The Senglea Redeemer Glory to God.
Twice a year, on the fourth Friday of Lent and on Sunday after the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, thousands of devout Christians flock to Senglea.
The reason is that on those two occasions the miraculous effigy of Christ stumbling under the cross, locally known as Ir-Redentur, is carried shoulder high around the streets.This statue has, in fact, overcome the test of time by keeping a strong following, even in this day and age when similar traditions are dying out.
Originally commissioned by the Confraternity of the Holy Crucifix in 1742 as a statue for the Passion set, it soon grew to become one of the most cherished and beloved effigies in Malta. Within an arc of 60 years devotion had grown so much that Pope Pius VII gave permission for a feast to be held in its honor annually after the end of the Easter period. This effigy eventually became a national monument of devotion when a vow was made by the clergy and the people of Senglea in 1813 to be safeguarded from the plague that was rampant in Malta. Since then the number of ex voto donations have increased exponentially.
Part 4. The Senglea Redeemer Glory to God.
Psalms 127:1-5 (KJV) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.