The statements made by Fr Avellino, the council said in a letter sent to this media house, "may unintentionally misrepresent the local council's commitment to Birgu's cultural and historical legacy".
Fr Avellino had lamented that the concert organised by the parish on 14 December had been poorly attended by parishioners. He also said that no-one from the local council turned up.
In its letter, received today 10 January, the council, through its mayor John Boxall, expressed its disappointment about Fr Avellino's comments.
"On behalf of the Birgu Local Council, we are writing to express our disappointment regarding the comments made by Fr John Avellino and reported in your article titled "'Losing heart': Vittoriosa priest laments lack of attendance from parishioners for concert" published on the 15th December 2024.
"While we value and respect Fr Avellino's contributions to our community and the St Lawrence parish, we feel it necessary to address some of the statements made, which may unintentionally misrepresent the local council's commitment to Birgu's cultural and historical legacy
"The council received the invitation to the concert just four days prior to the event. As you may appreciate, the Christmas season is an exceptionally vibrant time, with nearly every day filled with community and cultural activities. On the evening of the concert, three other social events, organised by local organisations that the council actively supports and encourages, were also taking place, making it challenging to attend on such short notice.
"Just days after this concert, the same Parish Church hosted a Christmas concert performed by a children's choir. This event, funded by the Birgu Local Council, attracted a significantly larger audience and filled the church. This is a testament to the council's efforts to promote cultural activities that engage and inspire our community, particularly its younger generations. Such initiatives reflect our dedication to fostering a vibrant cultural identity, something we hope is recognised and appreciated by all.
"It is disheartening that Fr Avellino suggested a lack of interest or support from the local council. As the elected representatives of our locality, we take great pride in promoting Birgu's rich history and culture. For example, over the past 15 years, during the iconic Birgu by Candlelight event, Fr Avellino has been afforded the opportunity to select a choir of his choice for a concert in the Parish Church, fully sponsored by the local council. These collaborations underscore the council's longstanding commitment to cultural enrichment.
"Fr Avellino's comments have unfortunately cast a shadow over the council's efforts, potentially giving readers a misleading impression of our dedication to Birgu's cultural development. As Mayor, I was particularly saddened by the concluding remarks in the article, which not only discredit the council's contributions but could also jeopardise the goodwill and unity necessary for Birgu's candidacy on behalf of the Port Region as the European Capital of Culture 2031.
"For over 30 years, the Birgu Local Council has pioneered cultural activities that have become a model for other local councils across Malta. We are immensely proud of our accomplishments and the unwavering support of our community. Birgu's cultural identity is its heartbeat, and it is our shared duty to protect and promote it.
"We extend an open invitation to Fr Avellino and all residents to work collaboratively with us in continuing to build on Birgu's cultural and historical foundations. Together, we can further enrich our community and enhance Birgu's standing as a beacon of culture in Malta and beyond."