News
Oct - Dec 2011
www.vittoriosahistorica.org
Vittoriosa’s day of magic: the Birgu by Candlelight festival
Military Re-enactment Federation Malta event
Passiggata l-Birgu
Unsung heroes: the Maritime Royal Artillery
“Azure & Ochre” art exhibition
“Reviving the Past” art exhibition
Grunenbergh Bastion
Emmanuele Buhagiar 1877-1962
Birgu’s medieval Collachio
St Lawrence Band September-October 2011 newsletter
Maltese dghajjes – a historical review
Vittoriosa Yacht Marina high ranking
Polverista 1806 explosion
Church customs from the pre-Vatican Council II period
Maritime art exhibition
Street festa decorations
Art restorer’s intervention in world celebrated painting
International music festival at San Lawrenz
St Barbara Bastion memoirs
Parents workshop at St Edwards
Strada Melchiorre Caffa’
Novel by Gorg Peresso
Re-issue of text-book by Joseph Attard
Bejn Kliem u Storja by Martin Morana
Graffiti at Fort Manoel
The Main Guard and its Murals
The Old Clock Tower
Approval for the re-paving of Vittoriosa streets
Photograph of Vittoriosa Wharf
Vittoriosa Wharf in property feature
Brandon Vogt
The Militia List of 1419
Restoration of St Dominic statue
Gate of Auvergne renewed rehabilitation
Sacrilegious theft in 1837
Centru Access open day
Trophy for Vittoriosa Bocci Club
Vittoriosa winner for environmental lottery
President’s vist to De La Salle College
Auberge de France restoration
Literary evening
Dun Karm Psaila 1961-2011
European Year of Volunteering 2011
St Lawrence feast CD in Bordeaux exhibition
Migration Museum inauguration
St Raphael painting
St Lawrence Band November-December 2011 newsletter
Vittoriosa foreign residents get-together
Agreement on the celebration of feasts
Christmas exhibitions
Christmas eve procession
Christmas Day Mass
Fr Prospero Grech honoured
Vittoriosa’s day of magic: the Birgu by Candlelight festival
Thousands of candles and torches again lit up the historic fortified harbour city, giving visitors a glimpse of how it looked like before the advent of electricity. BirguFest, as the festival is known, spanned over three days in October with historic re-enactments in the narrow streets and in secluded ramparts on the fortifications. The packed programme featured displays of traditional crafts, forgotten children’s street games, tours of the bastions, band marches, food stalls and music by Maltes and foreign groups. One of the international groups was from Ourense, Spain, while Portugal was represented by three groups: from Mertola, from Idanha-a-Nova and from Evora. They were joined by a chamber choir from Sliven, Bulgaria, and an Italian brass quartet from Ravenna. The repertoire from Malta included Ina Robinich, Glen Vella, Red Electrick, Camilleri Trio and Mnarja Folk Group. All places of historical interest and museums were open to the public and several private exhibitions were mounted. The event was organised and successfull coordinated by the Vittoriosa Local Council.
Military Re-enactment Federation Malta event
The MRFM organised a grand re-enactment event at the Verdala Palace grounds, Buskett, under the auspices of HE The President of the Republic, Dr George Abela, all proceeds for the Community Chest Fund. The one-day programme included historic displays with period costumes from various epochs of Maltese history: Roman drill, medieval combat and campsite, 18th century skirmish, WW2 Anglo-Maltese command parade. Mr Denis Darmanin, committee member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society, participate in uniform in the WW2 parade.
Passiggata l-Birgu
This is the title of a newly launched audio guide accompaied by maps, produced by performace lecturer Mr Aldith Gauci and sociologist Mr Ian Jones. The project which has been a year in the making walks the visitor along the streets of Vittoriosa and includes candid inteviews with people living and working in the city, set against a soundscape of activity. For further information see: www.passiggatabirgu.com
Unsung heroes: the Maritime Royal Artillery
Denis Darmanin, Committee Member of the Vittoriosa Histrocial & Cultural Society, is features in an article in the Sunday Times of Malta on the essential role during the war of the Maritime Royal Artillery, popularly referred to as the Merchant Navy. The Merchant Navy was ever present at Vittoriosa Wharf during the hayday of the British presence with HMS Fort St Angelo as the naval headquarters.
“Azure & Ochre” art exhibition
Artist Caroline S Lawrence third solo art exhibition at the Auberge de France, Vittoriosa, in support of charities, entitled Azure & Ochre, highlighted the artist’s interest in the Three Cities, capturing the ambience, the shadowy lanes, sweeping harbour vistas and architecture of the Cottonera. The exhibition inaugurated by the President of Malta, H.E. George Abela.
“Reviving the Past” art exhibition
The Auberge de France was the venue of a vibrant art exhibition by Bernice Buhagiar dwelling on the subject Reviving the Past. The artist was inspired by Malta’s pre-history which was pictured through a contemporary lens and given a modern twist. Her main focus wass the Temple period and the central role of the goddess of fertility. She used a wide range of media to produce different effects.
Grunenbergh Bastion
Treasures of Malta, No 51 issue, Vol.XVII.no 3 carried a detailed study by Giovanni Bonello on an obscure painting that turned up for sale in an auction in 2003 and which turned out to be an otherwise unknown portrait of Fra Carlos Grunenbergh. After professional restoration, the author was in a position to attribute the painting to Mattia Preti. Grunenbergh, of Dutch origin, was a military engineer serving in Spain and then in Sicily, where he was commisioned by the Viceroy to build the star-shaped fortress of Messina, of which little now remains. He was invited to Malta by Grand Master Carafa in 1681. He was responsible for the strengthening of the Grand Harbour defences. But his most outstanding work is his reconstruction of Fort St Angelo as we know it today. He was the author of the high-rise battery on the southern side of the fortress which still bears his name.
Emmanuele Buhagiar 1877-1962
Nadine Debattista Briffa in Tresaures of Malta, No 51 issue, Vol.XVII.no 3 researches the life and works of artist Aristide Bonnici 1851-1888, famed for the majectic main altar canopy admired during the feast of St. Publius in the parish church of Floriana. Emmanuele Buhagiar, the arist and woodcarver from Vittoriosa and one of the major exponents of twentieth century church furnishings designers, received his earliest artistic formation under Aristide Bonnici.
Birgu’s medieval Collachio
This is the title of an article by Lino Bugeja in the Sunday Times of Malta. While pointing out how Birgu, with its fortress, the Castrum Maris, was the leading protagonist in the gradual westernisation of Malta in the late Middle Ages, recalls how the Birgu population thrived with its contact with VenetianPisan, Genoese and Catalan merchants and seafarers. The ancient part of the city known as the Collachio was the hub of such activity and was designated by the Order of St John, after its arrival in Birgu in 1530, to act as its exclusive precincts. It was here that first auberges were erected as well as the Holy Infirmary.
St Lawrence Band September-October 2011 newsletter
This Edition, no. 65 ruminates on the festivities in honour of St Lawrence and the band’s active participation highlighted by the musical programme in Vittoriosa Square. In his usual historical sketches on Vittoriosa, Anton Attard, Vice President of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society, writes on the liturgical function of bells and their purported powers to ward off evil. He picked up an incident curious incident which happened in 1906: during an extended correspodence in the press criticising the peeling of bells, a correspondent reported that he witnessed the quelling of a storm through the ringing of bells from the St Lawrence church. Lorenzo Zahra, the Society’s Secretary, writes about the losses sustained in Vittoriosa’s histroical patrimony, notably, the Order’s ancient Arsenals and the Old Slave Prisons, both demolished by the Naval Authorities, and the Clock Tower, raized to the ground during the war. Paul Micallef’s interview section is with one of Vittoriosa’s foremost benefator and
supporter of cultural events: Mr Joseph Scicluna. He is Honorary President of the St Lawrence Band and he was responsible for the embellishment of the band club, including the erection of a marble statue of St Lawrence in the club’s entrance hall.
Maltese dghajjes – a historical review
In issue no. 35 of L-Imnara, the 2011 annual magazine published by the Malta Folklore Society, well-known maritime historian and chronicler Joseph Muscat presnted a thorough study and historical perspective of the traditional Maltese rowing boat, dghajsa tal-pass, used for passenger trasport in the harbour waters, initially between Vittoriosa and Senglea and later linking the Cottonera with Valletta and other port areas. Its origin is lost in the past and it is first documented in 1601 and is depicted in various 17th century pictures of Malta. It was referred to in the Vilhena (1724) and the De Rohan (1784) codes, in particular to prevent its theft and abusive use by slaves attempting to flee from Malta. The author explains how the boat building culture was inherited from the craftsmen of the renouned Order’s Galley Arsenals at Birgu. He recounts various episodes concerning boatmen who eared a good livelihood as a result of their close connection with the British naval personnel.
He mentions the Tal-Borin bar at it-Toqba in Vittoriosa, a popular haunt of numerous boatmen known by their nicknames: il-Bazokk, is-Suli, il-Panokk.
Vittoriosa Yacht Marina high ranking
The Grand Harbour Marina which runs the Vittoriosa yacht marina was ranked among the top five prestigious yachting centres in the world by Portbooker.com, a nautical guide which offers boat owners yacht facilities and berthing services and advice. The website clearly spells out that among the attributes of the Malta marina, besides the high quality services, is the beauty of the locality and the proximity of the old city of Birgu.
Polverista 1806 explosion
Charles B. Spiteri in his periodic article on past historical events in In-Nazzjon Taghna recalled the 1806 tragic explosion of the gunpowder magazine at Vittoriosa Wharf which left some 150 victims. He relates how the Vittoriosa parish priest of the time, Fr Vincenzo Cauchi, chronicled the disaster in his diary. The Vittoriosa Histroical & Cultural Society commemorated the bi-centenary of the event in 2006 by erecting a marble inscription at the St Lawrence Cemetery where some of victims were buried.
Church customs from the pre-Vatican Council II period
In the same issue no. 35 of L-Imnara, Lorenzo Zahra, Secretary of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society affectionately pays tribute to former Canon Theologian at the St Lawrence Colleggiate, Can. Gian Mari Farrugia, who was enamoured to Vittoriosa and wrote numerous newspaper articles in its historical and religious heritage. Among the discontinued liturgical rites, one recalls the eucharistic monthly procession every third Sunday, the celebration of baptism to new-borns near the church entrance, the hearing of confessions of females in confessional boxes, the saying of Masses on side-altars.
Maritime art exhibition
Thomas Burnell’s exhibition was held at the National Martime Museum, Vittoriosa, the right place for an art exhibition depicting powerful seas and stunning skies, whether in sea battles, seascapes or classic ships. After researching the subject, the artist accurately transforms the canvas into a vivid snapshot of the past.
Street festa decorations
Saviour Camilleri in issue no. 35 of L-Imnara, compiles an exhaustive directory of terms used for the numerous objects used for outdoor decorations during typical Maltese feasts, a tradition which found its roots in the Cottonera. Indeed, to write his article, the author carried out various interviews there. His article gives due prominence to a curious piece of equipment originating in the maritime sphere called il-boma used in Vittoriosa for the feast of St Lawrence to hoist the statue of St Lawrence curing the blind, known as San Lawrenz tad-Dawl lill-Ghomja, on its high pedestal in Main Gate Street. This consists of a pole acting like a crane, moving on a bracket at its lower end fixed to the bastion close and guided from its upper end by robes.
Art restorer’s intervention in world celebrated painting
A restoration project was carried out by professional restorer and conservator of paintings Charlotte Bellizzi on a priceless historical painting representing a young 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. The painting is an oil on canvas and was painted by an Indian artist in 1940. The restoration was carried out in India. Bellizzi has worked extensively in Malta among which her collaboration in the restoration of Mattia Preti’s altarpiece depicting the Martyrdom of St Lawrence.
International music festival at San Lawrenz
The festival, held at San Lawrenz, Gozo, saw international soloisits and the Northwest Festival Choir. Gozo was represented by the Chorus Urbanus whose main highlight was a premier performance of a sacred music oratorio.
St Barbara Bastion memoirs
In his series of autobiographical articles in Lehen is-Sewwa, Mons Philip Calleja recalled his childhood memories of St Barbara Bastion, Valletta, facing the entrance to Grand Harbour. His most vivid experience was the sight of the Santa Maria Convoy limping into the harbour in 1942. The in the 1950’s the bastion witnessed the crowds waving goodbye to departing relatives emigrating to Australia. Another historic occasion viewed from this bastion was the arrival of the relic of St Paul in 1960 on the occasion of the centenary celebration of St Paul’s shipwreck, and no less the eventful entrance of the relic of St Lawrence in 1997 on its way to Vittoriosa after a brief visit to the parish of San Lawrenz, Gozo. The relic, which throughout the year is venerated in the Pope’sprivate chapel in the Vatican, was by special concession brought to Malta on the initiative of the Vittoriosa Archpriest of the time, Can. Daniel Farrugia.
Parents workshop at St Edwards
St Edwards College, Vitoriosa, held a workshop for parents of pupils to discuss ways to encourage children to read. The event was directed by the headmaster, Mr Geore Bowery.
Strada Melchiorre Caffa’
The Sunday Times of Malta Art critic Albert Storace paid a vist to the Stibbert Museum in Florence in the vicinity of the church of Santa Martin in Montughi. He recounts that the side street opposite the museum bears the name of the renowned Vittoriosa sculptor, Melchiore Caffa’, to whom we refer as Gafa’
Novel by Gorg Peresso
Novelist and producer Gorg Peresso, who hails from Vittoriosa, has issued his latest historical novel, Il-Qassis tal-Belt (The City Priest), published by Horizons. It is the story of a young priest who is sent to help an old, yet open-minded priest in a remote chapel. It was launched formally during this year’s National Book Fair at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.
Re-issue of text-book by Joseph Attard
Industrial relations in Malta: Revised Legislation is an update edition of the memorable authoritative textbook on the subject written by Joseph Attard from Vittoriosa. The re-issue was published by Miller Distributors just before the recent demise of the author, who for many years served a a senior official in the Department of Labour and as member of the Employment Commission.
Bejn Kliem u Storja by Martin Morana
This is an encyclopaedia of topics, words and phrases in Maltese which have a cultural or historical meaning. The glossary of about 600 topics covers agricultural, military, maritime, ecclesiastical and artistic terms. It also covers topology of towns and villages, inscriptions, folklore, legends, proverbs, idioms and a multitude of local curiosities. The author, Mr Martin Mornana, hails from Vittoriosa and is the events manager of the Malta Tourism Authority. Publisher: BDL Limited.
Graffiti at Fort Manoel
As restoration works are under way at Manoel Islands, various graffiti were discovered on the bastions and inner chambers which were attributed to the presence of Turkish prisoners detained in Malta between 1919 and 1920. However, some of the Turkish scripts seem to be older. Denis Darmanin, committee member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society, writing in the Sunday Times of Malta, ponders if they could have been authored by those who were quartered at the fort during the plague outbreak of 1813.
The Main Guard and its Murals
The Din l-Art Helwa periodical Vigilo carries an article by Denis Darmanin on the Main Guard in St George’s Square, Valletta, tracing its origin to 1603 during Grand Master Wignacourt’s reign. It served as quarters for the Magisterial Palace guards and continued as such even during the British period when the neo-classic colonnade was added the edifice as well as the British Royal Coat of Arms atop the central terrace. In recent years it was used for different purposes. During the British period, the walls of the Officers Mess were painted and etched with a multitude of badges, caricatures and other testimonials associated with the British presence in Malta.
The Old Clock Tower
In an article in It-Torca, Clifford Galea gives a brief history of the Clock Tower that dominated Vittoriosa Square, referring to its medieval origin: one of its bells was manufactured in 1504. It served as a vedette for Grand Master La Vallette during the 1565 Great Siege. A picture of the Tower that accompanies the article clearly shows the large marble tablet that was affixed to its front side listing the names of the Maltese benefactors who paid for the installation of the clock in 1629.
Approval for the re-paving of Vittoriosa streets
The Malta Planning Authority has approved the development application for the re-paving of the older intramural streets of Birgu’s historic core including the restoration of existing hard stone paving. The original paving would be removed manually allowing for public services to be laid and then it would be reinstalled and supplemented with similar hard non-slip slabs. The area also includes Vittoriosa Square, however, in view of the fact that no definitive decision has yet been taken on the rebuilding of the Old Clock Tower destroyed in World War II, the paving of the square is being postponed.
Photograph of Vittoriosa Wharf
Celebrating Photography in Malta 1961-2011 is the title of a de luxe volume of pictures published by the Malta Photographic Society. Among the masterful photographs is a breathtaking shot by Martin Scerri of the French Creek, of the Galley Greek as it was know during the Order’s time. It brings with meticulous definition the sweeping beauty of the Naval Bakery and St Lawrence Church next to it.
Vittoriosa Wharf in property feature
A feature on the beauty of typical old houses of character in Cottonera area and in particular at Vittoriosa appeared on Il-Pjazza magazine, in an interview with a representative of Frank Salt Real Estate. The article is accompanied by a wide-angle colour view of Vittoriosa Marina at dusk.
Brandon Vogt
He was a Protestant activist and writer who became Catholic and is now author of several books on spirituality and social justice. In the process of his conversion, he read the lives of saints among which he mentions St Lawrence whom he admires for his courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The Militia List of 1419
Lino Bugeja, in an article in the Sunday Times of Malta entitled The Militia List of 1419, an old demographic record discovered by medievalist Prof. Godfrey Wettinger which gives details of the militia men forming part of the Dejma, observes that while in recent years the name Joseph and its variants tops the list of popular baptismal names, the most common in the early 15th century was Anthony. The article emphasises that the list of names of men eligible for military duties did not include Birgu which defiantly paid allegiance to the Castrum Maris, the Governor of Fort St. Angelo. The article further points to evidence of there were several inhabitants named Joseph in Birgu. Indeed, the only altar in the whole of Malta dedicated to St Joseph registered by Mgr. Dusina’s pastoral visit in 1575, which is still extant, was in old Birgu in St Lawrence church. At Birgu the ancient Confraternity of St Joseph dates back to the 12th century. From the 15th century onwards, the cult of St Joseph became widespread with the coming of the Franciscan Minors in Rabat.
Restoration of St Dominic statue
The statue and niche dedicated to St Dominic in Sir Paul Boffa Street standing in the bastions of the Post of Provence has been thoroughly restored and repainted, as part of the extensive repairs under way of the Vittoriosa fortifications. The newly restored statute was blessed an inaugurated by Fr Frank Borg, Prior of the Vittoriosa Dominican Friars. The event was reported in the Dominican magazine Xandar il-Kelma.
Gate of Auvergne renewed rehabilitation
Also as part of the Vittoriosa fortifications restoration programme, work has started on the rehabilitation of the Gate of Auvergne, or a more commonly known, Advanced Gate, the first of a series of three gates leading to the city of Vittoriosa. The ditch surrounding the counterguard which had been filled in with post-war debris is being excavated to its original state while the sculptural armorial decorations on the gate which had been eroded and defaced are being painstakingly renewed.
Sacrilegious theft in 1837
Eddie Attard, in a descriptive article in the Sunday Times of Malta, writes about the sacrilegious theft that occurred in 1837 from the Church of St Theresa of the Discalced Carmelites, Cospicua. The ciborium with the consecrated hosts was stolen from the tabernacle of the main altar. The thief was apprehended the following day when he foolishly went to sell to a Valletta silversmith a silver cross he removed from the ciborium. He denied but was subsequently condemned when the ciborium, without the cross, was discovered in a crevice in the ditch near Advanced Gate, Vittoriosa. The ciborium was returned to the church in a procession. The convict was killed by a fellow prisoner two years later, who, however, was admitted to a mental hospital. In thanksgiving for the recovery of the ciborium, the friars built a small chapel on the spot where it was found at Vittoriosa and the place became known, as it is still to this day, Fejn Sabu s-Sinjur (Where the Lord was found).
Centru Access open day
The community resource centre Access, which provides social assistance and services to the public in the area of Cottonera and Kalkara and which is headquartered at Vittoriosa in the former Officers Mess just opposite Vittoriosa Primary School, organised an open day. Various activities and workshops were held aiming to promote the centre’s initiatives which are mostly conducted by volunteers.
Trophy for Vittoriosa Bocci Club
Vittoriosa has is own Bocci Club. This year the club boasts the award of the season known as the Trophy of the Angel. Indeed, this is the fourth time that Vittoriosa carried the honour, the earlier wins were in 1997, in 2006 and 2007.
Vittoriosa winner for environmental lottery
GreenPak, one of the entities involved in waste recovery, decided to boost the waste recycling scheme by organsing an environmental weeky lottery. The first to win such a lottery was Theresa Seisun from Vittoriosa.
President’s vist to De La Salle College
H.E. the President, Dr George Abela, paid a courtesy visit to De La Salle College, Vittoriosa in November. This visit came in the wake of the sad loss of a member of the Lasallian family, Bro. Dominic Rosso, FSC. He is remembered by ex-Vittoriosa students of De La Salle College when he was headmaster, which he led with great zeal even if he was well in his 80s.
Auberge de France restoration
Restoration and maintenance works by the Vittoriosa Local Council at Auberge de France were visited by Lands Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Jason Azzopardi. The Auberge was devolved on the Local Council in 2010 to be converted into its offices. This followed the devolution to the Local Council of Coronation Garden at Birgu Ditch in 2008. The restoration of the Auberge includes the renovation of the Nobile Hall, of the baroque sculpture allegorical lion in the main staircase, the replacement of wooden beams, the installation of membrane and utilities including photovoltaic panels. The work has been entrusted to Antiquities Architect Stefan Busuttil.
Literary evening
The Vittoriosa Local Council in collaboration with the literary society VersAghtini, organised a musico-literary evening at the Auberge de France. The topics of the literature centred on Cottonera and the opportunity was taken to read also pieces in the local dialect. Music was provided by Josephine Ebejer Grech.
Dun Karm Psaila 1961-2011
This year marks the 50 th anniversary from the passing away of the National Poet. Various commemorative events were held to mark this event. He wrote the Maltese National Anthem to the music of Robert Samut. The Societa’ Mandolinistica of Vittoriosa, which was part of the Duke of Edinburgh Band, had the privilege of playing it for the first time at the Manoel Theatre in 1923. It should be noted that Dun Karm mentions the heroic role of Birgu during the Great Siege of 1565 in his L-Ghanja ta’ l-Assedju. He is also the author of the popular hymn to St Lawrence.
European Year of Volunteering 2011
A week of activities was organised by Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector on the occasion of the European Year of in Volunteering. One of the events was a discussion with the theme of the financial aspects and volunteering. One of the panel members was Mr Lawrence V. Farrugia, President of the Malta Band Clubs Association, who dwelled on the role of local band clubs not only in providing free musical tuition to young people but also in fostering a sense of culture in Maltese villages.
St Lawrence feast CD in Bordeaux exhibition
La Maison de l’Europe (Europa House) in Bordeaux, in the province of Aquitaine, southern France, mounts periodic exhibitions on European matters. In December a Soiree europeenne dediee a Malte (Maltese Evening) was organised with the assistance of the Malta Consul Mr Marcello Roudel. For the exhibition, a CD of a typical Maltese of festa was demonstrated: the CD of St Lawrence feast, Vittoriosa. The CD was forwarded to the organisers by Madame Aurore Verie, an admirer of the history of Vittoriosa. She had in the past kindly translated into the French language the Guide to Vittoriosa, published by the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
Migration Museum inauguration
The first phase of the Migration Museum was inaugurated at Emigration House, Valletta, by Archbishop Paul Cremona. The first phase consists of the setting up of a digital information podium which collates, preserves and consolidates all records and documentation relating to Maltese migration. It should be recalled that among the contributors of documents to the Museum in connection with early Maltese settlers in Tunisia is Madame Aurore Verie, who was herself born of Maltese parents in Tunisia.
St Raphael painting
In a recent article on Lehen is-Sewwa, Mons. Philip Calleja dwells on the devotion to the Archangel St Raphael, and this in the context of St Raphael’s recognition as patron saint of lovers and the betrothed. The devotion to him was so strong that in Valletta, a confraternity was set up in his honour in 1883 at the Jesuit Church. It should be observed that the devotion to St Raphael was not lacking at Vittoriosa either. Indeed, in 1886 Lazzaro Pisani executed an exquisite painting for St Lawrence Church depicting St Raphael with the young Tobias.
St Lawrence Band November-December 2011 newsletter
Edition, no. 66 carries an article by George Cilia on the Franciscan Friar who used to the the round of the streets of Birgu until some years ago collecting door to door alms for charity. Anton Attard in his usual historical contribution, writes about three memorable locations at Birgu: the old Universita’ building which during the British period became famed as a school of art; the Domus Panis Celesis which stood within the Residence of the Greek Papas and served as a social centre for youths; and the Palazzo Pirotta, where a magnificent crib used to be installed. Lorenzo Zahra with a further list of historic treasures that were lost at Vittoriosa during World War II. Paul Micallef’s interview with prominent persons from Vittoriosa this time is with Mons. Lawrence Mifsud, who was parish priest of St Lawrence Collegiate for 19 years which were characterised partly by the turbulent political situation and the aftermath of the Vatican Council II.
He is a musican and produced numerous compositions among which a popular hymn to S Lawrence. He is now Pro-Rector of St John’s Co-cathedral, Valletta.
Vittoriosa foreign residents get-together
The Vittoriosa St Lawrence Band took the initiative to invite the foreigners who are resident at Vittoriosa for a get-together at the Band Club. They were addressed by the Band Club President, Mr Lawrence V. Farrugia, followed by a brief presentation on the history of Vittoriosa by Mr Denis Darmanin, committee member of the Vittoriosa Histrorical & Cultural Society.
Agreement on the celebration of feasts
The excessive revelry and inordinate behaviour during band marches on the occasion of the celebration of village feasts has long been the subject of debate and criticism. Finally an accord was reached with the Curia on the proper conduct of such band demonstrations. Signing the agreement for the Malta Band Clubs Association were Mr Lawrence V. Farrugia, President, and Mr Joseph C Azzopardi, Secretary. The former is also President of the St Lawrence Band, Vittoriosa, while the latter is a Secretary of the Prince of Wales Band, Vitoriosa.
Christmas exhibitions
An exhibition of Christmas statuettes in clay and papier-mache was held at the Inquisitors Palace, a tribute to artisan Carmelo Agius (1922-2004). The figurines are of remarkable ethnographic value. Also on display were objects d’arts for model churches and miniature processional statues. This is the second time that this artist is being featured. Another Christmas exhibition of a sizeable mechanised crib was held at Vittoriosa Local Council premises at Auberge de France. At St Lawrence Church, a life-size Holy Family was set up on the presbyterium, wearing real cloths in the local tradition. A special exhibition of old statues of Baby Jesus was put together by the Office of the Prime Minister at the Auberge de Castille, Valletta. One of the exhibits was an artistic 19th century wax statue of Baby Jesus wearing an ornate white dress, belonging to the St Scholastica Monastry, Vittoriosa.
Christmas eve procession
Despite the fact that the male section of the Vittoriosa Christian Doctine Society (Muzew) closed doors during 2011, the traditional Christmas Eve procession with the statue of Jesus in the Manger was held in streets of Birgu. Senior bandsman Giovanni Pisani put together a piccolo banda to accompany the procession.
Christmas Day Mass
The Christmas Day Holy Mass transmitted on RAI 1 was from the Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuor Le Mura, Rome. The Mass was celebrated by the Capuchin Order which runs the church and adjacent monastery. At the end of the Mass, the producers showed viewers beautiful scenes of the church treasures, including its mosaics and the ancient cloister.
Fr Prospero Grech honoured
Vittoriosa born Fr Prospero Grech O.S.A. has this year received the highest honour in the National Awards on the occasion of Republic Day. He was invested by H.E. the President of Malta as Companion of the National Order of Merit. This well-merited award was made as recognition for his distinguished career as a theologian serving in the higher echelons of authority in the Catholic Church in the Vatican, especially as Counsellor to the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. In this position, he worked closely with Cardinal Ratzinger, the present Pope Benedict XVI.