Author: Rev. Prof. Martin Micallef
Publisher: Kite Group
Pages: 358
Rev. Prof. Martin Micallef's new title, Il-Furjana: Knejjes, kult u tradizzjonijiet, published by Kite Group, brings to light a wealth of material that helps reconstruct important chapters in Floriana's religious, artistic and social history.
Based on extensive research in manuscripts, archival documents, inventories, correspondence and earlier historical accounts, Micallef goes beyond the better-known history of Floriana to investigate what once existed, what has been lost, and what can still be reconstructed from the surviving evidence.
Micallef traces the development of devotion in Floriana. The book also sheds new light on the development of the cult of St Publius in 18th century Malta, showing how devotion to the saint extended beyond religious practice to become closely associated with the island's historical and cultural identity. Through Padre Pelagio's writings, the study traces the churches, images, miracles, traditions, and devotional practices associated with St Publius, demonstrating how the saint's veneration was presented as a deeply rooted expression of Malta's Christian heritage. Micallef further argues that the promotion of St Publius contributed to a growing sense of Maltese historical consciousness, as devotion to the saint became intertwined with the affirmation of Malta's distinctive religious traditions, cultural memory, and identity.
Micallef delves into the spread of devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, including the arrival of the Lourdes statue from France in the 19th century. He also explores how religious devotion became intertwined with the identity, traditions and collective memory of the Floriana community.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the research concerns the old Capuchin church and friary, which were largely destroyed during the Second World War. Micallef examines contemporary descriptions and documentary sources, including the writings of Padre Pelagio, to reconstruct the appearance and character of the complex and to understand the important spiritual role played by the Capuchin friars in the life of Floriana.
The research also revisits the artistic heritage of the old church. Several important works by Filippo Paladini were lost in the 1942 air raids. Through a careful examination of inventories and other historical evidence, Micallef investigates the identity, location and dimensions of works that disappeared, and reassesses some earlier attributions. His findings demonstrate how archival research can recover details about works of art that are no longer physically accessible.
Among the themes discussed is an 18th century Capuchin antependium made from straw on paper and cloth - an example of the remarkable devotional art created within the Capuchin tradition of simplicity and poverty.
The research follows the story through destruction and reconstruction, including the survival of the Lourdes chapel and the eventual completion of the new Capuchin church in 1955.
Together, these studies offer a different perspective on Floriana: not simply as a historic town, but as a place where faith, art, memory and community have been closely connected for centuries.
The book will be launched on Thursday, 8 October at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Attendance is by registration on [email protected] or WhatsApp 9993 2592. The 358-page volume, which includes colour images, can be ordered from www.kitegroup.com.mt at a pre-publication price of €30 instead of €40.
The publication was supported by the Floriana Local Council.