News
Oct - Dec 2013
www.vittoriosahistorica.org
BirguFest 2013
Reclaiming Vittoriosa’s medieval watchtower
Traditions associated with Maltese feasts
St Paul Choral Society Austria Tour
BOV Boat Show 2013
HSBC Bank business initiative
Pembroke: from war symbol to spacious modern town
St Lawrence Band September-October 2013 newsletter
Former Ambassador to Council of Europe assertions
Tragedy hits Vittoriosa
John Powell passed away
Memorial to Polverista victims
First hospital of the Order
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2013
Restoration of Post of Castille
Statute of St Anne at Fort St Angelo
University of the Third Age at Vittoriosa
Grand Master Jean De Valette in contemporary portraiture
Antoine-Marie Chamans de Lavallette
Statue of St Lawrence in auction
Antique silverware and antique maps
Vittoriosa youths action project
‘I borghi piu’ belli del Mediterraneo’
Car Free Day 2013
Pope Francis at Campo Verano, Rome
St Lawrence, epitome of Faith in God
Restaurants at Vittoriosa
Missionary from San Lawrenz, Gozo
New novel by Gorg Peresso
APS Bank art exhibition
St Lawrence Band November-December 2013 newsletter
Lino Bugeja appointed member of government commission
‘The capers at Couvre Porte’
Gorg Peresso new book
Victor Fenech’s novels
Lectures by H.E. Cardinal Prospero Grech O.S.A.
Italian Prime Minister at Maritime Museum
Workshop on health and environment
Vittoriosa Parish bulletin
De La Salle College celebrates Christmas
Melchiorre Gafa’ (1635 – 1667) wax reliefs at Mdina Cathedral
Mathematics project for primary school students
Restoration of statute of St Andrew at Luqa
Abram Gatt anniversary
Palazzo Bettina up for sale
Pope Francis’s 77th birthday
Fr Dominic Gusman OP passed away
Sister Bernardette Fava passed away
Morality in medieval Malta
British Military history
Episode relating to Mons. Lawrenz Zammit Gabaretta
Christmas Eve procession at Vittoriosa
President Emeritus Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici at L-Istrina 2013
Choir Schola Cantorum Jubilate at San Lawrenz, Gozo
Appeal by Benedictine nuns
Gieh ir-Repubblika to Mr Lino Bugeja
BirguFest 2013
Since the launch of BirguFest, thousands of people flock to Vittoriosa for this unique festival. It emphasises the beauty and history of the city. As in previous years the event included numerous cultural and entertainment appointments, with guided visits to churches, museums, and fortifications and local bands and re-enactments. The Vittoriosa Museum was kept open and was visited by numerous people, thanks to the voluntary initiative of Vittoriosa Historical Society member Guzi Ciantar. The principal feature was the Birgu By Candlelight evening when the old streets of the city twinkled with the illumination of some 14,000 candles. The door of the premises of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural on Society was opened for the evening and the staircase was decked with numerous red candles by Committee member Vanni Gatt.
Reclaiming Vittoriosa’s medieval watchtower
Historian Lino Bugeja in his above-titled article in The Sunday Times of Malta recounts the historic and iconic significance of the Clock Tower that stood at Vittoriosa Square until it received a direct hit during the last war. During the Great Siege of 1565, it served as the focal point from where Grand Master La Vallette could follow the battle vicissitudes as it commanded a good view of the surrounding harbour and countryside. The author makes a heart-felt appeal for its reconstruction, endorsing the plea from the Vittoriosa Local Council. The author also recalls that as far back as 1954, the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society had submitted a request to the government for its rebuilding. The article is accompanied by impressive pictures of the Clock Tower.
Traditions associated with Maltese feasts
This is the title of a two part article written by Anton Attard in the no.37 issue of L-Imnara, the official journal of the Maltese Folklore Society, of which Anton Attard is President. The article runs through the festivities celebrated throughout the year and describes in detail the multitude of folkloristic customs that have survived and mentions with nostalgia others that have been discontinued. He alludes to several present-day traditions that actually had their origin at Vittoriosa. For instance the annual blessing of animals on the occasion of the feast of St Anthony the Abbot in January saw is origin at Birgu when the horses belonging to the cavalry of the Order of St John were blessed on the saint’s feast day in from the Greek church dedicated to him, now no longer extant, which served as the Parish Church of the Order’s community at Birgu. Another tradition that was started at Birgu is the bonfire on St John’s Day. The knights celebrated the feast of their patron saint with a bonfire placed in front of the Sacra Infermeria. The article narrates in detail the various old usages surrounding the feast of St Lawrence at Vittoriosa. In the same issue of L-Imnara, Lorenzo Zahra, in the same vein as Anton Attard, writes about the particular religious practices and ceremonies at Vittoriosa during Holy Week, notably the solemn chanting up to some 50 years ago of the Latin Responsories composed by Can. Luigi Fenech. The same issue of L-Imnara carries a general information article about the Maltese windmill written by George Cilia, apparently inspired by a painting in the author’s drawing room by Maltese painter Rafel Bonnici Cali’, late member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
St Paul Choral Society Austria Tour
This is one of Malta’s leading polyphonic choirs established in 1998 and having a repertoire ranging from the 16th century to the present day. It regularly performs at St. John’s Co Cathedral and at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Valletta. It is not the first time that the choir performed outside Malta. This year’s Austria tour saw the choir perform in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. One the 60 choristers making up the choir is Emanuel Chetcuti from Vittoriosa. He is a music lover and in the past he used to lead the MUSEUM boys choir, with their participation in the Sunday High Mass at St Lawrence Collegiate Church.
BOV Boat Show 2013
The Times of Malta supplement for this year’s BOV Boat Show which was held at Boiler’s Wharf, Senglea, features a fantastic picture of the Grand Harbour Marina and in the background the National Maritime Museum, the facade of St Lawrence Church, and in the distance the dome of the Annunciation Church.
HSBC Bank business initiative
The bank has launched a scheme to support Maltese businesses entitled Malta Trade For Growth. It was given prominence in the press, with a special feature in the Times of Malta. To promote the scheme, the Bank chose a beautiful arial view of Vittoriosa Creek displaying Vittoriosa Wharf and Grand Harbour Marina.
Pembroke: from war symbol to spacious modern town
Denis Darmanin, military historian and member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society, appears in a feature in The Sunday Times of Malta on the town of Pembroke. It is in fact a summary of his detailed study in a book published in conjunction with the Pembroke Local Council. His interest in the town of course stems from the localities intimate connections with the British forces, going back to the mid-19th century with the construction of the first colonial encampments, eventually to be expanded into the St Andrew’s Barracks that housed several regiments and battalions.
St Lawrence Band September-October 2013 newsletter
This edition carries a review of the Band’s participation during the feast of St Lawrence accompanied with various pictures of the Band’s commitments. There is also news update on the long awaited restoration of the Band Club’s facade which has is now under way after several hitches. This time the historical corner is in the hands of Fabian Mangion who writes about Senglea-born Mro Gaetano Grech (1855 – 1938) nicknamed “ta’ Palazzi”, who was the brother of Vittoriosa Archpriest between 1897 and 1926. Mro Grech became a well-known musician and composer. He was a popular bandmaster and was engaged as director by several band clubs. He led the Duke of Edinburgh Band in the heyday of its success at the turn of the century: in 1889-1905 and 1909-1910. He was also appointed honorary director of the Prince of Wales Own Band of Vittoriosa. This issue of the St Lawrence Band newsletter concludes the biographical interview with Anton Attard which recounts his numerous fields of interest including his involvement in football and in the game of bocci, his career at the post office, his participation on religious organisations: the MUSEUM, the Catholic Action, the Legion of Mary, and in recent years his thorough absorption in historical research and as Vice President of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
Former Ambassador to Council of Europe assertions
Vittoriosa-born Joseph Licari, ex-Maltese Ambassador to the Council of Europe accused the European Court of Human Rights of being subject to manipulation by pro-migrant groups in its recent judgement against Malta in two cases brought before it by asylum seeks. The cases go back to 2004 when two Somalis that had crossed by boat to Malta from Libya were apparently refused refugee status and forced to return to Libya. Mr Licari insisted that the Strasburg based court had widened its remit by a controversially liberal interpretation of its powers to the detriment of the Malta. The Malta government announced that Mr Licari’s assertions did not represent the government’s official position.
Tragedy hits Vittoriosa
Sarah Farrugia, a 15-year old student residing at Tal-Hawli Estate, Vittoriosa, was fatally hit by a passing car while crossing the street with her 6 year old brother close to the Cottonera Sports Complex. Her brother was injured and hospitalized. She had just completed her secondary school studies and was about to join the Junior College. In a magnanimous gesture of generosity, her parents consented to the transplant and donation of various organs from their daughter.
John Powell passed away
The death was announced of John Powell, aged 82, sadly missed by his beloved children and relatives, and by the St Lawrence Band Club. Mr Powell had emigrated to Australia but returned with his family and settled at Vittoriosa, becoming an active Committee member, and for several years Treasurer, of the St Lawrence Band. His funeral mass was celebrated at St Lawrence Collegiate Church followed by internment at St Lawrence Cemetery, Vittoriosa.
Memorial to Polverista victims
In 2006 the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society marked the second centenary from the Polverista magazine explosion at Vittoriosa Wharf and paid tribute to the circa 180 victims by the unveiling of a marble tablet at the St Lawrence Cemetery, Vittoriosa, where most of the dead were buried. The episode is described in graphic detail and with historical referencing in the Royal Army Medical Corps website link which also carries a picture of the tablet: [ http://maltaramc.com/regsurg/rs1800_1809/rmo1806.html ] .
First hospital of the Order
The July-September 2013 issue of Farag, the Catholic Action magazine for the sick and disabled, edited by Stanley Spiteri, carried an article written by Vincent Zammit on the hospitals of the Order of St John. The article gives due prominence, supported by a picture, of the Sacra Infermeria built by Grand Master L’Isle Adam at Birgu soon after the Order settled at Birgu in 1530.
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2013
It was a beautiful Saturday morning when the trigger was pulled for the start of the year’s edition, the 45th in a row, of this popular race. A dazzling array of yachts from 24 different countries sailed past Fort St Angelo and out of Grand Harbour for the 600 mile race. A magnificent aerial view of the race with Fort St Angelo in the foreground was carried in The Times of Malta. The race was won by an Italian participant.
Restoration of Post of Castille
The restoration work is now at an advanced stage. It is being financed with EU Cohesion Funds for Regional Development for the period 2007-2013. A page-size picture of the Vittoriosa bastions partly shielded with scaffolding showing the restoration under was was published in the principal newspapers.
Statute of St Anne at Fort St Angelo
A 400 year old wooden statue of St Anne with the Infant Mary was brought to Malta from Rome by the Knight Resident of Fort St Angelo, Fra John Cretian. It was restored by renowned conservator Frank Bugeja who gave a presentation on the process of restoration upon the inauguration of the statue at St Anne’s Chapel at Fort St Angelo.
University of the Third Age at Vittoriosa
The University of Malta has been running an annual academic programme for ederly scholars since a long time. It has now decided to open a Cottonera Resource Centre with two weekly courses of lectures, both of a socio-historical nature. The premises are situated at St Edward Street, Vittoriosa. On the occasion of the inauguration of the Cottonera Centre, the University set up a stand on the Cottonera community during the annual University of Malta Family Open Day.
Grand Master Jean De Valette in contemporary portraiture
This is the title of an erudite article by historian Albert Ganado in The Sunday Times of Malta. He affirms that the Great Siege victory of 1564 was so astounding and it became so sensational that numerous portraits and pictures of the siege hero were published throughout Europe and continued to be come out in later years. In most 16th and early 17th century publications he is invariably referred to De Valette, though in subsequent centuries his name shows a De La Valette. The earliest known portrait was engraved in Venice by Domenico Zenoi in 1567 and the Grand Master is inscribed as De Valette. On the other hand the Order’s chronicler Bosio, writing in 1571 calls him Giovanni di Valetta. A monument to De Valette was inaugurated last year as part of the Valletta City Gate Project. The author ends his article with a remark on the deplorable omission of monuments to the Italian architect of the city of Valletta, Francesco Laparelli, and his Maltese, Birgu-born, counterpart, Girolamo Cassar.
Antoine-Marie Chamans de Lavallette
David Dandria, writing in The Sunday Times of Malta, makes a revealing discovery about another Lavallette who, ironically, played a role in the conquest of Malta by Napoleon in 1798. Antoine-Marie Chamans de Lavallette was one of the favoured aides-de-camps of Napoleon and was instrumental in organising a secret reconnaissance visit to Malta by French spies ahead of the Egyptian Campaign. After the Order’s capitulation to the French without offering the least resistance, he was detailed to accompany the vanquished Grand Master Hompesch and his entourage to Trieste.
Statue of St Lawrence in auction
An artistic 19th century statue of St Lawrence in a round glass cover featured among the objects for auction by Gingell Littlejohn of Sliema.
Antique silverware and antique maps
In a special supplement in The Times of Malta on Art and Antiques, an article by Alaine Apap Bologna traces the history of Maltese silvercraft. He comments that before the arrival of the Order of St John in Malta in 1530, Maltese silver was apparently not marked. He states that the knights brought from Rhodes a number of goldsmiths and silversmiths who would have settled at Birgu. Some of these were made in charge of the Order’s coinage, with Mint being situated within the Castle of St Angelo. The knights would have commissioned Maltese silversmiths to manufacture the crockery needed for the new Sacra Infermeria that had been constructed at Birgu by Grand Master L’Isle Adam. Another article in the same supplement by Noel Borg explores the intriguing information that can be deciphered from old maps of Malta. In all of these the city of Birgu features prominently as the major maritime city of Malta.
Vittoriosa youths action project
A group of 15 youngsters from the small village of Belvi’ in Sardenia, Italy, came to Vittoriosa to meet with 15 young people from Vittoriosa and participated in “Turn Off, Turn Out !” project under the EU Youth in Action program. The project was coordinated by the Vittoriosa Local Council. Vittoriosa had signed a town twinning agreement with Belvi’ in December 2012.
‘I borghi piu’ belli del Mediterraneo’
The Vittoriosa Local Council attended the above conference held at the Comune di Cisternino in Puglia, Italy. The conference was attended by representatives from different EU and non-EU Mediterranean countries which form part of an association whose object is to coordinate and improve the aesthetical and cultural heritage of the participants and foster collaboration. Mr John Boxall, Vittoriosa Local Council, made a presentation on Vittoriosa and ultimately subscribed the city as a member of the association.
Car Free Day 2013
Vittoriosa joined other towns and villages across Malta and organised a Car Free Day, sponsored by MEPA, the Malta environment and planning authority. Various fun events, most of which for children and young people, were held at Vittoriosa Square. Other entertainment consisting of folk music, dancing and rustic food stalls were provided throughout the city.
Pope Francis at Campo Verano, Rome
For the occasion of this year’s All Souls commemoration Pope Francis chose to offer meditation and say Holy Mass in Rome’s Verano Cemetery, which is located next to the Papal Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori Le Mura. Gostino During the Mass, the Pontiff was accompanied by Cardinal Vallini, Vicar of Rome, and by Fr Armando Ambrosi OFMCap, parish priest of San Lorenzo. In coming here Pope Francis revisted a tradition that John Paul II upheld in 1993; Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the Eucharist at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in 2008 on the same occasion. The Capuchins have been entrusted with the running of the Basilica and quartiere San Lorenzo since 1885.
St Lawrence, epitome of Faith in God
One of the themes of the Dun Gorg Preca Prayer Group which meets on a monthly basis at the Blata l-Bajda MUSEUM conference hall was recently “Faith In God”. The two saints chosen as typifying this virtue were St Lawrence and St Gaetan. Both are included in the book of saints lives L-Eku tal-Hbieb, written by St Gorg Preca.
Restaurants at Vittoriosa
A survey of 150 restaurants was conducted by a market research organisation. Of these, Vittoriosa boasts 9 all top quality restaurants.
Missionary from San Lawrenz, Gozo
Dun Manuel Cutajar from the village of San Lawrenz, Gozo, a missionary in Albania, described in an article in Lehen is-Sewwa the despicable poverty of the people where he is stationed. They lack food and basic essentials. With last year’s Christmas generous Christmas donation by villagers of San Lawrenz Dun Manuel could buy a cow and a donkey for one of the poor families to help them earn a livelihood. Dun Manuel Cutajar received Holy Orders from Pope Paul VI in 1975.
New novel by Gorg Peresso
Vittoriosa-born author, novelist and radio script writer and presenter, Gorg Peresso, has published a new novel in Maltese Il-Werrieta tar-Rih. This is a locally based historical novel commencing during the World War I and trailing on till the post World War II period. The literary style is rhythmical and provocative, in the vein of Dylan Thomas and James Joyce.
APS Bank art exhibition
Four Maltese artists presented their art in an exhibition sponsored by APS Bank at the bank’s main foyer at Swatar. The exhibition was curated by Dr Louis Lagana’, senior art lecturer at the University of Malta and
St Lawrence Band November-December 2013 newsletter
The restoration and innovation of the facade of the Band Club’s palatial head quarters in the heart of Vittoriosa square is the main theme of this edition. The restoration works are now fully under way and the club is covered with screened scaffolding. The story of the band’s various premises occupied throughout its existence is narrated in detail. The first recorded premises when the Duke of Edinburgh Band, at the time known as L’Unione, was formally constituted in 1883 was situated in Main Gate Street. As the society flourished it looked for bigger space and changes its offices on various occasions until the present majestic edifice, by architect Giovanni Bonavia, was purchased in 1922 from the Soler family. After its acquisition, the Band embellished the building with artistic furniture, including the art nouveau showcases in the main hall, and the archives, designed by Vittoriosa born artist Manwel Buhagiar. This edition of the newsletter pays tribute to two prominent personalities from the Band’s past, both from Vittoriosa: Mro Lorenzo Galea, who was maestro di cappella at St Lawrence Collegiate, is the author of numerous musical compositions especially church music, and Rev. Manuel Borg who was for the spiritual director of the Band when the present club was purchased, served as chaplain of the British military in Malta and was ultimately rector of the All Souls Church in Valletta. Anton Attard, in his usual historical contribution to the newsletter, this time delves into the origin dating back to 1913 of the popular feast hymn to St Lawrence known as Innu ta’ Galea. The customary interview from Paul Micallef with people from Vittoriosa is with the amiable and godly Gorg Agius, nicknamed Gorg ir-Romlu. He is well known throughout Malta for his visits to patients in hospitals and elsewhere, reciting short intelligent rhymes composed, often impromptu, by him to hearten his listeners. The newsletter concludes with a short report on a Civil Court decision affirming the name of the St Lawrence Band and debarring another association, which is now defunct, from using a similar name.
Lino Bugeja appointed member of government commission
The government has set up a consultative council on sustainable development in the south of Malta. Lino Bugeja, Vittoriosa historian and cultural spokesman, is a member of the council. Though his appointment is based on his credentials as president and representative of the Malta Ramblers Association, he will surely put the interest of Vittoriosa and the Cottonera at the fore of his submissions.
‘The capers at Couvre Porte’
This is the title of a commentary by environmentalist Alfred Baldacchino in the Times of Malta. While congratulating the Vittoriosa Local Council on the organisation of the Birgu By Candlelight festival as an effort to inculcate love and respect toward the national heritage, he criticises the fact that environment embellishment at Vittoriosa by the authorities comprises numerous foreign trees and plants. He was indeed please to see a lone caper growing from a crevice in the bastions at Couvre Porte. He also comments that ironically the Freedom Monument, a reminder of the last foreign power in Malta, is invested with foreign species. The Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society took the cue from this article and suggested that the Freedom Monument, whose structure does not match the baroque surroundings, could be redesigned, utilising the same statuary and the area be turned into a square. A Times of Malta correspondent later even suggested that the Monument is actually misplaced and should be relocated to a better place, preferably on Santa Margerita hill near the bus station.
Gorg Peresso new book
Writer, poet and broadcaster from Vittoriosa Gorg Peresso has published a collection of mini-stories entitled Imhabba Buffa. The stories are no longer than 300 words each and speak about a myriad of local characters and situations. The publication was launched during this years’ Book Fair at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
Victor Fenech’s novels
He is more known as a poet, but two years ago he embarked as a novelist. He has now launched his second publication in prose, a number of novels entitled Rakkonti Inkontri. The leading novel is called Id-Dar tal-Birgu which is a historical tale of mystery and intricacies. The front cover of the book is a colour picture of a 17th century painting of Vittoriosa wharf with Fort St Angelo in the foreground.
Lectures by H.E. Cardinal Prospero Grech O.S.A.
Vittoriosa born Cardinal Prospero Grech was on a visit to Malta to deliver a two superb lectures on St Augustine’s studies and reflections on the Holy Bible. These are found in the saint’s treatise De Doctrina Christiana which was written in about AD 396 and took him about 20 years to finish. The two lectures were held by the Maltese Augustinian Province in conjunction with the Faculty of Theology of the University of Malta and the Archdiocesan Foundation of Theology.
Italian Prime Minister at Maritime Museum
Enrico Letta, Italian Prime Minister, paid an official visit to Malta and had meeting with the Malta Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat. The talks centred around irregular immigration and Mediterranean affairs. The itinerary of the Italian Prime Minister covered various places of interest including a visit to the National Maritime Museum at Vittoriosa.
Workshop on health and environment
The Vittoriosa Local Council organised the first EU-coordinated workshop of the COHEIRS - Civic Observers for Health & Environment: Initiatives for Responsibility & Sustainability at the Aula Magna in the Auberge de France, Vittoriosa. The project supports the participation of citizens in the implementation of the principles on health and environment. The seminar was moderated by the Local Council and was address by the Hon. Minister for Sustainable Development Mr Leo Brincat. Various presentations were made on the impact of urbanisation on the environment and the involvement of citizens in addressing such issues. On a more general level, the Vittoriosa Local Council had earlier attended a seminar in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on the EU-financed project DECIDE – Democratic Compact: Improving Democracy in Europe, aiming at a fuller democratization of the decision-process at local and regional level.
Vittoriosa Parish bulletin
Ahna, the Vittoriosa Parish bulletin for December 2013 features the Archpriest Rev. Can Joe Cilia’s greetings to the Vittoriosa community. It also carries the commentary from Rev. John Avellino wherein he praises the devout observed practice of some parishioners of hearing two Masses every day at St Lawrence Church, one in the morning and the evening Mass. He also praises the zealous attention shown by Vittoriosa citizens, some spend time with them and making them company during the night.
De La Salle College celebrates Christmas
The Brothers of De La Salle and the College staff and community marked this year’s Christmas with a Bible Service at St Lawrence Collegiate Church. The readings from the Bible were taken from the books of the prophets announcing the birth of the Messiah. Christmas carols were sung by the College choir.
Melchiorre Gafa’ (1635 – 1667) wax reliefs at Mdina Cathedral
Until 2008 in the sacristy of the Mdina Cathedral hung four neglected wax reliefs featuring The Annunciation, The Nativity, The Adoration of the Shepherds and The Glory of Santa Rosa of Lima. These reliefs were covered with a coating of gypsum and silver leaf. Meticulous study and research revealed that these wax reliefs, donated to the Cathedral by Can. Don Antonio Pace from Vittoriosa some time before 1767, are from the hand of the great Vittoriosa born baroque sculptor Melchiorre Gafa’. Painstaking restoration carried out by Sante’ Guido and Giuseppe Mantilla permitted the removal of the silver leaf overlay to bring out their original splendour, even if, over the years these bozzetti suffered from various unprofessional interventions. It was concluded that these reliefs were produced in Rome and arrived in Malta in 1668 together with the artist’s personal belongings after his untimely death. The works are on display at Palazzo de Piro, Mdina, run by the Metropolitan Chapter of the Cathedral.
Mathematics project for primary school students
The Maths Support Team within the Education Department has launched a project based on Vittoriosa to promote the mathematical abilities of year 5 – 6 primary school students at government schools. The project takes the pupils to a walk around the city identifying different historical and other locations, and setting out simple mathematical questions and exercised based on observed features in such locations. The first group of students to take the project was from Gzira Primary School. The first location visited was the Vittoriosa Parish Museum.
Restoration of statute of St Andrew at Luqa
When Rev. Anton Vella was parish priest of Luqa in 1913, the artistic statue of St Andrew at Luqa sculpted in wood in 1779 by Giuseppe Scolaro was in bad need to repair and restoration. Work was entrusted to artist Abram Gatt of Cospicua who at the time was in the heyday of his achievements. He not only remodelled the statute but also drew up designs for a new pedestal and plinth for the statue. The carpentry on these was executed by Luqa Griscti of Luqa but the sculptural decorations in wood were in the hand of Emanuele Buhagiar 1876-1972 of Vittoriosa, who was then in the early stages of his artistic career. The statue was again refurbished and cleaned up for the feast in 2013. The story is related in an article by Neil Zammit in Il-Mument.
Abram Gatt anniversary
Mario Attard commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of artist Abram Gatt 1863-1944 in an article in the programme magazine for the feast of the Immaculate Conception at Cospicua. Interestingly, the artist’s first name according to the Cospicua baptismal register was Lawrence but was commonly known with his second name. He started as a designer in the pattern shop at the naval dockyard but then gained fame as an excellent ecclesiastical artist, with numerous works in Maltese churches. He was commissioned by various parishes to upgrade the statues of patron saints, including that of Cospicua. In 1903 he re-modelled the statue of St Lawrence at Vittoriosa as well as the silver pedestal. In the mentioned article, there is a commentary about him by the late artist and critic Chev. Rafel Bonnici Cali’ who praised him as a talented self-made genius. Chev. Rafel Bonnici Cali’ for many years was a Committee Member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
Palazzo Bettina up for sale
A couple of years back this 18th century historical palazzo adjacent to St Lawrence church was acquired by an investor. Rather than renovating the building the owner has now put it up for sale through a leading estate agency at the formidable asking price of € 2.5 million. It is a pity that this building, so close to St Lawrence church, was not in the past acquired by the Chapter of St Lawrence Collegiate and converted into a high standard Chapter Museum. The Palace once belonged to the Testaferrata-Viani family who had donated the backyard of the Palace to the St Lawrence clergy to make way for the construction in 1786 of the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
Pope Francis’s 77th birthday
The Pope marked his first birthday in office with the usual celebration of daily Mass in the chapel of Santa Martha. For the occasion, the youths forming part of the organisation founded by Pope John Paul II in 1983 called Centro Internazionale Giovanile San Lorenzo which meets in the Church of San Lorenzo in Piscibus within the Vatican decided to offer a special birthday gift to the Pope: a 24-hour Sacramental adoration, including the recitation of the Rosary. Aware of the youths’ gesture, Pope Francis gave a number of rosary beads to the youths. The event was reported in TV2000. It is also to be noted that by coincidence, the Argentine football club of which Pope Francis was member, the A.C. San Lorenzo, won the Argentine Football League and a delegation from the club met the Pope on the occasion of his birthday who congratulated them for their success.
Fr Dominic Gusman OP passed away
The Vittoriosa Dominican community lost one of its members. Fr Dominic Gusman, 79 years, was from Zabbar but belonged to the Vittoriosa family of Tal-Petut. For a number of years he was appointed the Prior of the Vittoriosa Convent. His funeral was held at the Annunciation Church, Vittoriosa.
Sister Bernardette Fava passed away
She formed part of the Sisters of Charity and in past years was a brilliant Hospital Matron at St Catherine’s Hospital. In 1955 she was reported in the press as having been the first Maltese nurse who won the coveted Gold Medal from Hammersmith Hospital examination. She had two other sisters who were also nuns in same Order: Sister Fortunata Fava and Sister Madalena Fava, both deceased. Her brother was a priest: Fr Stiefnu Fava.
Morality in medieval Malta
Morality and Sexuality in Maltese Society in the Late Middle Ages is the title of an article by Lino Bugeja in The Sunday Times of Malta. He starts with an affirmation that today’s permissiveness was matched by a similar moral decadence in medieval Malta, as discovered recently by social historians, even at a time when the reforms prescribed by the Council of Trent, notably concerning matrimony and the priesthood, were slowly taking root. Medical records from the mid-14 th century Santo Spirto Hospital in Rabat include prescriptions showing the prevalence of venereal diseases, generally transmitted by illicit sex. From the Vittoriosa Inquisition records, it was found that the Inquisitor appointed dott. Salvatore Saltalla to certify the state of health of transgressors suffering from venereal diseases. The first Sacra Infermeria of the Order of St John built at Vittoriosa by Grand Master L’Isle Adam, besides caring for the sick, also looked after illegitimate abandoned children. Prostitution was rampant in the urban areas particularly around Mdina, Rabat and Vittoriosa, as reflected in the respective Status Animarum.
British Military history
Denis Darmanin, specialist in the history of the British military presence in Malta, appears in a researched article in Vigilio, no. 44, the journal of Din l-Art Helwa, the Maltese National Trust, on British army regimental badges in stone. He describes how the British military authorities in the mid-19th century identified Floriana for its strategic defence position and converted it into a garrison town with the building of barracks, stores, workshops and parade ground. A detailed record is given of the numerous army badges carved in stone and accompanying graffiti found in various localities at Floriana, from Sa Maison Gardens to Lintorn Barracks. The same author is featured in an article in The Sunday Times of Malta, published on the occasion of the demise of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, on colonial Malta’s role at the time of Lord Grenfell’s governorship during the Boer War 1899-1902, a blood onslaught that took 450,000 British troops to defeat 50,000 Boers at a terrific cost in terms of lives and money. Denis Darmanin is a Committee member of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
Episode relating to Mons. Lawrenz Zammit Gabaretta
Joe Cassar from Zebbug, in an article in the Christmas Supplement of Il-Mument, recounts his childhood memories of Christmas at his home village. As a young altar-boy in the 1950’s he was picked to deliver the traditional sermon. He remembers that on one occasion during rehearsals, Can. Lawrenz Zammit Gabaretta, who was at the time parish priest of Zebbug, was present. He had instructed the sextant to decorate the main altar with the same silver candlesticks as those used for the feast of the village patron, St Philip. It appears that during the rehearsals the sextant attempted to dismantle the candlesticks, saying that some of the Zebbug clergy were against it. The parish priest insisted that the first class candlesticks should stay. The author says that his delivery of the sermon at the parish church on Christmas night was a success and the parish priest gave him a picture of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary as a gift. Can. Lawrenz Zammit Gabaretta from Vittoriosa, later elected Monsignor, was the brother of Can. Anton Zammit Gabaretta, for many years President of the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.
Christmas Eve procession at Vittoriosa
Following the regretful closure two years ago of the Vittoriosa section of the Society of Christian Doctrine, the MUSEUM, it is becoming problematic to put together the traditional children’s procession on Christmas Eve with the statue of Baby Jesus, a procession that was organised every year since 1921, by the Society. This year the procession, coordinated by the lay catechists of Vittoriosa with the help of Society members from Cospicua, started from the former Mount Carmel School which is at present serving as centre for the teaching of doctrine. The procession, accompanied by bandsmen from the St Lawrence Band, made its way to St Lawrence Church. The statue of Baby Jesus used for the procession was not, however, the one that was used in previous processions by the Vittoriosa MUSEUM. The latter was placed in the crib that was constructed on the presbytery next to the main altar of St Lawrence Church.
President Emeritus Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici at L-Istrina 2013
The annual national fund raising event L-Istrina held on Boxing Day for the Communtiy Chest Fund charitable organisation, chaired by the President of Malta, Dr George Abela, was visited by Presidents Emeritus Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Dr Edward Fenech Adami who both appealed for the public’s generosity. Dr Mifsud Bonnici, during his short speech, made reference to St Lawrence as the patron of the sick and the needy who alluded to them as “treasures of the church” when facing Emperor Valerian.
Choir Schola Cantorum Jubilate at San Lawrenz, Gozo
Various musical pieces and Christmas carols were performed at the parish church of San Lawrenz, Gozo, by the renowned Choir Schola Cantorum Jubilate, of Xaghra, Gozo. The event was held as a sign of gratitude to the San Lawrenz parish which had earlier awarded to the choir the trophy for 2013 Palma tad-Deheb. The choir has performed in a number of cities in Europe: Rome, Assisi, Vienna and Cagliari. At the village of San Lawrenz, Christmas is marked with the holding of the grand Christmas Pageant, now in its 44th edition, in which some 200 actors take part.
Appeal by Benedictine nuns
In the Christmas edition of Lehen is-Sewwa, the Abbess of the Benedictine nuns of St Scholastica, Vittoriosa, Rev. Maria Tiralongo OSB, made a heart-felt appeal for vocations. The same also in the Monastery website: www.sorijietbenedittini.com
Gieh ir-Repubblika to Mr Lino Bugeja
Mr Lino Bugeja from Vittoriosa was awarded the prestigious national honour of Gieh ir-Repubblika by the President of Malta. Vittoriosa is proud with this magnificent and merited achievement of Mr Bugeja. He has distinguished himself in the education, in the sports arena where, from an early age, he actively promoted the practice of sports and became for a time the mind behind Malta’s Olympic Academy. He also moved into the environmental sector where he founded the Malta Ramblers Association. But he excelled in his role as historian and art commentator. His masterpiece is undoubtedly the publication in 1993 of the Birgu – A Maltese Maritime City, a monumental two volume study of Vittoriosa. Congatulations from the Vittoriosa Historical & Cultural Society.