Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Malta
Photo by Ian Noel Pace.
Enshrined in the Oratory of the Holy Crucifix, Christ the Redeemer is a source of inner peace to those from all walks of life who make their way to Senglea to pour out in front of Him their most intimate heartaches. During particular seasons, especially during Lent, many parishes organize penitential and prayer visits in front of this effigy, where in the silent moments of contemplation the faithful ask the Lord to help them, firmly convinced that their prayers are heard. The recorded testimonies of private miracles are innumerable: healing from terminal illness, cure of physical ailments, mending of relationships, and, most commonly, personal journeys of finding one’s way back to God. These numerous unseen graces were the reason why in 2016 the Oratory was chosen as one of the privileged venues for the Jubilee of Mercy. Other year-long moments of thanksgiving consist in the many presentations by parents of their newborn babies, asking for the compassionate Lord’s blessing and protection.
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Between 2017 and 2018 the statue underwent a much-needed conservation and restoration intervention by Atelier del Restauro, which was accompanied by an in-depth analysis by the undersigned of newly-discovered documentary sources. These two projects resulted in a scholarly publication, titled Ir-Redentur: History, Art and Cult of the Miraculous Effigy of Christ the Redeemer at Senglea. This book sheds new light on the forgotten history of this effigy and giving details on the conservation process.
Part 6. Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Malta | Photo by Ian Noel Pace.
Psalms 125:1-5 (KJV) They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.