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Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church
Knisja Parrokkjali Madonna ta' Lourdes
Street view of the Parish Church
Location	San Ġwann
Country	Malta
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Religious institute	Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Website	parrocci.knisja.mt/parrocca/san-gwann
History
Status	Parish church
Dedication	Our Lady of Lourdes
Dedicated	December 20, 1959
Consecrated	May 12, 1962
Events	First Sunday of August
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	Ġużé Colombo
Architectural type	NeoClassical
Groundbreaking	September 13, 1953
Completed	December 20, 1959
Specifications
Length	35.66m
Width	19.5m
Materials	Maltese Limestone
Administration
Archdiocese	Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta
Parish	September 21, 1965
Logo was unveiled on March 31, 2023 and designed by Bernard Sant

The Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church (Maltese: Knisja Parrokkjali Madonna ta' Lourdes) is a Roman Catholic parish church in San Ġwann, Malta, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. It forms part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta. It is under the current administration of the Capuchin Order, with a community friars: Fr. Bertrand Vella (Parish Priest and Guardian); Fr. Paul Bugeja (Vice-Guardian); Fr. Valentine Calleja; Fr. John Vella; Br. Jesmond Ciantar; Fr. Leonard Falzon; and Fr. Publius Mair (residing in 'Dar tal-Kleru' Birkirkara).

Important Dates

• 21st February 1947: Arrival of the first Capuchin friars in Tal-Għorgħar.
• 25th January 1950: Laying of the First Stone of the Convent.
• 13th September 1953: Laying of the First Stone of the Church by Bishop Emmanuel Galea.
• 16th December 1953: Inauguration of St Anne Content of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus.
• 20th December 1959: Opening of the New Church to the public and Blessing of the Titular painting.
• 10th April 1960: First procession of Our Lady of Sorrows.
• 17th June 1960: Arrival of the Titular Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes from Bolzano, Italy.
• 12th May 1962: Consecration of the Church and High Altar by Archbishop Mons. Michael Gonzi.
• 21st September 1965: Establishment of the Parish dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes in ‘Imsieraħ’.
• 20th May 1966: First Titular Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated.
• 26th September 1988: Blessing and laying of the First Stone of the St Joseph, Parish Centre.
• 30th December 1990: Inauguration of the Parish Centre as a monument for the 25th anniversary of the Parish.
• First Sunday of August: Titular Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes.

History

When the areas between Birkirkara and Sliema started to develop after the Second World War, the Archbishop of that time, Mons. Michael Gonzi, asked the Capuchin Friars to take care of the spiritual life of the people. The Capuchin Friars took responsibility for the Imsieraħ locality on February 21, 1947. The first friars were Fr. Feliċ Scicluna, Fr. Joseph Mary Spiteri, and Fr. Teophilus Ebejer, who took temporary residence at 152, Triq San Ġiljan, near the Chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorgħar.

For many people who did not know things from the inside, the arrival of the Capuchins was too little of a surprise. This is because it was the Carmelite friars who used to give some service (such as masses) in the chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorgħar. Among these was Fr. Elija Caruana O.Carm. Fr. Elija used to come from the convent of the Carmelites of Balluta. For the local people, whether Carmelites or Capuchins, the most important thing was that they could now be better served. The need to have at least two priests for the service of the people had been felt for a long time, especially considering the distance between this locality and the parishes of which it was a part. Therefore, they welcomed the Capuchin friars with open arms, and the friars did not fail to reciprocate. From the very beginning, the three priests did their best to ensure that the people were served spiritually, as they should. Although the population was not large, the chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorgħar was too small. In fact, we can say that for mass, there were more people outside the chapel than inside. Here, the need to do something for the comfort of the people began to be felt. This is because the chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorgħar has become the centre of every religious activity in the neighbourhood. Some feasts have started to be organised, such as Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter.

The need for a Convent and a Bigger Church

For this purpose, a plan was prepared to build a church and a convent. These had to be paid for, according to his own wish, by Mr. Ġużeppi Borg, a businessman from Birkirkara. Mr. Borg wanted to build a temple to Our Lady under the title of Sorrows. It was decided to build the convent first and then the church. The architect was Mr. Ġuze Colombo and the supervisor was Mr. Feliċ Mifsud, a contractor from the same neighbourhood. On November 3, 1949, work began to build a convent and a church based on the general outline of Rome's Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls. It was Mr. Ġuzeppi Borg and his son Feliċ, who gave the land, and the first stone, the one above the foundation, was laid in January 1950. It was blessed by P. Feliċ Scicluna, guardian of the Capuchin fraternity, on behalf of the Provincial. The first floor of the convent was finished by September 15, 1950. Consisting of a corridor in the middle. On the left side were the friar's cells, while the right side was left open. Thus, one side of the convent building served as a temporary chapel, in which the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly transferred from the Chapel of San Gwann tal-Għorgħar. The upper floor was built a number of years later.

The blessing of the convent was done by Archbishop Michael Gonzi in the presence of the Provincial, of Ġuzeppi and his son Feliċ Borg, as well as some of the Canons of the Collegiate Basilica of Sant' Elena of Birkirkara. A number of Capuchin friars from different convents also took part. Last but certainly not least, all the elderly, as well as young people and children who lived in these areas, were present. On September 16, 1950, Father Anton Dimech, Provincial of the Capuchins, led a processional procession of the Holy Sacrament from the Chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorgħar to the provisional convent.

The New Church

The church foundation stone was laid on September 13, 1953, and blessed by Bishop Mons. Emanuel Galea. To be completed and inaugurated on December 20, 1959.

The Dedication

The church is dedicated to Our Lady under the title of the Immaculate Conception of Lourdes. But the thought and desire of Mr. Felic Borg, the main benefactor of the church, was that its title should be Our Lady of Sorrows. Feliċ borg was so determined that the church should bring this title that he even wanted it to be written down, and it was written down in the first contract he had made with the Provincial of the Capuchin Order on April 21, 1940.

On June 12, 1959, with the consent of Mr. Feliċ Borg and with the approval of Archbishop Gonzi and the Provincial of the Capuchins at that time, the agreement was changed to change the title of the church to Our Lady of Lourdes. The next day, June 13, a temporary picture of Our Lady of Lourdes was placed in the church.On June 14, 1959, the painter Mr. Ġuze Briffa, from Birkirkara, started working on the draft of the new title and offered to do it free of charge. On December 17, 1959, the titular painting was finished, and the same painter, Briffa, was brought to the church. On December 20, 1959, the day on which the church was opened and blessed, Archbishop Michael Gonzi, after giving the sacramental blessing, unveiled and blessed the titular picture of Our Lady of Lourdes. On July 16, 1979, the work of gilding the frame of the titular frame began.

Church Consecration

Although the church of Our Lady of Lourdes, San Gwann, had been serving the public worship of God for three years, it had not yet been officially consecrated for this sacred use. The beautiful day for this occasion arrived on May 12, 1962.

On the previous day, the 11th, in the chapel of the Franciscan Sisters of San Gwann, the relics of the holy martyrs Jucundian and Joshua were prepared, which, according to the ritual of the consecration of the church at that time, had to be buried in the middle of the mensa of the high altar. At 3.00 pm on the same day, Archbishop Mons. Michael Gonzi arrived at the nuns to seal the relics. Then, at 5.00 pm a penitential procession with the relics took place along the main streets of San Ġwann. The next morning, on the 12th of May, the relics were transported in a procession led by Archbishop Gonzi, assisted by Mons. Emanuel Vella and Mons. Giuseppe Lupi. Then the consecration ceremony of the church was held by the archbishop.

As a sign of this consecration, 12 crosses were placed on the columns of the church along the aisle, six on each side. These crosses are made of marble on a gold-coloured mosaic background. In memory of the consecration of the church, a marble plaque was also placed on the wall, on the side of the chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows in Latin.

(N.B. The church of Our Lady of Lourdes, San Ġwann, was consecrated on May 12, 1962, and not on May 20, as stated in the inscription above.)

The Main Altar, Titular Painting and Statue.

The Main Altar of the Parish Church

In every church, the altar is the central work. The altar of this church is a beautiful and artistic work of marble from Pietra Santa di Lucca, Italy. It was put into place in October 1961. On the facade of the first step, there are ten medallions with the figures of some prophets and other biblical characters, which we consider to be figures of Our Lady. In the middle of the altar is the bronze tabernacle, covered from the inside with silver sheets. The design of the altar is by Mr. G. Galea. As we mentioned, the altar was consecrated by the archbishop, Mons. Michael Gonzi, on May 12, 1962.

The bronze candlesticks, which can be seen on the altar, were made by the firm F. Abela & Sons, of Blata l'Bajda, Hamrun, in the years 1059 and 1964. While the candlesticks of the titular feast are silvered bronze and were paid for by Mr. Ġuzeppi Micallef and his wife Lorenza. On each of the three faces of the candlestick, there are the symbols of Our Lady, St. Francis, and the surname Micallef. The foot of the cross, which is part of the set of candlesticks, has four faces with the addition of the lily, which is also a symbol of Our Lady.

The statues of the Apostles, which are placed on the altar during the titular feast, are made of wood in Milan. These are the original models of the set of silver apostles of the collegiate church of Bormla. They were bought from the Chapter of Bormla. The 'handmade' flowers are made of ganutel by Emanuel Sciberras from Qrendi.

The Titular Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes

As soon as it was confirmed and decided that the title of our church should be that of Our Lady under the title of Lourdes, this statue was immediately ordered. Until this statue was completed, another statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was temporarily brought in, a statue borrowed from the Capuchin friars' convent of Għajn Dwieli. This statue was first placed in the small church of San Ġwann tal-Għorgħar, which is now used by the members of the museum. On July 16, 1959, she was taken from there on a solemn pilgrimage to a church dedicated to her. This was the first occasion of a public manifestation to Our Lady under the title of Lourdes in this village, at that time known as Imsieraħ, which was placed under her protection.

On June 17, 1960, the new statue of Our Lady of Lourdes arrived from Italy. The statue was blessed in the Basilica of Sant' Elena in Birkirkara by the provost-archpriest, Mons. Emmauel Vella, on the 23rd of April 1961, and from there she was taken on a pilgrimage to the church of Imsieraħ. The members of the chapter of the Collegiate of Birkirkara and of the community of Capuchin friars took part in the pilgrimage, together with associations and the numerous people of Birkirkara and San Gwann.

The statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was paid for by Mr. Mikiel Sciberras, nicknamed Gozitan. The wooden rays on the back of this statue were worked by a carpenter from Balzan in his own house, a little every day after his day's work. It was not easy to connect the large rays to the statue, mainly due to the lack of the necessary tools. Therefore, after a request to the "Royal Air Force" authorities, four British experts came, and they placed the beams on the back of the statue. On the 20th of December 1960, the silver diademe for the head of the statue of the Madonna was made, the work of Joseph Pirotta of Naxxar. On April 19, 1961, a garland was made for the same statue, and it was made by Emanuel Sciberras. The blue pavilion and the crown that are erected during the feast week were made in 1963 and were paid for by Father Mattew Sultana OFM Cap, with the money he used to bring in from his work as a rosary beads maker, which he used to do all the time. In 1963, four silver gastris were also made, which are used for bouquets of ganutell, and during the feast, these are mounted around the statue. Two of these were paid by Mr. Ġuzeppi Micallef and his wife Lorenza, and the other two by a person who did not want to be named. The ganutell flowers for these four gastris were made by Mr. Emanuel Sciberras, from Qrendi. On August 4, 1978, two golden roses were placed at the feet of the titular statue after being blessed by abbot Fr. Angelo Mifsud O.S.B. These were worked on by Joseph Cassar.

Titular Painting of Our Lady of Lourdes

The titular painting, an exemplary piece by B’Kara artist Ġuzeppi Briffa, was completed in 1959. It depicts a serene scene of the cave where the Madonna of Lourdes appeared, with Our Lady draped in a flowing white gown, while Bernadette gazes upon her. This artwork stands as a testament to Briffa's innovative integration of modern elements into Maltese church art.

This cherished artwork has recently witnessed a significant cleaning and restoration by PrevArti Ltd - Art Conservation & Restoration. The restoration project was generously sponsored by the San Gwann Local Council. While a new feature was introduced: a halo adorned with nine gold stars, each with a stone at its centre, designed to enhance the painting's visual impact and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Our Lady of Lourdes Musical Association. These stars were graciously donated by the association.

The restoration and gift was marked by a significant celebration held on Sunday, May 31, 2022. The event was led by His Excellency Mgr. Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta with Fr Emanuel Abela OFM Cap., the parish priest at the time, along with Fr Ivan Scicluna OFM Cap., Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Brothers in Malta, with the participation of the Local Capuchin fraternity, Parish Choir, Local Franciscan Sisters, Local Council Mayor and councillors, all three Feast Associations members, esteemed guests and parishioners. This celebration commenced with Solemn Vesper and homily by the Archbishop who afterwards blessed the newly added stars and the painting itself.

Following the blessing, the nine gold stars were positioned with due reverence by the Archbishop, parish priest and provincial minister. For this the painting was temporarily removed from its usual place behind the main altar and positions on the sanctuary with steps in front of it. The next day, the painting was hanged to its original position on the main altar, allowing the San Ġwann parish community and devotees of Our Lady of Lourdes to continue their prayers and veneration in the presence of this enhanced artwork.

This restoration not only revitalised a treasured piece of ecclesiastical art but also reinforces the community's enduring reverence for Our Lady of Lourdes.

Elevation to Parish Church

As the number of residents in the locality increased, there was a growing demand for the area to be established as a parish. The church authorities responded positively to this request on September 12, 1965. Mons. Michael Gonzi announced in a pastoral letter that the locality, then known as Imsieraħ and now called San Ġwann, would be designated as a new parish under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes. The official inauguration of the parish took place on September 21, 1965, with Friar Leopold Tabone OFM Cap. appointed as the first parish priest.

In his pastoral letter, Archbishop Gonzi outlined the establishment of the new parish:

"We have done everything that, according to the Law of the Church should be done in this case and today, with this Pastoral Letter we declare that from the 21st of September we are in, the church under the title of Our Lady of Lourdes in Msieraħ, it has the name and all the rights of a parish with a territory taken from the parishes of Birkirkara, San Ġiljan and l'Gzira, according to the plan found in Archbishop's Curia... With this same Decree, we entrust this new Parish to the hands of the Minor Capuchin Friars of the Maltese Province and from among them We nominate one as Parish priest of this parish."

List of Parish Priests

Rev. Leopold Tabone OFM Cap. 1959 - 1983

Fr Leopold Tabone (1924-2006), born Tarcisju Tabone in 1924 in Bormla, Malta, was a devoted Capuchin friar, pastor, and humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving the community, particularly the marginalised and the youth. His remarkable journey of faith and service spanned over eight decades, leaving an indelible mark on the Maltese Church and society.

Fr Leopold entered the Capuchin Order at the age of 15, beginning his novitiate in the friary at Gozo. He received the religious habit on December 31, 1939, adopting the name friar Leopold. He made his Perpetual Profession on December 7, 1945, at the Kalkara friary and was ordained a priest on April 2, 1949, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John in Valletta by Archbishop Michael Gonzi.

His first pastoral assignment was in the Parish of the Holy Trinity, Marsa. Over a decade, he became known for his pastoral zeal, particularly in engaging the youth. He served as the spiritual director of Scouts, the local football club, and the Catholic Action group for young men. He also founded the Young Christian Workers (YCW) branch in Marsa, focusing on empowering young labourers.

In 1959, Fr Leopold was appointed Guardian, the role of local superior of the Capuchin community in San Ġwann, a position he held during the formative years of the new parish established in 1965. He was appointed as the first parish priest of the new parish. Upon his arrival on April 25, 1959, Fr Leopold focused on completing the church, which, though structurally finished, still required substantial additional work before it could be opened to the public. Fr Leopold served as parish priest for eighteen years until May 1983, when he transitioned to serve in the mission of Garissa, Kenya, managed by the Maltese Capuchin.

At the age of 59, Fr Leopold embarked on a new chapter as a missionary in Kenya, which he described as his "third vocation." During three challenging but fulfilling years, he dedicated himself to education and spiritual guidance, leaving a lasting impact on the local communities. Reflecting on this period, he remarked that it was a transformative experience, both spiritually and personally.

Upon returning to Malta in 1986, Fr Leopold was appointed chaplain of the Corradino Correctional Facility. He served with compassion, offering spiritual support to inmates and their families. In 2004, he was appointed to the Supervisory Board for prison reform by the Maltese government.

In 1993, Fr Leopold founded "Welcome Home," a shelter for homeless youth. Despite facing significant challenges, including opposition from local residents, the initiative flourished and later evolved into the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation. The foundation expanded its services, providing temporary housing and support for vulnerable individuals, including women and children.

Fr Leopold passed away on June 7, 2006, shortly after celebrating Mass at the friary of Ghajn Dwieli. His funeral, held at St. Anthony’s Church in Ghajn Dwieli, was a testament to his widespread impact, attended by high-ranking officials, clergy, and countless individuals whose lives he had touched. He is remembered as a humble and dedicated friar who lived the Franciscan ideal of being "a brother to the people." His life’s work continues to inspire those who strive to serve others with love and devotion.

Rev. Donat Spiteri OFM Cap. 1983 - 1992

Fr Donat Spiteri (1920–2023) was a Maltese Franciscan friar, theologian, and biblical scholar. Ordained on March 13, 1948, he pursued advanced studies in theology and biblical scripture, earning licentiates from the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontificio Istituto Biblico in Rome.

Upon returning to Malta in 1954, Fr Spiteri taught young Capuchin students and served as parish priest of Holy Trinity Church in Marsa (1958–1967), where he oversaw the construction of the St Pius X parish centre. From 1983 to 1991, he was parish priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in San Ġwann, founding the San Ġużepp Parish Centre and restoring the Sta Margherita Chapel.

A lecturer and professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Malta's Faculty of Theology (1966–1988), he co-founded the Malta Bible Society and helped establish Dar il-Bibbja in Floriana. He authored several theological and biblical works, including the 1974 booklet Kliem il-Ħajja ("Word of Life").

In recognition of his contributions, Fr Spiteri received numerous honors, including the Medal for Service to the Republic (2010) and the Ġieħ il-Marsa and Ġieħ San Ġwann awards.

Rev. William Axiaq OFM Cap. 1992 - 1995

Fr William Axiaq (1942–2010) was a Maltese Franciscan friar, educational psychologist, and preacher. Born in Żabbar on July 4, 1942, he received his early education at De La Salle College and the Seraphic School in Floriana. Joining the Capuchin Order in 1959, he took solemn vows in 1963 and was ordained a priest on March 30, 1968.

Following his ordination, Fr Axiaq served as chaplain to the final group of Maltese emigrants traveling to Australia aboard the Achille Lauro. He later earned a licentiate in educational psychology from the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome in 1972.

Fr Axiaq held numerous leadership roles, including master of novices, director of Franciscan clerics, and vicar provincial of the Capuchin Order. He served as parish priest of San Ġwann and friar guardian of the Għajn Dwieli Friary. A prominent educator, he taught religion in government schools, worked as a counselor at De La Salle College, and lectured on psychology and theology at the University of Malta and other institutions.

Known for his dynamic preaching style, Fr Axiaq was National Chaplain of GRUFAN within the Cana Movement (1983–1991) and represented parish priests in the Diocesan Commission of the Family. In 2001, he was appointed Archbishop's Delegate for Members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life.

A prolific writer and editor, Fr Axiaq contributed to publications such as Leħen is-Sewwa, The Sunday Times, and Dawl Franġiskan. He also presented programs on marriage and family life and was active in broadcasting.

Fr William Axiaq passed away on May 8, 2010, after a year-long illness. His funeral, held at the Capuchin Church in Għajn Dwieli, was attended by clergy and laypeople, including Capuchin Minister General Fr Mauro Jöhri and members of the Capuchin Curia, who were in Malta for the General Chapter.

Rev. Joseph Mallia OFM Cap. 1995 - 2004

Fr Joseph died in 2024.

Rev. Effie Mallia OFM Cap. 2004 - 2013

Rev. Emmanuel Abela OFM Cap. 2013 - 2022

Rev. Bertrand Vella OFM Cap. 2022 -

Religious Communities and Groups within the Parish

The Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Pastoral Council (known as KPP) is an advisory body established to provide guidance to the parish priest on various matters concerning the parish, with a particular focus on pastoral issues. The KPP is composed of the local Capuchin Fraternity, the representatives from parish commissions, religious groups and volunteers, along with representatives from the pastoral zones of Ta' Zwejt and Mensija. The council is administered by the Moderator and the Secretary, with the parish priest serving as the President.

Parish Commissions

• Liturgical Commissions
• Diaconal Commissions
• Mission Commissions
• Family Commissions
• Catechetical Commissions

Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus

The Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus is a Roman Catholic religious congregation established in 1880 in Rabat, Gozo, Malta, by Fr Joseph Diacono and Virginia Debrincat, who later became known as Sr Margerita of the Heart of Jesus. Adhering to the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis, the congregation is affiliated with the Minor Franciscans. In 1946, it was granted Pontifical status, allowing it to operate under the authority of the Holy See and expand its mission internationally. The congregation has since established communities in various countries, including Italy, Greece, England, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, and Jerusalem.

On December 16, 1953, the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus formally inaugurated St Anne Convent in San Gwann, where it remains today on Franciscan Sisters Street. The convent also houses a Church-affiliated kindergarten school, accessible through a separate entrance. The school serves Kinder 1 and Kinder 2 students aged 3 to 5 years, providing early education before the children transition to St. Francis Primary School in Birkirkara.

Committed to the Franciscan charism, the congregation emphasises humility, simplicity, service to others, and a profound devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its apostolic mission encompasses education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and outreach to marginalised communities.

Altar Servers group

Although the primary aim of the group is to encourage boys to serve around the altar during liturgical celebrations, it offers much more than just this. The group organises religious activities such as retreats, adorations, and Lectio Divina, as well as social events like football matches, billiards, and PlayStation games. They also host quizzes, outings, and parties, where the altar servers develop life skills such as communication, teamwork, task management, punctuality, and self-confidence. Supported by their peers, the altar servers learn about responsibilities and rules that need to be followed. Additionally, they interact with children, young people, and adults of various ages, which helps them make new friends, share Christian faith, and create lasting memories together.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Choir

The Neocatechumenal Way Communities

The Neocatechumenal Way was first established in Malta in 1973 at the parish of the Immaculate Conception in Hamrun. In 1976, it was introduced to the parish of San Ġwann with the approval of the parish priest, Fr Leopoldu Tabone OFMCap. Neocatechumenal communities hold two gatherings each week: one midweek for the sharing of the Word, and another on Saturday evening for the Eucharist. Within these communities, catechists are trained to conduct annual catechetical courses for adults with the aim of forming new communities. This practice continues annually, and there are currently seven such communities in San Ġwann. Some catechists from San Ġwann have also established new communities in other parishes across Malta and Gozo.

The Charismatic group

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement began in Malta in May 1975. In the parish of San Ġwann, there are currently two charismatic prayer groups. The initial group was informally established at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Minsija on May 4, 1986, and quickly evolved into a charismatic group. Following the "Little Mission" held in the parish in October of the same year, two additional prayer groups were formed—one in Kappara and the other in Monte Rosa. These groups eventually united under a single charismatic movement.

The Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary first arrived in Malta in November 1936 and was officially established in the diocese on April 23, 1940, with the founding of the first Praesidium. In San Ġwann (then known as Imsieraħ), the Legion of Mary was introduced for the first time on June 24, 1958, with the establishment of the first Praesidium named 'Madonna tal-Minsija' (Our Lady of the Oblivion). This Praesidium was founded through the efforts of two legionaries from Birkirkara and was intended for women and girls. Miss M. C. Brincat was the first president, with Kan. Dun V. Ciappara serving as the first spiritual director. Later, on February 2, 1960, a Praesidium for women and senior girls was established through the initiative of Fr Kornelju Bonello.

The first Praesidium of the Legion of Mary for men was established on October 13, 1960, under the name 'Sultana ta' l-Erwieħ' (Queens of Souls). It was under the leadership of its president, Dr Anton Busuttil, and spiritual director Fr Kornelju Bonello. It did not last long. Another Praesidium for Juniors boys was established on June 6, 1968, under the name 'Marija Ommna' (Mary Our Mother) but this also eventually closed.

On October 7, 1977, a new Praesidium for junior boys was re-established under the name 'Marija ta' Nazaret' (Mary of Nazareth). Additionally, on June 20, 1978, a new Praesidium for men was also re-established under the name 'Marija Addolorata' (Sorrowful Mary). Both of these were initiated by Fr Donat Spiteri, who was also their spiritual director.

Another attempt by Fr Donat was the establishment of a Praesidium for working women and girls. A small group of working women and girls began meeting in the evening due to their daytime work commitments. This led to the creation of a Praesidium under the name 'Marija Omm il-Knisja' on July 17, 1980, but it did not last long due to a shortage of members.

Once again, a similar Praesidium was re-established on November 6, 1990, under the name 'Omm il-Parir it-Tajjeb' (Mother of Good Counsel). This was initiated by Miss Angela Buttigieg and continues to this day.

The Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.)

The Secular Franciscan Order

Prisms San Ġwann Youth Center

Parish Centre and Chapels

Saint Joseph Parish Centre

A community-focused centre located in San Ġwann, Malta. Established to support the parish community, the centre offers a variety of services and activities, including religious, educational, and social programs. It serves as a hub for parish events and gatherings, fostering community engagement and support. The centre's facilities are used for various parish functions, including meetings, classes, and community outreach initiatives, contributing to the spiritual and social development of the local community.

Saint John of the Floods Chapel

The chapel, situated on one of San Ġwann's busiest roads, was originally constructed by a private family in 1546. However, it fell into disuse and was officially abandoned in 1659 by Bishop Balaguer, who declared it no longer a chapel. It was later reopened in 1672.

Architecturally, this late medieval chapel is rectangular with a cubic exterior, typical of Maltese vernacular architecture. It features a modest façade with a small parvis, two stone water spouts on each side, and a small west-facing doorway with a square clerestory window providing the only natural light to the interior. Inside, the chapel has four internal arches supporting a double-pitched roof of stone slabs covered in deffun (traditional Maltese roofing material) and a bell cot above the window, a later addition. Adjacent to the chapel is a small sacristy with a distinctive star-shaped air vent.

Notably, a small marble plaque near the chapel's door bears the inscription Non Gode l'Immunita' Ecclesia, a warning introduced in 1761 that criminals could not claim immunity if they sought refuge within the chapel. This historical warning reflects the chapel's role in the community. Today, it is used by the Christian Doctrine Society. Scheduled as a Grade 1 protected building by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) in 1994, the chapel is a significant cultural and historical site.

Sanctuary of Our lady of Minsija

The Minsija Sanctuary Church in San Ġwann, Malta, was originally established in a cave used for worship during pirate invasions. This cave evolved into a troglodyte church dedicated to the Annunciation and St. Leonard, the patron saint of pirates. Accessible via a forty-step staircase, the church's name "Minsija," meaning "the forgotten place," is linked to a legend from the 15th century about a hidden image of Our Lady that repeatedly returned to the cave despite attempts to relocate it. This led to the establishment of an altar and the transformation of the site into a pilgrimage destination.

The church, with its modest interior featuring two altars and a Via Crucis, underwent significant changes and restorations over the centuries, including a major update in the 1930s by sculptor Luigi Micallef. The large statue of Our Lady of the Annunciation on the church's parvis originally stood in Ħal Balzan parish church. Today, the Mensija Sanctuary remains a vibrant place of devotion, with the Capuchin Fathers conducting services and celebrating the feast of St. Leonard, while the site continues to be adorned with numerous ex-votos.

Saint Margaret Chapel

The 16th-century chapel, originally constructed for the farmers working the surrounding fields, holds significant historical value. It is has been known with various names during the years such as: Tal-Ħereb, Tal-Imsieraħ, Tal-Arar (Tal-Għarar) u Tal-Bakkar. During World War II, the chapel was severely damaged by a direct hit, which destroyed its ceiling and one of the side walls. Following the war, the damaged parts and the original architecture of the chapel were meticulously restored in 1990.

Today, the chapel is used for Eucharistic Adoration and is recognised for its historical importance. Since 1994, it has been scheduled as a Grade 1 national monument by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), reflecting its cultural and architectural significance.

Saint Philip and Saint James Chapel

This chapel constructed in the early 1730s, was initiated by Fr. Gaspare Giuseppe Vassallo, Provost of the Chapter of Canons of Birkirkara. In a 1732 document, Fr. Vassallo proposed building the chapel on land known as Ta' Wied Għomor to serve local farmers and their families. By the mid-20th century, the chapel was transferred to the Parish of San Ġwann when the Parish of the Immaculate Conception was established.

The chapel features a titular painting of Saint Philip and Saint James, attributed to the Maltese painter Gannikol Buhagiar. Locally known as Tal-Propostu (of the Provost) Chapel, it has undergone significant restoration, part of the Local Councils 2022 scheme, aiming to preserve the chapel's historical heritage and reinforce the community's pride in their historical landmarks.

Family of Nazareth Chapel

References

1. "The Franciscan Capuchins (O.F.M. CAP.)". Archdiocese of Malta. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
2. ^ Spiteri OFMCap., Patri Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. pp. 35–40.
3. ^ Spiteri OFMCap., Patri Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. pp. 41–49.
4. "San Ġwann". Parishes - Archdiocese of Malta (in Maltese). Retrieved 2024-07-28.
5. ^ Spiteri OFMCap., Patri Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. pp. 61–66.
6. ^ Spiteri OFMCap., Patri Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. pp. 49–51.
7. ^ Spiteri OFMCap., Patri Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas press, Żabbar. pp. 58–61.
8. ^ "Our Lady". TVMnews.mt. 2024-07-01. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
9. "Liturgical celebrations by Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna in May 2022". Archdiocese of Malta. 2022-04-29. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
10. ^ Spiteri OFMCap., Patri Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. pp. 76–81.
11. ^ Spiteri, Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. pp. 102–103.
12. ^ "San Gwann tal-Għargħar chapel to be restored". Times of Malta. 2016-07-05. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
13. ^ "National Inventory : Chapel of the Annunciation of Mensija" (PDF). Culturalheritage.gov.mt. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
14. ^ Spiteri, Donat (1991). Il-Parroċċa ta' San Ġwann. Veritas Press, Żabbar. p. 34.

35°54′28″N 14°28′37″E / 35.90791°N 14.47687°E / 35.90791; 14.47687

• Churches completed in 1962
• 1962 establishments in Malta
• Roman Catholic churches completed in 1962
• Neoclassicism
• 20th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in Malta
• San Ġwann
• Limestone churches in Malta