News
Jan - Mar 2013
www.vittoriosahistorica.org
Solemnity of the Mother of God
16 January 1941 commemoration
Repair of bells at St Lawrence Church
50 th Anniversary of Vatican Council II
Michael Bordieri and Charles Bordieri passed away
Fr Gabriel Bartolo OFM Cap. passed away
Maryann Cutajar’s 100 birthday
Lucy Cacciottolo passed away at 104 years
900 anniversary of the Order of St John
De Valette or De la Valette
1565 historic map of Malta
Rarities donated to Vittoriosa Maritime Museum
Viaticum in 1883
Fate of war graves in 1978
Grand Harbour ferry service revived
Malta’s scenic beauty
Christian Raggio nominated for award
Graffiti legacy
Maltese delegates in cultural visit to Italy
St George’s Band of Cospicua 150 th anniversary
Mattia Preti book
Orchestral concert at the Annunciation Church
St Lawrence Band January-February 2013 newsletter
St Lawrence Band Club lease of bar
University resource centre at Vittoriosa
Playing Games from a Previous Age
More successful business for Grand Harbour Marina
Traditional dghajsa to boost tourism
Vittoriosa Local Council and Turkey
Visit by the President of the World Citizens Organisation (WCO)
Ilwien il-Festi Maltin
Eddie d’Agostino passed away
Captain Juan de la Cerda and the Great Siege of 1565
Memoralia of the Maltese armed forces
Peasantry costumes exhibition
Maltese national anthem: 90 years ago
Cardinal Prospero Grech made Vittoriosa proud
Pope Francis is a supporter of the Argentinean FC San Lorenzo
Domenican altarboys celebaration
Musical and literary evening
Statute of Our Lady of Sorrows
Main Gate paintings re-installed
Theatrical presentation for Holy Week
Various Holy Week exhibitions at Vittoriosa
Solemnity of the Mother of God
For the second time, the ancient silver-clad icon of Our Lady of Damascene was brought from the Greek Chapel at St Joseph Oratory, now forming part of the Vittoriosa Parish Museum, and placed centrally for public devotion on the Main Altar of St Lawrence Collegiate Church. This was upon the initiate of the Rev. Archpriest, Can Joe Cilia and the Collegiate Chapter.
16 January 1941 commemoration
Some 40 victims were buried alive during the ferocious HMS Illustrious air raid on 16 January 1941 when the Sacristy and Aura Capitolaris received a direct hit. Every year the parish holds a Mass for the repose of the victims and the laying of laurel wreaths against the War Memorial adjacent to the side door of St Lawrence Church. This year’s commemorative speech was delivered by Anton Attard, Vice President of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society. The church roof and surrounding buildings were lit up by torches for the occasion. It should be stated that a week before this year’s ceremony, BBC2 broadcast the documentary The Battle for Malta, featuring astonishing film footage including scenes of ravaged Vittoriosa and climaxing with the terrible siege of 1942 and the award of the George Cross to Malta by King George VI.
Repair of bells at St Lawrence Church
As the large-scale project for restoration of the marble pilasters of St Lawrence church gets under way, another important and vital initiative has been taken: the repair of the bells in the north side belfry. These badly needed repairs and maintenance and this could not be postponed further as it was feared they could start posing a danger. The Collegiate Chapter engaged the services of campanologist, Kenneth Cauchi, for his advice and to manage the repairs. Work started and the bells are gradually being unhinged and hauled down on the ground, one by one, while the iron beams from which they were hung are repaired.
50 th Anniversary of Vatican Council II
The Catholic Church held various events to celebrate the 50 th anniversary from the commencement of Vatican Council II. One of the very first innovations ensuing from the Council was the introduction of Mass in the vernacular. The first Mass said in the Maltese language was that chanted by Archbishop Mons Michael Gonzi in the Independence Arena as part of the Malta Independence festivities in 1964. Mons. Lawrence Cachia, who took an interest in the Council proceedings at the time and who subsequently continued to study the various declarations and doctrines of the ecumenical council published a book on the subject Tifkiriet tal-Koncilju Vatican II. In the book he lists for the first time the Maltese prelates who participated in the Council. Among these was Vittoriosa-born Fr. Prospero Grech OS who was involved owing to his role at the time as Sagrista del Santo Padre. Fr. Grech was in 2012 elevated to Cardinal. One other consequence of the Council was the revised version of the Litany of the Saints. When it was first published in Maltese it was noted that the name of St Lawrence had been omitted. The Vittoriosa parish made submissions to the Church Authorities after enquiries with the Vatican until the mistake was put right.
Michael Bordieri and Charles Bordieri passed away
Father and son, Michael Bordieri (83) and Charles Bordieri (59), both from Vittoriosa, passed away within a week. Both were in the past bandsman of the St Lawrence Band and Michael Bordieri was also for a time a committee member of the band club. In the funeral cortege of both of them, the St Lawrence Band saluted them respectfully. The funeral Mass at St Lawrence Church, on both occasions, was said by the Rev. Archpriest. Can Joe Cilia accompanied by numerous priests.
Fr Gabriel Bartolo OFM Cap. passed away
The Capuchin Fraternity lost Fr Gabriel Bartolo at the age of 86. His family was from Gozo but had established itself in Cospicua as his father worked in H.M. Dockyard since before the War. After his ordination Patri Grabiel, as he was amiably called, was posted at the St Liberata Convent, Kalkara in the early 1960’s and he was detailed to say the 6.30 a.m. Mass every day at the Benedictine Monastry of St Scholastica, Vittoriosa. He used to walk all the way and back.
Maryann Cutajar’s 100 birthday
She was the wife of Angelo Cutajar, deceased, who for many years ran a butcher shop in Brittania Street (now Hilda Tabone Street), Vittoriosa, and was therefore well known among Vittoriosa citizens. Mass was celebrated on the occasion of her 100 birthday at St Vincent de Paule where she is resident. She was surrounded by family and friends; the Mayor of Vittoriosa and a number of Councillors were also present and presented her with bouquets of flowers.
Lucy Cacciottolo passed away at 104 years
Lucy Cacciottolo from Vittoriosa was probably the oldest person in Malta. She used to live in the family house at Vittoriosa Square. She passed away at St. Vincent de Paule where she had retired. She is survived by her brother. It should be recalled that this is the second time that Vittoriosa is in the news with such an event: in 2010 Joseph Gellel, also known as Peppi, who at the time was the oldest man in Malta, passed away aged 104. He was a tailor who was very active within the community of Vittoriosa.
900 anniversary of the Order of St John
It was in 1113 that Pope Pascal II took the Soverign Military Order of St John under his protection and gave the Order a new constitution after its original foundation in 1099. The original document can still be found at the Malta Library. To celebrate the event Knights from the 120 countries in which the Order is present converged at the Vatican to renew their allegiance to Pope Benedict XVI.
De Valette or De la Valette
The polemic still raged in the newspapers and this time Prof. Denis De Lucca made his contribution with an article in The Sunday Times of Malta, followed by a further article by Dr Giovanni Bonello. In the final analysis, it appears that both versions were used by the Grand Master and both are acceptable. What is undeniable is the fact that, by whichever name he is called, Vittoriosa possesses a precious relic from him, his Hat and Battle Sword, on display at the Greek Chapel of Our Lady of Damascene at Vittoriosa.
1565 historic map of Malta
A historic map of Malta dating back to 1565 takes pride of prominence in a keepsake entitled The Great Siege of Malta 1565, that has been published by Marianne de Vere Hinckle and printed at a press in San Francisco, California. The map, together with other old documents, found its way in America from the collection of Glen McLaughlin who has a fine collection of Malta maps dating from the time of the Knights of St John. This particular map is a LaFreri map. Apart from the showing details of the Turkish disembarkation during the Great Siege, the strategic placement of their batteries and their encampment sites, the map gives focal attention of Birgu, which was at the centre of the siege operations.
Rarities donated to Vittoriosa Maritime Museum
A number of rare artefacts related to Malta’s maritime history were donated to the National Maritime Museum at Vittoriosa by maritime history expert Joseph Muscat. The items include a naval clock, various 18th century books which document the papal fleet, the medical records on board the Order’s galleys, and a original history of the Order dedicated to Grand Master de Vilhena. The donation also comprise models of ships, paintings and casts of naval graffiti found in several localities in Malta. The Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society is grateful to Joseph Muscat for his valid research on Maltese maritime history and in particular for his kind gesture toward the Vittoriosa Maritime museum.
Viaticum in 1883
In letter to Lehen is-Sewwa, Lorenzo Zahra recalls an episode, reported in Ordine in 1883, when a contingent of English soldiers who were marching out from Verdala Baracks in Cospicua, were ordered by their colonel to pay respect to a passing Viacticum by doing the Present Arms salute.
Fate of war graves in 1978
The reproduction of documents from the National Archives at Kew on relations between the British authorities and the Malta government in 1978 with excepts published in The Sunday Times of Malta, revealed that Dom Mintoff threatened to bulldoze the war graves in a number of cemeteries in Malta administered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, purportedly to develop the land for building projects. Among the cemeteries whose fate was hanging was the Naval Cemetery next to the Capuchin Convent at Kalkara, in the vicinity of Vittoriosa. It is with noting that the St Lawrence Collegiate Archives boast two volumes, donated by Lorenzo Zahra, listing burials in war graves in Malta.
Grand Harbour ferry service revived
The long-awaited ferry service between the Three Cities and Valletta stated to operate. A similar service existed up to some 50 years ago. With the inauguration of the new lift leading to the Upper Barrakka, the service has attracted many patrons attracted by the quick access to the Capital City. It seems, however, that the ferry has become a victim of its popularity: the boat is rather small to cope with the demand.
Malta’s scenic beauty
Lino Bugeja, this time as a protagonist of the Maltese environment and as founder of the Malta Rambers Association, regaled us with an article in The Sunday Times of Malta on a number of natural beauty spots in the countryside and archaeological sites around the Island. He pleads for the preservation of such a heritage in the struggle against property development.
Christian Raggio nominated for award
Christian Raggio, a third year University student from Vittoriosa, was among the finalists nominated for the 2012 Youth of the Year Award organised by the lay social welfare society Kerygma. Congratulations for his sterling voluntary support during his free time to help different charity entities within the Vittoriosa community.
Graffiti legacy
An illustrated talk on Graffiti: an unofficial legacy of former British servicemen in Malta was given at the Din l-Art Helwa heritage association head quarters in Valletta by British military researcher Denis Darmanin, also committee member of the Vittoriosa Histroical & Cultural Society. His talk looked at the various graffiti within the fort in particular those left as mementoes on the baroque fountain in the lower yard. He also described the various crude graffiti made by British and Maltese soldiers in various places around the fort.
Maltese delegates in cultural visit to Italy
A group of Maltese history environment specialists paid a visit to several cultural sites and monuments including churches and museums in Italy to familiarise with modern thinking and techniques on the conservation and restoration. The visit was promoted under the Vocational Heritage program and was given due publicity in the Italian press. One of the members of the Maltese team was Denis Darmanin, Committee member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
St George’s Band of Cospicua 150 th anniversary
The committee of the St Lawrence Band of Vittoriosa has given its best wishes to the neighbouring band club, St George’s Band of Cospicua on the occasion of their 150 th anniversary from its foundation. Last year St George’s Band celebrated the occasion with a series of activities, culminating in a Canta Storia programme at Paolino Vassallo Square, Cospicua. The Cospicua band and its Vittoriosa counterpart, at the time called Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Band, held excellent relations and they invited each other for the respective parish feasts. Due to an unfortunate turn of events in the early 1960 in the midst of the polito-religious controversy, the two bands clashed and relations soured. Fortunately, in more recent years good sense prevailed and the two societies are again on amicable terms. The facts behind this unhappy story were narrated in an article b Simon Farrugia in In-Nazzjon Taghna.
Mattia Preti book
2013 marks the 400 th anniversary of the birth of the artist Mattia Preti (1613-1699) who spent 40 years of his working life in Malta, filling our churches with outstanding painting. For the occasion Prof. Keith Sciberras in collaboration with the University of Malta has published a superb illustrated book that discusss critically the artisit’s contribution to Maltese art. In the publicity material for the book launch, the Mattia Preti that was selected is the altarpiece from the Benedictine Church of St Scholastica, Vittoriosa, representing The Virgin and Child with St Ann and St Joachim. The book also contains fine reproductions of the pala d’artale The Martyrdom of St Lawrence and the recently restored lunette painting from the Chapel of St George in St John’s Co Cathedral depicting episodes from the life of St Lawrence.
Orchestral concert at the Annunciation Church
As part of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s Community Outreach Initiative, a magnificent orchestra concert of classical music was held at the Annunciation Church, Vittoriosa under the direction of Mro. Andre’ Paul Haber. The programme included popular pieces from Ketelby and Bach as well as more meditative sonatas by Rutter. At the conclusion of the programme, in the present of the Vittoriosa Mayor, the Rev. Prior Fr. Frank Borg presented a memento to the orchestra, a picture of the artistic statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, sculpted by E. Bonnici, venerated in the Domenican Church.
St Lawrence Band January-February 2013 newsletter
In this number it was announced that a contract has been signed by the Band Club and a private company for the refurbishment and running of the Club’s coffee shop and bar. The major feature in this issue of the newsletter is an article written by H.E. Cardinal Prospero Grech, recounting his boyhood life and experience in pre-war Vittoriosa. Their family resided at St Scholastica Street on the way to It-Toqba. He recalled how as a young boy together with fellows classmates he would play practical jokes and often enter into mischief. He had great admiration to his second cousin, Can. Lorenzo Segona. The historical note from Anton Attard this time describes the misbehaviour of one of the knights from the Langue of England at Birgu in the years before the Great Siege, how he was jailed for more than once in the Fort St Angelo underground prison, where he etched a latin inscription on the cell wall, and how he was eventually sent to the gallows for his misdeed. Lorenzo Zahra features in this issue with some revealing details about the largest canvas from Mattia Preti, depicting the Martyrdom of St Lawrence at St Lawrence Church. When King Louise XIV was informed about it, he showed an interest in acquiring it to embellish his newly built palace at Versailles. Paul Micallef’s standard newsletter interview with Vittoriosa personalities is this time with Oscar Adami, the Treasurer of the St Lawrence Band. Oscar’s family is well know at Vittoriosa and Oscar brings back memories of his childhood in post war Vittoriosa. For a time he was driver and personal secretary of the President of the Republic.
St Lawrence Band Club lease of bar
The Committee of the St Lawrence Band Club announced the signing of a contract with Be Birgu Limited. The company which was specifically incorporated by a foreign entrepreneur residing at Vittoriosa, took over for a 10 year lease the running and managbement of the Band Club’s bar. The company has embarked on a major renovation project, approved by MEPA, whereby the Club’s ground floor would be converted into a major top class bar and restaurant in Vittoriosa Square, serving lunch and dinner and providing Belgian specialities.
University resource centre at Vittoriosa
After the consultation undertaken by the University of Malta last summer on the need to extend its reach to the Three Cities, a university resource centre was officially inaugurated at the former Lorenzo Gafa’ secondary school at Fortini. It is intended to gather opinions of the local inhabitants as to what initiatives can be offered to bolster access to higher education in this district.
Playing Games from a Previous Age
This is the title of a write-up in The Times of Malta about an interesting calendar produced by Bank of Valletta for 2013 featuring pictures of forgotten games of past childhoods. The article gives a description of these games, provided by Guido Lanfranco, a member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society. Indeed, one of the colour photographs showing children running scooters, is taken in one of the old streets of Vittoriosa – showing unmistakably at the background the old facade of the Residence of the Order’s Conventual Chaplains.
More successful business for Grand Harbour Marina
Grand Harbour Marina plc, the company which runs the Vittoriosa yacht marina announced the successful completion of a sale of a €3.1 million berth in the marina for a super-yacht. The buyer has the option to acquire a second berth for €1.8 million. The company stated it is please with its strengthening operating base.
Traditional dghajsa to boost tourism
The Temi Zammit Foundation in collaboration with the Vittoriosa Local Council launched the Seatoland Master Plan, which aims to attract more cruise liner passengers to visit the Three Cities. The project falls under the EU MED program and proposes a number of strategies to improve accessibility between coastal areas within the Grand Harbour. The traditional dghajsa features prominently in the plan. The proposal includes the rehabilitation of landing places for water buses, especially at it-Toqba, in Vittoriosa. The proposals were unveiled in a seminar held at the Auberge de France, Vittoriosa. The Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society was represented by Anton Attard, Vice president.
Vittoriosa Local Council and Turkey
During January 2013 the Mayor of Vittoriosa accompanied a representatives from the Vittoriosa Local Council paid a visit to the small village of Birgi in Turkey. The Mayor had received the invitation during an international conference on historical towns that he had attended in October 2012. The object of the visit was to establish cultural links with Birgi and with the province of Odemis, of which it forms part. A youth exchange programme was agreed between the two sides. This was followed, also in January, by a visit to the Vittoriosa Local Council offices at Auberge de France by H.E. Ms Refika Nihal Cevik, Ambassador of Turkey, who was shown around the premises and was given a briefing on the Vittoriosa-Odemis collaboration.
Visit by the President of the World Citizens Organisation (WCO)
Dr Younghoon Kwaak, President of WCO, paid a visit to the Vittoriosa Local Council upon an invitation by the Mayor of Vittoriosa, Mr John Boxall. During the meeting held at the Council Hall several ideas were discussed to promote the unique historical heritage of Vittoriosa. Mr Kwaak was taken for a tour around Vittoriosa and later also around Mdina. The Vittoriosa Local Council is the only Maltese Council that is a member of WCO. Mr Kwaak expressed the desire of the WCO to establish an office at Vittoriosa.
Ilwien il-Festi Maltin
This is the title of a two volume publication edited by Andrew Borg and with a multitude of excellent pictures by Mark Micallef on Maltese religious festas from towns and villages in Malta and Gozo. Both Vittoriosa’s feast, that of the patron, St Lawrence Martyr, and that of St Dominic, are featured prominently.
Eddie d’Agostino passed away
The funeral Mass at St Lawrence Collegiate was said by Fr John Avellino accompanied by Can. Joe Caruana. This coffin was draped with the flag of the St Lawrence Band Club where Edgar, popularly known as Eddie, spent many years as committee member. He was also an active supporter of the Vittoriosa Stars Football Club. Eddie died at the age of 90 and is missed by his sisters, his family and the Vittoriosa community where he was held in high regard. The name of his mother and youngest sister are inscribed on the marble monument dedicated to the victims who lost their lives under the St Lawrence Church Aula Capitolaris debris when it was hit during the HMS Illustrious air raid in 1941. During the war his family was hit by yet another tragedy: his father was unjustly interred.
Captain Juan de la Cerda and the Great Siege of 1565
His name must have been uttered many times in the streets of besieged Birgu in 1565, either with disgust for his stubbornness and disagreement with the Grand Master, or for his veteran fighting and remarkable valour. This is how he is remembered by different chronic of the Great Siege. Bruce Ware Allen writes about Captain Juan de la Cerda in Treasures of Malta, No. 55, Vol.XIX. He proved himself impetuous from the first days of the siege: he clashes with La Vallette as he felt Fort St Elmo, where he was posted, should be abandoned to the Turks and the defence effort should be on Birgu. Despite La Vallette outright refusal, he again joined the defence of Fort St Elmo, was wounded and returned to Birgu for treatment in the Sacra Infermeria. But his energetic spirit did silenced: during the battle of For St Michael, which was about to fall to the Ottomans, he rushed to the walls, sword drawn and pushed back the enemy, but he was mortally wounded and died heroically.
Memoralia of the Maltese armed forces
Denis Darmanin, historian and military researcher, is featured in Treasures of Malta, No. 55, Vol.XIX with an illustrated article on Helmet plates, badges and buttons at the Armed Forces of Malta Officers’ Mess. He describes in detail about the various uniform exhibits held in frame in the Officers’ Mess of the Armed Forces of Malta. The collection comprises skilfully crafted distinctions and beautiful insignia worn by the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment, the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery and the Royal Malta Artillery. He relates the story of the development of various Maltese army defence units following the arrival of British troops in Malta in 1798, starting from the Cacciatori Maltese followed by numerous other regiments, including those whose memoralia are the subject of the article. One typical item on display is a finely manufactured waist belt clasp pertaining to the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment: it bears the regiment’s title and a device with the Maltese cross set within a laurel wreath, topped by a Queen Victoria crown.
Peasantry costumes exhibition
As part of periodic exhibitions on different aspects of Maltese culture, Heritage Malta put up an exhibition at the Inquisitors’ Palace, Vittoriosa on the theme Peasant costumes: insights into rural life and society. The exhibition illustrates the historical context, production processes and material for peasants’ dress and popular costume in Malta and Gozo.
Maltese national anthem: 90 years ago
The Innu Malti is 90 years old. The words were written by the National Poet, Dun Karm Psaila while the musical score by Mro. Robert Samut. On 3 February 1923 the Ghaqda Kittieba tal-Malti organised a literary evening at the Manoel Theatre which featured the chanting of the anthem by government school children to the music from the Societa’ Mandolinistica, a string ensemble within the Duke of Edinburgh Band of Vittoriosa.
Cardinal Prospero Grech made Vittoriosa proud
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the process for the election of the new pope was taken in haste. At the start of the conclave, which brought together 115 cardinals from all over the world to select from among them a successor to Benedict XVI, Cardinal Prospero Grech O.S.A. was chosen, out of thousands of prelates and preachers, to deliver the important sermon to the cardinal electors just before the voting got under way. This shows with what high esteem and respect Cardinal Grech is held in the Vatican. It is also to be noted that during following the election of Pope Francis, during the inaugural Pontifical Mass held on the Feast of St Joseph, 9 cardinals were selected to congratulate the Pope personally in representation of the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Grech was one of them. Cardinal Grech subsequently approached Pope Francis and informed the pope that he would be most for a visit to Malta.
Pope Francis is a supporter of the Argentinean FC San Lorenzo
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a Jesuit, was elected pope. He is a humble pope and will be endearing to the poor and the needy. This explains the choice of his name. He is well loved in Argentina for his pastoral work among the man in the street. It has become known that he is a fan the Argentinean football club San Lorenzo. The club was established by the Salesian priest Lorenzo Massa who invited young boys to come off the streets to play football in the churchyard and he called the club after St Lawrence Martyr, in memory of the youthful saint’s work among Rome’s downtrodden and neglected. Fr Charles Vella gives a succinct biography of the Pope in his weekly commentary in Lehen is-Sewwa.
Domenican altarboys celebaration
A special Lenten service was organised at the Domenican Convent at Rabat for altarboys serviing in all the Domencican communities in Malta. These included representative from the Annunciation Church, Vittoriosa. The event included Holy Mass, accompanied by hymns sung by the altarboys choir, and was followed by a social gathering in the cloister.
Musical and literary evening
On the occasion of the inauguration of the annual Holy Week exhibition at the St Lawrence Band Club, Getsemani, a musical and literary evening was held at the Holy Crucifix Oratory, close to St Lawrence Church. Classical musical scores were played by the band intersperses with readings of poems on the theme of Christ’s Passion, its commemoration and folklore. The complimentary booklet prepared from the event carried a historical sketch by Anton Attard entitled Il-Birgu f’Jum L-Irxoxt, recalling the origin of the Feast of the Resurrection at Vittoriosa, probably going back to the time of the Greek communities that existed at stood at Vittoriosa. In more recent times, up to the pre-war period, the statue of the Risen Christ used to be carried processionally from the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to St Lawrence Church on Easter Sunday, and then around the streets of Vittoriosa, where the statue, as still happens to this day, was given the traditional run. Another article on Il-Gimgha l-Kbira u l-Vari fil-Birgu, written by Lorenzo Zahra, appeared in the presentation booklet for the Holy Week exhibition held at the Trinity Band Club, Marsa.
Statute of Our Lady of Sorrows
The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows venerated at St Lawrence Church actually comprises two figures: that of Our Lady, sitting at the foot of the cross, and St John standing nearby. This year it the figure of St John was taken for restoration and in the meantime his place was taken by an angel. This is how in fact the statute looked like when the statue was set up for public devotion in the naves of St Lawrence Church during the Lenten period, until the figure of St John was back in place for the Good Friday procession. It is to be recalled that the original statue of Our Lady of Sorrows some 150 years ago was accompanied by an angel.
Main Gate paintings re-installed
Now that restoration of Vittoriosa Main Gate has been completed, the holy picture of Our Lady of Sorrows that stood for many years on the central part of the balcony on the inside part of the Main Gate has been appropriately decorated for the Holy Week celebrations. It is to be noted that two round paintings depicting St Joseph and St Lawrence, executed by Joe Mamo in the 1950’s, which hang one on each side and which had been removed temporarily for safe keeping, have be re-installed. The place has been in recent years in the care of the Buhagiar family of Vittoriosa.
Theatrical presentation for Holy Week
Vittoriosa youths, organised within the St Lawrence External Festivities Committee, put up a passion play at the St Lawrence Parish Hall entitled Mrar on the occasion of Holy Week. In past years the group was renowned for the re-enactment of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, but last year the decided to move to a new medium. Last year’s play was well received which encouraged the youths to embark on a similar initiative. This year’s play was written by Rainer Cassar who also directed it. The youths received the watchful and helpful attention of Fr. John Avellino.
Various Holy Week exhibitions at Vittoriosa
Ten exhibitions were held at Vittoriosa for the occasion of the Holy Week and Easter celebrations. These were supported by the Vittoriosa Local Council and were given publicity in the Local Council website. Foremost among these was the St Lawrence Band exhibitions, Getsemani. However, another attractive one was that held at the Dominican Convent where part of the closier was converted, by means of special colour lighting effect, into a typical Roman colonnade, a fitting background for the figure of the Ecce Homo. This year the part of the Coronation Garden Ditch close to Couvre Porte was again used as setting for a number of stations of the Via Crucis using life-size statues. The Holy Week traditions were also recalled in a feature article in The Sunday Times of Malta by Antoine Agius. He traces the origin of Good Friday processions to the time of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. But the Knights of St John since their arrival in Malta in 1530 held
the solemn liturgy of Good Friday in the Conventual Church of St Lawrence. The author says that in the 17th century it is known that a Good Friday procession was already being held at Vittoriosa. The article was accompanied by a picture of the statue of the Veronica from the set of statues at St Lawrence Church.