This year, the Augustinian community in Rabat is celebrating two very important events related to the history of the order’s presence in Malta – 450 years since the laying of the first foundation stone of the historic Rabat monastery; and the first century since the consecration of St Mark’s church.

The Augustinian presence in Rabat dates back to the end of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th. The first friars were most probably from Sicily. The Maltese demolished the monastery for security reasons, as it was “a stone’s throw” from the Mdina’s fortification walls, along with everything inside (1551). After some years living in the Santu Spiritu hospital and in Mdina, the Augustinian friar’s community received St Mark’s chapel and some derelict houses in the vicinity, donated by Bishop Cubelles and the Chapter of the Cathedral of Mdina (28 August 1555) with a title of a perpetual donation with certain conditions attached.

The building of the monastery, based on the design by Girolamo Cassar, started in the beginning of September 1556. In 1571, Girolamo Cassar started construction on the church instead of the old chapel of St Mark.

Many are of the opinion that the Augustinians’ Church of St Mark in Rabat is an architectural prototype of the Conventual church of St John in Valletta. The church was finally completed in 1588. Along the years some changes in the interior design have taken place but the original structure is still that of Cassar.

After 200 years, the first monastery built by Cassar adjoining St Mark’s Church had to be rebuilt as “parts of it were threatening to collapse”. Work started in 1740 according to the plans of the best-known architect of the islands at that time, Andrea Belli (1703–1772), chosen from other designs by the Prior General of the Order, on the recommendation of the architect Valvasorio of Rome.

One of the reasons why Belli’s design was chosen was that “it has very good measurements and will save much of the old plans”. The baroque element, typical of Belli, is very evident in this work. On the portico of the monastery – a beautiful baroque work – one can enjoy detailed work on the Maltese limestone.

The emblems on the portico were removed when the French occupied the island, and the monastery was taken away from the friars for another use for some months. Today, only the emblem of the Order of St Augustine remains. The church is also decorated with another portico that enriches its harmonious façade.

Thanks to the hard work of the friars and their benefactors, many works of art have found their way to the monastery. Among these there is one that deserves particular notice: the polyptich of the 14th century that portrays the Madonna seated on a throne with the child Jesus, St Paul, St Augustine and St Catherine of Alexandria; works by Preti (St Augustine and St John of Sahagun) and by Erardi (Our Lady of Consolation).

To commemorate the anniversary of these events, a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, led by Provincial Fr Lucian Borg, will be celebrated on Saturday 24 June at 6pm. On Sunday 25 June, Dr Hugo Agius Muscat will give an organ concerto at 7pm. Entrance is free.