News
Apr - Jun 2011
www.vittoriosahistorica.org
7 September confirmed as Jum il-Belt Vittoriosa
Pope Benedict XVI mentions St Lawrence
Exhibitions during Holy Week
Musico Literary Evening on St Lawrence Parvis
Jesus Christ Superstar
Caccini’s Ave Maria at St Lawrence Church
Sacred Music Concert
St Lawrence Band March-April 2011 newsletter
Vittoriosa band at the Valletta Good Friday procession
Easter at Vittoriosa
Junior Vittoriosa Local Council
Paving of Collacchio area
Fort St Angelo rehabilitation
Dhalia Real Estate contributes towards restoration at Auberge de France
Art exhibition by Bernice Buhagiar
Mare Nostrum Conference at Vittoriosa
Frank Salt Real Estate staff social evening at Vittoriosa
Artisan market in Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa restaurant generous initiative
Lorenzo Balbi – benefactor of Marsa parish church
Dun Karm: 50th anniversary from his death
Mass for the repose of Paul Attard Glivau
Edward Lawrence Borg interviewed
Carmelo Agius passed away
New showcases at Vittoriosa Parish Museum
Rev. Peter Paul Zerafa OP passed away
Prayers for the Maltese Family
Swedish Choir at St Lawrence Church
Folktales art exhibition
First Augustinian Church at Valletta
The Vittoriosa Juvenile Reformatory
Mixed art exhibitition
St Edwards College original student art exhibition
De La Salle Unesco exhibition
Member of the Royal Water Colour Society of England paints Birgu
Dar l-Emigrant
St Alphonse Maria de’ Liguori mentioned by the Pope
St Lawrence Band May-June 2011 newsletter
Magistrate Dr Neville Camilleri
Bro. Louis passed away
New bells for Naval Bakery Clock Tower
60th anniversary of the Malta Historical Society
7 September confirmed as Jum il-Belt Vittoriosa
After a rethink exercise by the Vittoriosa Local Council, the 7 September was confirmed as Jum il-Belt Vittoriosa. Meetings were held with Birgu associations to discuss how best this organise the event. This day is intimately linked to Vittoriosa because it is the day of the Great Siege Victory of 1565 when Grand Master La Vallette renamed Birgu as Vittoriosa. In later years the Victory Monument was erected in Vittoriosa Square and during the British period, celebrations used to be held at the foot of the Monument giving birth to Malta’s National Day. In the 1950’s the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society took the initiative to commemorate the event by a wreath-laying ceremony. From 1994 this started to be organised officially by the Local Council. The Vittoriosa Local Council set up a consultative committee with representatives from various Vittoriosa associations to make recommendation on the celebtation of Vittoriosa Day. The Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society is represented by its Vice President, Mr Anton Attard.
Pope Benedict XVI mentions St Lawrence
Demonstating yet again his deep theological knowledge and superior literary qualities, Pope Benedict XVI this Lent published (Libreria Editrice Vaticana) the second volume of his study and meditation on the life of Jesus, entitled Gesu’ di Nazareth. This volume spans from Jesus’ entry into Gerusalem to the resurrection. In the sections of profound devotion and intensity about the passion, the Pope reflects on the sacrificial nobility of the martyrdom. At this point, he presents St Lawrence as an example of supreme unision with Jesus in his martyrdom on the gridiron. The Pope therefore follow in the footsteps of the great medieval theologianThomas a Kempis who in his masterpiece of all ages, The Imitation of Christ (circa 1440) also mentions St Lawrence.
Exhibitions during Holy Week
This year saw 12 privately organised exhibitions during Holy Week at Vittoriosa, all of which were given due publicity by the Vittoriosa Local Council. In the larger part, these consisted of hand made artistic statuettes repesenting episodes from the Passion. Two of these were hosted by the Local Council at its offices at the Auberge de France. Another similar exhibition close to the Auberge de France was actually inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Then there were the life size scenes from the Passion, with the most distinct ones being those at the St Lawrence Band Club and the one in the St Lawrence Church underground burial room. Two exhibitions which this year were not set up were the Last Supper table which used to be laid out at the Oratory of the Holy Crucifix, and the Way of the Cross display at the Ditch, which was this year unaccessible on account of the restoration of the bastions project.
Musico Literary Evening on St Lawrence Parvis
On the occasion of the inauguration of the St Lawrence Band Holy Week exhibition entitled Getsemani, a concert of classical music was organised on the St Lawrence Parvis by the Band Club. The University Junior College Ensemble was under the direction of Mro. Joseph Pirotta.
Jesus Christ Superstar
After an absence of three years the Weber Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar was again presented by the Ghaqda Zghazagh Palmizi at the renovated Parish Hall in Vittoriosa Square on Palm Sunday. The musical was produced by Roderick Castillo and directed by Christian Raggio. The society this year celebrated the 15th anniversary from its setting up.
Caccini’s Ave Maria at St Lawrence Church
In one of the organised adoration sessions held during the Quart’ore, a Eucharistic devotions that spans from Palm Sunday till Wednesday in the Holy Week at St Lawrence Church, Vittoriosa, the famous and melodious Ave Maria by Giulio Caccini (1551-1618) was sung for the first time by the young soprano student, Maris Briffa. This Ave Maria was in recent years again revived by the Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, with his masterly interpretation.
Sacred Music Concert
As part of the Holy Week celebrations, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra held a magnificent concert of classical music at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta. Works played included Sibelius, Verdi, Mendelssohn, Albinoni. The Orchestra was under the baton on Vittoriosa-born Mro. Emanuel Spagnol.
St Lawrence Band March-April 2011 newsletter
Edition, no. 62 of largely dedicated to the muscial scoiety’s activities during the lenten period, giving coverage to the Getsemani exhibtion put on at the band club. Another leading article by Mons Lawrence Mifsud probes into the orgin of Good Friday processions and how the tradition came to Malta and in particular to Birgu. He also comments on the artistic attributes of the processional statues. The usual interview from Paul Micallef is this time with Can. Paul Raggio who is also Vice President of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society. During his youth he was an enthusiast of the feast of St Lawrence until he joined the MUSEUM and later went to the missions in Brazil where he was ordained priest. After his return to Malta, he became Archpriest of St Lawrence. It was during his period in office that the Parish celebrated its 900 anniversary in 1990. In the historical corner from Anton Attard, we find an interest reference to the Old Clock Tower dating to the period of the French occupation wherein the clock attendant who had been in this job for 45 years made a petition to the city local council, the Universita’, for payment of his wages.
Vittoriosa band at the Valletta Good Friday procession
The La Vallette Band organised an original Holy Week exhibition in the spacious underground cellars at their premises in Republic Street, Valletta, with the title Imago Iesu Christi. For the occasion a booklet was published which carries a histroical article on the controverial matter in which the La Valletta Band started to participate on an annual basis in the Ta’ Giesu Good Friday procession. However, the article does not mention the fact the Franciscan Friars of Ta’ Giesu, before the involvement of the Valletta band, used to invite the Vittoriosa band to play funeral marches as the procession came out of the church. The bandmen used to play standing in the open space in St Ursola Street called L-Ghalqa. This is evidenced by an original receipt dated 1874, preserved in the archives of the St Lawrence Band.
Easter at Vittoriosa
This year the Vittoriosa Easter processio and the traditional run were broadcast live on the NET TV feature Mill-Pjazza. During the programme, various interviews were held with people from Vittoriosa about life and folklore in the city. Historian Lino Bugeja regaled us with an article in the Sunday Times of Malta entitled Easter celebrations, bigotry and devotions in Vittoriosa. He describes how the easter festivities, which had their roots in Byzantine traditions of the Risen Christ, were already a solemn manifestation in medieval Birgu. He explains how in the ancient Jewish ghetto at Birgu, the area still known as Triq ta’ Lhud, it is recorded that in 1492 the inhabitants threw stones at the Jews, who petitioned to the Viceroy of Sicily, on a short visit at the Castle of St Angelo, to intervene on their behalf. The Easter celebration at Birgu was strengthened with the presence of a strong Greek community, even before the arrival of the Order of St John in 1530.
Junior Vittoriosa Local Council
With the object of inculculating among young people an interest in their native city, the Vittoriosa Local Council as from this year established a Junior version of the Council, make up of a Junior Mayor, Vice-mayor, Secretary and Councillors. The participants, aged between 14-16, are all secondary school students, mainly attending the Verdala Junior Lyceum forming part of the Santa Margerita College.
Paving of Collacchio area
Minister George Pullicino in a press conference next to the Post of Provence announced that the massive EUR 4.2 million project that will see the paving of Vittoriosa Square and the Collacchio area was about to be taken in hand. Approval of the plans had been given by MEPA, the planning authority. Before the paving could be started, the entire area had to be dug up in order to replace and renovate old utility systems through new culverts which will take the various electricity and telecommunications wiring. Eventually, the Vittoriosa historic core will be pedestrianised.
Fort St Angelo rehabilitation
Heritage Malta has began the process of rehabilitation of Fort St Angelo with finance from the European Regional Development Fund. As a first step, a call for applications has been made of the engagement of an architect to take charge and coordinate the works.
Dhalia Real Estate contributes towards restoration at Auberge de France
The Sala Nobile of the Auberge de France, which houses the Local Council’s offices, has been dexterously retored to its prestine condition, thanks to the financial support of one of Malta’s leady property agents, Dhalia Real Estate. Following restoration, the company has started using the hall as venue of seminars for its employees.
Art exhibition by Bernice Buhagiar
This was the first solo week-long painting exhibition for young artist Bernice Buhagiar. The title of the collection was Emerging as it is meant to bring out the imaginative escapades of the artist to her world of deep stormy waters and penetratng light.
Mare Nostrum Conference at Vittoriosa
Mare Nostrum is an EU funded programme that aims to study the Phoenician routes and the problems facing ports in the Mediterranean. It brings together participants from lebanon, Syria, Malta, Italy, Greece, Tunisia and Algiers. This year’s Conference spanning over three days was held at Vittoriosa in the Auberge de France, hosted by the Vittoriosa Local Council. The 20 participants visited various histroical sites, notably the Tas-Silg complex at Marsaxlokk. The Conference sittings at Vittoriosa were led by Dr Ray Bondin, Malta’s Ambassador to UNESCO.
Frank Salt Real Estate staff social evening at Vittoriosa
As part of its human resources development, one of the oldest property agents, Frank Salt Real Estate, selected Vittoriosa as rendezvous for a firm-wide social event for its staff. The event, meant to entertain and at the same time encourage teamwork, consisted of a ghost-hunting venture in the dark of night. The participants, equipped with notes and clues, wended their way through the narrow streets of Vittoriosa trying to solve the riddles given to them. The event finished off in a restuarant at the Vittoriosa Waterfront.
Artisan market in Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa already has two popular weekly open markets: the Tuesday flea market held in Silver Jubilee Street and Cottonera Avenue; and the Sunday antiques and odd artifacts market at il-Fortini. It now has a third Sunday market dedicated to local artisanship and craft, fresh seasonal produce and local food specialities and delicacies. It was held for the first time in May at Couvre Porte and was organised by The Definitively Good Guide Company, publishers of several Malta oriented guide-books, in collaboration with the Vittoriosa Local Council and the Grand Harbour Marina. There were stalls selling a wide range of Maltese foods, from galletti to locally-produced pure olive oil, from qaghaq tal-ghasel to freshly mixed ruggata. On the crafts side, there were stalls with all sorts of handmade objects, from pottery to prints, from egg-shell decorations to bangles and necklaces. It is intended to hold the market once a month.
Vittoriosa restaurant generous initiative
During the pascal season 10 restaurants, among which Two & Half Lemon Restaurant of Vittoriosa Waterfront, joined in offering a free meal to residents from Dar tal-Providenza.
Lorenzo Balbi – benefactor of Marsa parish church
On the occasion of the 10th anniversry from the foundation of the Marsa Cultural Society, a special edition of the society’s newsletter entitled Il-Folju was published. One of the articles briefly relates the story of Lorenzo Balbi a businessman from Valletta who dedicated his fortunes to the construction, initiated in 1909, of the Marsa parish church dedicated to the Holy Trinity. He was a devotee of his namesake, St Lawrence, and wanted to dedicate the new church to him, but was overruled by the church authorities. Nonethless, St Lawrence is venerated in one the side altars. The people of Marsa have honoured their benefactor by naming the principal street of the village to him and erecting a statue of him and his wife in the same street, the work of artist Anton Agius. Also in the newsletter is an article on two Popes who have a connection with Marsa: Pope Pius X, who rasied Marsa into a parish in 1913, and Pope St Damasus I who after his accession in 366 defened the mystery of the Holy Trinity against the Arian heretics. This was the same Pope who built a basilica dedicated to St Lawrence annexed to the Roman Chanellery which still exists, commonly referred to as San Lorenzo in Damaso.
Dun Karm: 50th anniversary from his death
This year marks the 50th anniversary from the death of the National Poet, Dun Karm Psaila (1871-1961). A commemorative musico-literary evening was held at St John’s Co Cathedral, Valletta in April 2011. It should be recalled that it was the Societa’ Mandolinistica Don Lorenzo Perosi, a branch of the Duke of Edinburgh Band of Vittoriosa, which for the first time played the National Anthem in 1923, with the lyrics by Dun Karm and the music by Robert Samut. Three years later in 1925, when the Duke of Edinburgh Band was in the hands of the German conductor Karl Maria Artz, Dun Karm wrote a poem Ghanja lil Malta which Artz put to music. It was then sung by his wife Jenni during a soiree of the Vittoriosa Band at the Manoel Theatre.
Mass for the repose of Paul Attard Glivau
A mass for the repose of Paul Attard Glivau who passed away last year was organised by his family at St Lawrence Church. He was from Vittoriosa and his uncle was Can. Joseph Glivau, Dean of St Lawrence Collegiate. When he died in December 2010 his funeral could not be held at St Lawrence because there was another event in the Church and it had to take place at his residence village, Birzebbugia. However, in order to give him the chance to salute his beloved city and its Patron Saint, his family led the funeral cortege and the hearse through Vittoriosa and in front of St Lawrence Church on its was from Birzebbugia to the Addolorata Cemetery. Mr Attard Glivau was a member of the Vittoriosa Histroical & Cultural Society.
Edward Lawrence Borg interviewed
Vittoriosa-born Mr Edward Lawrence Borg, or as he is popularly known, Teddy, is a well known Maltese personality in two fields: in the motor cycles sphere and in the yachting sphere. His love for motor cycles let him to set up a motor cycle club which organises periodic exhibitions. But his greatest passion is for yachting. He first maritime experience was in fishing expeditions and then swithed to sailing and boarding. He actually lived in a boat with his familiy for three years. He is an enthusiast of the Middle Sea Race, taking part on four occasions. He lived for long time at Marsascala but later took up residence at Rabat. He was interwed by Pablo Micallef in his progamme on TVM.
Carmelo Agius passed away
Carmelo Aguis from Vittoriosa was another lover of the sea. At the end of his funeral mass at St Lawrence Collegiate, the congregation spontaneouly started singing Rod Steward’s hit "I am sailing" as the coffin was borne out of the church. Carmelo Agius is the father of Gorg Agius, member of the MUSEUM Society of Christian Doctrine, who was head of the Vittoriosa Males Section when it celebrated its 80th anniversary, a event which will be remembered through the publication of the Section’s history written by Anton Attard, Vice-President of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
New showcases at Vittoriosa Parish Museum
Though not yet officially installed as Parish Priest of Vittoriosa, Can. Joe Cilia has already had the occasion to meet numerous people and societies from Vittoriosa. He aslo visited the Vittoriosa Parish Museum at St Joseph Oratory, where members of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society serve as attendants. His visit coincided with the inauguaration of three new showcases, beautifully produced by Manuel Pisani. These are being used to hold manequines of members in full attire of the confraternities that used to function at St Lawrence Church.
Rev. Peter Paul Zerafa OP passed away
It is not often that a friar passes away surrounded by colleagues. Rev. Peter Paul Zerafa died in the convent of the Domenican community at Vittoriosa at the age of 82. He was from Nadur, Gozo, and studied theology and scriptural writings in Rome where he was a University professor for 30 years. Back in Malta, he served as member of the Maltese Biblical Society. His funeral mass at the Annunciation Church, Vittoriosa, was attended by Mons. Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo. Mons. Paul Cremona OP, Archbishop of Malta who could not attend due to an indisposition, sent his condolences.
Prayers for the Maltese Family
In the run up for the Divorce Referendum, the Unita’ ta’ Talb, a prayer association, organised a number of sessions of intercession and praise in five monestries of cloistered nuns around Malta, among which the Benedictine Monastery of St Scholastica, Vittoriosa.
Swedish Choir at St Lawrence Church
The 50-strong Sollentuna Boys Choir from Stockholm, Sweden, gave a concert of classical music at St Lawrence Collegiate Church. The choir’s members are aged 10-27 and have performed in various concerts in Sweden and around Europe. HE The President of Malta was present. Funds raised were in aid of the Community Chest Fund.
Folktales art exhibition
Gmiel il-Hrafa is the name of a collection of contemporary painting by Rupert Cefai displayed at the Inquisitors Palace, Vittoriosa. The paintings were inspired by Maltese folktales and are mostly based on literary works of Dun Manwel Magri and published at the beginning of the 20th century.
First Augustinian Church at Valletta
Denis A Darmanin, Committee Member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society, is featured in a researched article on the origins of the Friary and Church of the Augustinians in the Programme for the Feast of St Augustine 2011, Valletta. He describes how the Order, after its departure from Vittoriosa to its new headquarters in Valletta, started to slice up areas of the new city and to transfer the property to the religious orders, among whom the Augustiniane friars. The first church was dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Help (tas-Soccors). It seems the builder stared the construction works without waiting for the necessary permit and he was jailed ! The author discovered various precious documents regarding the church architecture in private collections. The original church was replace after it developed serious defects following the 1693 earthquake. Remnants of the old church foundations still exist.
The Vittoriosa Juvenile Reformatory
Eddie Attard is an established writer and historian on Maltese prisons throughout the ages. In an article in The Sunday Times of Malta, he dwells of the slow process of reforms in Malta’s Prisons. The story starts with the transfer of the prisons from the Old Prisons of the Order in Valletta to the newly built Corradino site in 1850. Over the years various attempts were made at reform by the colonial government but the first real reform took place in 1919 when on the recommendation of Colonel Harry William Banford, who was Commissioner of Police and Prisons Inspector at the time, Fort Salvatore Barracks at Vittoriosa was converted into a reformatory for juvenile delinquents. This was the first time youth offenders were separated from habitual criminals, the first time they were given a chance for amendment rather than imprisonment. The article carries a picture of the entrance to Fort San Salvatore at the time. It is a pity that this fortress is now in shambles, awaiting the day it would be restored.
Mixed art exhibitition
An exhibition entitled True Colours was held at Palazzo de la Salle, Valletta, by five artists from different backgrounds showing a diverse approach to painting, scultpure and photography. The exhibition was covered in an extensive art review on The Sunday Times of Malta by Art Critic, Louis Lagana, Member of the Vittoriosa Histroical 7 Cultural Society. In his write up he describes the techniques used and the art experiences and creations of each of the artists.
St Edwards College original student art exhibition
The College mounted a varied exhibition by two art students whose works are the result of their International Baccalaureate in visual arts. The exhibition consisted of various compositions and installations both figurative and abstract; paintings, sculpture, printing, photgraphy, casting, use of computers, videos, metal, recycled material.
De La Salle Unesco exhibition
The primary school of De La Salle College held its annual Unesco children’s exhibition, an annual event that the Brothers began in the 1970s. The exhibits included cartoon characters, the underwater world, Malta’s natural heritage, health & safety. The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Valerie Sollars, Dean of the University’s Education Faculty.
Member of the Royal Water Colour Society of England paints Birgu
Jenny Wheatley, a leading member of the Royal Water Colour Society and of the New English Art Club has included in her repertoire of painting from Malta, a picture of the St Lawrence Band Club facade at Vittoriosa Square. For few days in May, several members from the UK Society were in Malta on a site painting visit.
Dar l-Emigrant
In his periodic auto-biographical contribution to Lehen is-Sewwa, Mons. Philip Calleja recalls the hard work and initiatives taken by the Church in the immediate post war years and in the early 1950s when Malta experienced mass emigration. The offices of the Emigrants’ Commission were in Palazzo Caraffo in Old Bakery Street, Valletta, before the move to the Migrants Memorial Centre next to Upper Barrakka. Among the persons who dedicated themselves for the building of the new block and who continued with his support in this field was Can. Paul Camilleri from Vittoriosa who is mentioned in the article.
St Alphonse Maria de’ Liguori mentioned by the Pope
Pope Benedict XVI dedicated one of his lenten general auditions to the memory of St Alphone maria de ‘ Liguori, bishop and doctor of the Church and founder of the charitable institution of the Redemptionists. He died in Naples in 1775. He is venerated at Vittoriosa in an old artistic painting in the Chapel of St Joseph in St Lawrence Church. Some two of three years ago the painting was professionally restored.
St Lawrence Band May-June 2011 newsletter
The Paul Micallef interview in this Edition, no. 63 is with Lorenzo Zahra, the Secretary of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society. He dedictes his life and energies to the promotion of the history and traditions of Vittoriosa and to research on the spread of the devotion to the Martyr St Lawrence, Patron Saint of Vittoriosa. George Cilia writes about the professional renovation works under way at St John’s Co catherdral and makes particular reference to the restoration by Re-Coop Conservation Company of the Mattia Preti painting of the martyrdom of St Lawrence in the Chapel of the Aragonese Knights. Anton Attard writes about two precious sacred objects at St Lawrence church: the unique 400 year old Choral monograph with musical compositions by Palestrina, and the beatuiful 18th century reliquary of the Holy Face. Lorenzo Zahra alludes to another artistic treasure which is now lost: a painting of St Cosma and St Damien, guardians of the medical corpd during the period of the Order. This edition of the St Lawrence Band Club newsletter carries for the first time a message from the newly appointed Archpriest, Can. Joe Cilia.
Magistrate Dr Neville Camilleri
Dr Neville Camilleri, LL D, BA, MA Fin Serv., advocate, whose office is at Vittoriosa and has been service the people of Birgu for several years, has been raised to the dignity of Magistrate of the Courts of Malta. He has throughout the years inserted himself in the civil and cultural life of Vittoriosa, especially by serving as legal consultant to the St Lawrence Band and also writing periodic articles in the band club bullettin. The Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society has congratulated him on his appointment.
Bro. Louis passed away
Bro. Louis Camilleri FSC of the Lasallian Community passed away peacefully at the age of 88. His funeral Mass was said at Stella Maris College, Gzira. Brother Louis will be lovingly remembered by innumerable Old Boys of De La Salle College from Vittoriosa who frequented the College in the 1950s and 1960s where he was a leading school master and director. He served as provincial of the De La Salle Brothers at during the critical Church-State dispute over church schools in the 1980’s.
New bells for Naval Bakery Clock Tower
The historic clock tower adjacent to the Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa, once the Naval Bakery Clock Tower dating to 1810, was decked with a set of new bells as part of its restoration. The bell, inaugurated by the hon. Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, replace older ones which are now displayed in the Museum. The new bells were bought from a church in Prittlewell, UK, which were cast in the same foundry as the originals. The clock tower restoration is envisaged to be completed in a few months’ time when the clock should be back in operation with the pealing of the bells.
60th anniversary of the Malta Historical Society
The Malta Historical Society this year celebrates its 60 years from its foundation. To commemorate the event it has published a volume collection of historical studies. It is also organising a series of talks on various topics. An intriging talk was held by Emanuel Buttigieg from the University Faculty of History at the Maritime Musuem, Vittoriosa. The subject was magic and witchcraft in hospitaller Malta during the 17th century.