Basilica of Christ the King
Malta·Paola
The Basilica of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Paola, Malta, serving the parish established in 1910. It was consecrated in 1967 and later elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2020. The current structure replaced the older 17th-century St Ubaldesca Church, with construction beginning in 1924.
Key Facts
- ›The parish of Paola was established in 1910, with the 17th-century St Ubaldesca Church initially serving as the parish church.
- ›Construction of the Basilica of Christ the King began in 1924 with the laying of the cornerstone.
- ›Stonework for the arches was carried out by Manuel and Carmnu Cassar, with historical photographs documenting their work.
- ›The church began its use as the parish church in 1936.
- ›It was consecrated and dedicated to Christ the King on June 3, 1967.
- ›The church was elevated to the designation of a minor basilica on April 5, 2020.
Christ the King
About Basilica of Christ the King
The Basilica of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic parish church situated in Paola, Malta. It serves the parish of Paola, more commonly known as Raħal Ġdid, which was established in 1910. The current basilica was constructed to replace the older 17th-century St Ubaldesca Church.
History and Construction
Plans for a larger church emerged after the creation of the Paola parish in 1910. The cornerstone for the Basilica of Christ the King was laid in 1924 by stonemason Vincenzo Costa. The construction involved significant stonework, with Manuel and Carmnu Cassar notably erecting the arches. Photographs from the era exist showing their work, and the original formwork and hoist are still preserved in the church's basement. The church began to be used as the parish church in 1936.
Designation and Dedication
The church was consecrated and dedicated to Christ the King on June 3, 1967, by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi. A significant ecclesiastical recognition came on April 5, 2020, when a decree from the Vatican officially raised the church to the designation of a minor basilica.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the parish of Paola established?
The parish of Paola, also known as Raħal Ġdid, was created in 1910 by Archbishop Pietro Pace.
When did the construction of the Basilica of Christ the King begin?
Construction commenced in 1924 when the cornerstone was laid by stonemason Vincenzo Costa.
When was the church consecrated and dedicated?
The church was consecrated and dedicated to Christ the King on June 3, 1967, by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi.
When did the church become a minor basilica?
A decree was signed in the Vatican on April 5, 2020, by which the church was raised to the designation of a minor basilica.
What church did the Basilica of Christ the King replace?
The Basilica of Christ the King was built to replace the 17th-century St Ubaldesca Church, which had served as the parish church.
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