Thousands of people have applied to attend the Mass which Pope Francis will be leading during his apostolic visit to Malta on the first weekend of April.
In a statement, the Curia also published an artist’s impression of the stage that will be constructed on the Granaries in Floriana for the 3 April Mass, which will start at 10.15am.
It was designed by Carlo Schembri with the collaboration of Joe Bondin, while Anton Attard is responsible for the logistics.
The design is inspired by the form of the crucifix, with rays emanating from it to represent the eucharist.
The stage is 16 metres wide and 14 metres deep, and will accommodate 600 priests who will con-celebrate with the pope. Purple is the predominant colour, as the Pope’s visit will arrive during Lent.
At the centre of the stage the crucifix known as Kristu tal-Gogi will be installed. The crucifix is usually held at the chapel of the archbishop’s curia and belongs to the St Nicholas church of Valletta.
At the side of the altar, there will be an icon of Our Lady, a 12th century representation known as Ta’ Damaxxena, which at present is at the Catholic Greeks’ church in Valletta. The icon had been brought over to Malta in 1530 by its owner, Joanna Calamia. Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valetta was a devotee of the icon.
The curia said that all applicants will receive an email with a ticket that needs to be presented on the day.
It appealed to attendees to use public transport and arrive as early as possible.