The Doctor Filletti and the Appearing Spirit
This legend takes us back to the year 1726, to the area above what is now known as l-Imsierah, where only a few families lived. Locals quietly said that within one of the fields, they often saw the spirit of a priest walking and reciting the Breviary. It was not a one-time sighting; this spirit appeared frequently and mysteriously.
A year later, the story reached the ears of Doctor Filletti, who had to visit a patient in those outskirts. While traveling by carriage, he noticed that what his patient, Gregorju Xiberras, had described was actually happening before his own eyes. He stopped for a moment and gazed at the priest’s spirit, praying with great devotion and reverence.
Doctor Filletti decided to get out and approach the spirit. Moving slowly and cautiously, he drew nearer, but the priest did not notice him and remained absorbed in prayer. When the doctor was close enough, the spirit vanished before his eyes. Despite feeling fear, the doctor experienced a deep serenity in his heart.
At that moment, a mysterious light rose from the earth—a light no one could explain. Within this light, he saw two small saints: Saint Philip and Saint James. The spirit then gathered the saints and continued straight with them towards the friars who had already settled in l-Imsierah.
Doctor Filletti and the Spirit Bright
Long ago, in fields so green,
A ghostly priest was often seen.
Walking slow and praying clear,
Saying words for all to hear.
Doctor Filletti came one day,
Riding through that quiet way.
He saw the priest with gentle light,
Shining softly in the night.
The spirit prayed without a sound,
Then slowly vanished from the ground.
A glowing light then rose so high,
With two small saints up in the sky.
Saint Philip and Saint James were near,
Guiding spirits without fear.
Doctor watched with heart so light,
On that peaceful, magic night.
