The development of Saint George's parish from the pastoral visitations (1575-1644) : a comparative commentary and analysis

Abstract

The parish of Saint George in Victoria, Gozo originated in Medieval times, but little is known on its early origins. It is first recorded as a parish church in 1450 and there are other references to it prior to 1575. Bishops began to carry regular pastoral visitations in Gozo after that year and the parish church was visited on each occasion. After providing a general introduction of the early history of the parish, this paper will transcribe the reports, originally in Latin, related to the parish in the visitations between 1575 and 1644, followed by the translation of some extracts in English. An in-depth study of each visit, with a comparative analysis and commentary, will then be presented. This study will shed light on the religious, social, and structural development of one of the oldest and main parishes of Gozo, and on its steadily increasing importance in the religious life of the island during the seventeenth century.