year, a Marian vigil of prayers was held in the main square. P. Karm Dimech ofm Cap led the prayers while Gozo Bishop Mons. Mario Grech closed the vigil with his spiritual thoughts. Archpriest Can Frankie Bajada then invited the present crowd for a group photo on the church's parvis.  more

Festive atmosphere for Feast Dinner
(Wednesday, 27th August 2008)

Under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr Edward Fenech Adami, President of Malta, the St. Joseph Band performed an Instrumental Concert in the main square. This year the Band is celebrating its the 80th anniversary. The President also had the opportunity to visit the Band premises and Radju Lauretana.  more

Read the 2008 Feast Magazine online
(Tuesday, 26th August 2008)

External celebrations kicked off today when St. Joseph Band played a set of marches from Garden Street. At 10.30pm, the church was packed with people for the traditional 'ħruġ'. The Ghajnselmizi sang and clapped as the huge glass door of the niche was opened and the titular statue was seen emerging forward.  more

The St Joseph Band Club opened its doors to the public during an Open Day which included exhibitions, a display military vehicles, drills and several talent shows. Many also took the opportunity to see the ongoing refurbishment works in the Formal Committee Room which next year will host the Musical Archive.  more

Ghajnsielem's first fully equipped gym was officially inaugurated today by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono in the the presence of Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, Mayor Francis Cauchi and Blacks President Sammy Rapa. The fitness center was named after Fr Bernard Hersey, the founder of Ghajnsielem F.C.  more

Over 300 attended the 'Ta' fuq il-Ghajn' BBQ, an activity which has now turned into an annual event. The food was excellent, the company good and the atmosphere simply couldn't be better. The pre-feast euphoria and excitement was certainly visible especially the young ones!  more

Radju Lauretana is offering live video streaming from its studios thanks to a live webcam service. Radio director Lelio Spiteri emphasized that this service will bring our emigrants even closer to home especially now that Ghajnsielem is celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Loreto.  steam live

The external celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto started today with the Ghajnsielem Fest Music festival. Many local talents took part in this show including Morena and Claudia Faniello. Although the event was held on Wednesday, the main square was literally crowded with people from all over Gozo.  more

After on Sunday, the statue of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ arrived at the Parish Church for public devotion, on Monday the statue was taken to Lourdes Grotto in Mgarr. The Procession assumed the form of an 'Aux Flambeaux'. Shortly afterwards, Gozo Bishop Mons. Mario Grech delivered Holy Mass.  more

A limited number of t-shirts and polo-shirts  featuring the phrase "Viva x-Xemx" in striking white on the front and the Ghajnsielem.com logo on the back are being printed specifically for the upcoming Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. They can be purchased from the St Joseph Band Club for just €5.  more

On Sunday 24th August, the St Joseph Band Club is opening its doors to the public during an OPEN DAY activity where the public can see the refurbishment works on the Committee room. The day will include several exhibitions, drills and talent shows. Radju Lauretana will broadcast live from the Club’s premises.  more

The official program of activities for the 2008 Feast is currently being distributed to all Ghajnsielem households. Meanwhile, Ghajnsielem.com has gone a step further and is publishing all the activities in English for the benefit of the foreigners living in Ghajnsielem and all our emigrants. Maltese  |  English

The St Joseph Band proudly launched the new CD '1928' to commemorate the 80th Anniversary. The CD contains contains fourteen band marches with a good mix of traditional and new marches recorded under the direction of Mro Sunny Galea. '1928' can be purchased from the Club's premises or leading outlets.  more

Open Day at Radju Lauretana
(Tuesday, 5th August 2008)

The St Joseph Band Club youths with the help of GSM Youths will organize a Disco this Friday 8th August from 8.30pm onwards. GordonM and Joe Spiteri from Capital Radio will be entertaining the crowds with a mix of the best of the 80's, 90's and today's. Another disco will be held on Friday 22nd August.  poster

The newly formed Ghajnsielem F.C. committee led by Mr Sammy Rapa held the first in a series of meetings with the supporters in order to give an update of the latest developments within the Club. The meeting was held at the Club's terrace area, just 30 days after the new committee was formed.  more

Francis Cauchi gave a presentation about the success story of the twinning between Ghajnsielem and Tolfa emphasizing that although  the agreement was signed in 2003, relationship between the two communities is still alive. The presentation was held during a meeting led by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said.  more

The feast section has been completely re-designed with an improved user-friendly navigation as Ghajnsielem.com is preparing for another year of superb feast coverage. Last year, this website registered an impressive 21,000 hits while over 1300 photos were uploaded. The feast will be celebrated on the 31st August.  more

Ferdinando Apap won the Under 20 Snooker Tournament by winning 3-1 against Luke Meilak at the St. Joseph Band Club. In a highly competitive match, Apap won the first frame only for Meilak to produce a fabulous break of 25 to bring the score to 1-1. Apap then deservedly won the next two frames.  more

A number of Snooker enthusiasts have formally formed a new committee under the wings of the St Joseph Band Club. The committee will be responsible for all activities related with the snooker/billiard/pool activities including the financial aspects, league competitions and improvement of existing facilities.  more

Ghajnsielem.com is reviving memories of the 1974 Decider between Ghajnsielem F.C. and Victoria Hotspurs. The video was shot Mr Joe Mailak using a colour reel camera. The marvellous goal scored by Frans Magro three minutes from the end confirmed the Blacks' supremacy for the fifth year. more

Radju Lauretana will resume transmission Sunday 3rd August and will remain on-air until the 2nd September. Browsing through the schedule, one can easily conclude that programs are rich, varied and entertaining, all the result of voluntary work. The schedule includes live transmission of the feast of Our Lady of Loreto.  more

During the last few days a large informational board was erected in the area between the Football and Band clubs. The board is split in three categories. The middle section displaying a large map with all Ghajnsielem street names and places of interest while the other two sections are dedicated for notices.  more

The St Joseph Band Club organized a traditional fair organized to raise funds for the Musical Archive project. The activity was held outside the Club's premises and in just a few hours, it managed to attract a very encouraging crowd of Ghajnsilmizi - both young and old.  more

17 girls and 12 boys today received their Holy Confirmation. The sacrament was administered by Gozo Bishop Mons Mario Grech. Archpriest Confirmation is a sacrament in which the Holy Ghost is given to those already baptized in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.  more

The Tile4U scheme which was recently launched  to raise money for the refurbishment work on the Formal Committee Room is receiving encouraging response from the general public. In fact, in just two weeks over €1500 have been collected thanks to the generous beneficiaries.  more

A strong crowd this morning enthusiastically approved the new administration led by President Sammy Rapa who is well known for his managerial skills. The EGM started at 11.00am and took place in the form of a rally with players, ex-players and members giving the full support to the new committee members.  more

Two sound-proof studios were recently constructed at the Radju Lauretana's premises in order to have the possibility to record programs while continuing live transmissions. The project was sponsored by Azzopardi Aluminium and Xuereb Glass. The station will be back on air on Sunday 3rd August.  more

Players, ex-players, members and all the Ghajnselmizi are invited to attend a special rally which will take place this Sunday 29th June at 11.00am. Members are expected to confirm the new administration led by Sammy Rapa. Mr Rapa will then deliver his first speech.  more

Seminarist Samuel Grech will soon return back from the America where he is currently pursuing his studies for priesthood. He is currently with the St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish under the diocese of Saginaw. Recently, Joe and Maria Sultana organized a farewell party for Samuel at the Maltese American Club in Dearborn.  more

The St Joseph Band Club has launched a scheme which aims to collect money to fund the refurbishment work on the Committee Room which is being upgraded to host the Musical Archive. All money raised from this scheme will go directly to finance the entire marble floor which totalled in excess of €4500.  more