Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Malta·Senglea·Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta
The Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories, is a Roman Catholic parish church in Senglea, Malta. Originally built in 1580, it was consecrated in 1743 and later elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope Benedict XV in 1921, becoming a significant sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Key Facts
- ›Built in 1580, likely by architect Vittorio Cassar, as a monument to the Christian Victory after the Great Siege of 1565.
- ›Became a parish in 1581 and was consecrated on October 20, 1743.
- ›Granted the title of Basilica by Pope Benedict XV in 1921.
- ›Housed a notable wooden statue of Mary, known as IL-Bambina, carved in 1618.
- ›Destroyed by bombs in 1941 and subsequently rebuilt, with a rededication on August 24, 1956.
- ›Contains a collection of manuscripts dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries in its Archives and Study Room.
Statue of Mary
Benedictines
Vittorio Cassar
About Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
The Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, also recognized as the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories, stands as a significant Roman Catholic parish church in Senglea, Malta. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, its history is intertwined with the island's resilience and religious devotion.
History and Designation
Construction of the basilica is attributed to architect Vittorio Cassar, likely beginning in 1580. It was conceived as a monument to commemorate the Christian victory following the pivotal Great Siege of 1565. Senglea was established as a parish in 1581. The church's consecration took place on October 20, 1743. Its ecclesiastical importance grew significantly over time; Pope Pius VI declared it a "collegiata insignis" (distinguished collegiate church) on May 21, 1786. In a further elevation of its status, Pope Benedict XV bestowed upon it the title of Basilica in 1921. Following the ceremonial crowning of a statue of the Virgin Mary on September 4, 1921, the church became a revered sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Destruction and Reconstruction
A period of devastation occurred in 1941 when the church building was destroyed by aerial bombing during World War II. However, its spiritual and architectural legacy endured. The basilica was rebuilt and subsequently consecrated by Archbishop Gonzi on August 24, 1956, symbolizing a renewal of faith and community.
Artistic and Archival Treasures
The basilica is home to several notable works of art and historical documents. The central artistic feature is a wooden statue of Mary, known as "Il-Bambina." This statue, carved in 1618 and painted in 1631, was gilded and holds a place of veneration. The crown adorning the statue, containing diamonds and precious stones, was part of the 1921 coronation ceremony. Surrounding the statue are four silver angels created in 1934. A marble statue consecrated in 1956 is also present. The church's interior is further adorned with busts depicting figures such as Pope Benedict XV and Grand Master La Sengle, as well as representations of sixteen saints connected with the Virgin Mary. The basilica also possesses a significant collection of manuscripts, primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, housed in its Archives and Study Room. This archive is named after Dom Mauro Inguanez, a Benedictine abbot who played a crucial role in preserving various manuscripts and was instrumental in the basilica's designation as a minor basilica and the crowning of the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary built?
The basilica was most probably built in 1580. It was intended as a monument commemorating the Christian Victory following the Great Siege of 1565.
What is the significance of the statue of Il-Bambina?
The wooden statue of Mary, known as Il-Bambina, is a main attraction. Carved in 1618, it was crowned in 1921, after which the church became a sanctuary of the Virgin Mary.
Has the basilica always been a basilica?
No, the church was first declared a 'collegiata insignis' (distinguished collegiate church) by Pope Pius VI in 1786. Pope Benedict XV later honored it with the title of Basilica in 1921.
What happened to the church during World War II?
The church building was destroyed by bombs in 1941. It was subsequently rebuilt and consecrated again on August 24, 1956.
What kind of historical documents are kept at the basilica?
The basilica houses many manuscripts dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries in its Archives and Study Room. These include a diary by Francesco Saverio Baldacchino, which offers insights into historical periods of Malta.
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