Special mass celebrated on occasion of the Lenten period

On Wednesday 10th March 2021 our Lieutenancy was invited to a special mass celebrated on occasion of the Lenten period in the presence of the miraculous effigy of Christ the Redeemer. Mass was celebrated by the Archpriest of Senglea’s Basilica and postulant Can Rev. Robin Camilleri in the presence of the Lieutenant Roberto Buontempo, council and other members and postulants of the Lieutenancy. We have joined in prayer to the Lord through the intercession of Our Lady for help to face the current COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences.Mass was splendidly animated by renowned harpist and postulants Lydia Buttigieg and leading Soprano Rosabelle Bianchi.

This was the last Mass service allowed to the congregation before more restrictions were unveiled. All safety precautions and guidelines were followed.

Senglea Basilica Centenary 1921-2021

The 3rd of January 2021 marked the first centenary since the Senglea parish church was elevated to a Basilica and also the coronation of the titular statue known as Maria Bambina, during the same year of 1921. A Pontifical Mass was celebrated by the Grand Prior H.G. Mons Charles Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta in the presence of the President of the Republic, H.E. Dr George Vella. The council of the Maltese Lieutenancy was invited to take part in appreciation for the help extended to a number of families from Senglea during the pandemic lock down last year, thus marking this occasion as the Lieutenancy’s first activity for 2021.

At the end of the Pontifical, Roberto Buontempo, the Lieutenant, donated to the Collegiate Chapter an album with original photos dating from 1921, passed on to him by his grandfather the late artist painter Prof Giuseppe Briffa, who was the artist that painted the Dome of the same Basilica (destroyed during a 1941 blitz). Furthermore, during his speech, the Lieutenant informed the congregation that the next Vigil of Investiture earmarked to take place in November 2021, will be held for the first time at the Senglea Basilica.