Saverio Cassar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Reverend Monsignor Saverio Cassar |
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| Archpriest of the Matrice of the Assumption Governor-General of Gozo |
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| Church | Roman Catholic |
| Diocese | Malta |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 30 March 1771 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 December 1746 Hospitaller Malta |
| Died | 16 December 1805 (aged 58) Malta Protectorate |
| Buried | Cathedral of the Assumption, Gozo |
| Nationality | Maltese |
Saverio Cassar (born December 29, 1746 – died December 16, 1805) was an important priest and leader from Gozo. He is remembered as a patriot who helped Gozo become independent for a short time. He served as the Governor-General of Gozo from 1798 to 1801.
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Saverio Cassar
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| Governor-General of Gozo | |
| In office 28 October 1798 – 20 August 1801 |
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| Monarch | Ferdinand III |
| Succeeded by | Emmanuele Vitale |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Saverio Cassar was born in a place called Għajnsielem, in the parish of Nadur, Gozo. This was on December 29, 1746.
He traveled to Rome to study. After his studies, he became a priest on March 30, 1771. In 1773, he was chosen to be the main priest (archpriest) of the Gozo Matrice. This was an important church role.
Leading Gozo's Independence
The French Occupation
In 1798, France had taken control of Malta and Gozo. Many people in Gozo were not happy with the French rule.
On September 3, 1798, the people of Gozo started a rebellion against the French soldiers. They wanted to be free from French control.
Cassar Becomes Governor
Because of his leadership skills, Saverio Cassar was chosen to lead the Gozitan government. On September 18, 1798, he became the head of the island.
The French soldiers were still in their forts, like the Cittadella and Fort Chambray. But soon, on October 28 and 29, these French groups gave up. The British, who were helping the Gozitans, then gave control of the island to Cassar.
Gozo as an Independent State
After this, Saverio Cassar ruled Gozo as its own independent state. This meant Gozo was not controlled by France or Malta. He recognized Ferdinand III of Sicily as the king.
Cassar also asked for Gozo to have its own separate diocese. A diocese is an area managed by a bishop in the Catholic Church. Gozo eventually got its own diocese much later, in 1864.
Later Years and Legacy
The leaders in Mdina, Malta, did not fully agree with Cassar's actions. On August 20, 1801, the British decided to appoint a new governor for Gozo. His name was Emmanuele Vitale. This meant Cassar's time as Governor of independent Gozo ended.
Saverio Cassar passed away on December 16, 1805. He was 58 years old. He is remembered for his important role in Gozo's history and its fight for independence.
