The society was set up to promote Christian values through the art of church modelling and the collecting of religious artefacts, often in miniature sizes. Its aim, known as delizzju Nisrani (a Christian hobby) is much reflected in its work. In a time where the influence of the Church is waning, the society is proud to boast of a good number of members, young and old, who with their work serve as a reminder of Liturgical and Sacred traditions, many of them are no longer with us.

A humble beginning

The tradition of church modelling and similar hobbies was very strong before the Second World War. Unfortunately, it started to wane in the post-war years until becoming almost extinct in the next 40 years, until three men came together to form a society that cherished these traditions, hoping to bring them back to life. These men were Paul Piscopo SDC, Raphael Micallef and Tony Terribile – who are known as the ‘Three Pioneers’ of the society.

The society was formed in February 1986 and the first meeting was held at the Catholic Institute, Floriana on 16 March 1986. By May the society already had 90 members.  In June, the first committee was formed with Mr Guido Lanfranco as its first president. Later that year a statute was written and the distinctive society logo was designed.

The first exhibition

The first annual exhibition was held in 1987 at St John’s Co-Cathedral Annexe. Since then the exhibition has been held every year, including at The Nativity of Our Lady’s (Il-Vitorja) church and the current venue, St Francis Hall (underneath The Franciscan Minor Conventual’s church), both in Valletta.

Meanwhile, many members hold their own, individual exhibitions in various places around the island. The society’s committee gives its full backing to all members and their exhibits all year round.

A home for the society

For many years, the Society used to organise its meetings in different venues: the Catholic Institute and the Capuchin Youth Centre, both in Floriana, among them. Finally, in 1998, permanent headquarters were acquired in Valletta’s East Street beneath St Ursula’s Monastery. These premises were officially opened on 27 December 1998.

The building, a beautiful old edifice, was carefully restored and refurbished by the society’s members during their free time. Today, it serves as the venue for committee and general meetings and also the Christmas activity ‘Milied Flimkien’.

The society also organises cultural tours to sacred places as well as Sunday luncheons for members, families and friends. This helps the members to keep in touch with the society and in the same time enrich their cultural knowledge and entertain themselves.

The 2013 exhibition

Over one hundred members are presenting their exhibits, which vary from church models to statues and other items associated with religious folklore, this year. The exhibition is a showcase of traditional popular art, not necessarily ‘artistic’ in the professional sense of the word, but a reflection of art by lay people who try to do their best to imitate the artistic patrimony of our churches. These are made from different materials such as wood, papier-mâché, used matchsticks and even Maltese limestone. Other related items such as statuettes and model altars and small chandeliers also form part of the exhibition.

The public is invited to visit this exhibition at St Francis Hall, Valletta between till 2 March. The exhibition opens daily between 9:30am and 12:30pm and between 4:30pm and 7:30pm. For further information visit: www.freewebs.com/ghaqda_dilettanti_knejjes/