Parish Church – San Ġwann

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church – San Ġwann

Location & Contact

Historical Background

The church’s origins trace back to the post-World War II era when the Capuchin friars were entrusted with the spiritual care of the developing area known as Imsierah. On February 21, 1947, the first Capuchin friars arrived in the locality. Construction of the church commenced on September 13, 1953, with the foundation stone laid by Bishop Mons. Emmanuel Galea. The church was completed and opened to the public on December 20, 1959, and was consecrated on May 12, 1962, by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi. Subsequently, on September 21, 1965, San Ġwann was established as a parish, with Our Lady of Lourdes as its patroness.

Artistic Highlights

  • Titular Painting: Crafted by Ġużeppi Briffa in 1959, depicting Our Lady of Lourdes.
  • Titular Statue: Arrived from Bolzano, Italy, on June 17, 1960, and was blessed in Birkirkara. Over the years, it has been embellished with silver and gold decorations, including a halo with twelve stars and two golden roses added in 1978.
  • Main Altar: Designed by the Italian firm Pietra Santa, featuring ten medallions of biblical figures and a central bronze tabernacle.

Parish Life & Services

  • Administered by: Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.)
  • Current Parish Priest: Fr. Bertrand Vella OFM Cap.

Annual Celebrations

  • Titular Feast: Celebrated on the first Sunday of August, featuring religious processions and community festivities.
  • Other Processions: Include the Our Lady of Sorrows procession and the Corpus Christi procession.

Associated Chapels & Sites

  • Chapel of the Annunciation (Mensija): A historic troglodyte chapel linked to local legends and pilgrimage traditions.
  • Santa Margerita Chapel: Dating back to the 16th century, restored post-WWII, and currently used for Eucharistic adoration.
  • St. Philip & St. James Chapel: Built in 1730, recently restored, and occasionally used for special Masses.

“A Spiritual Beacon in the Heart of the Community”

Historical Overview

The Parish Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Ġwann is not just a place of worship—it is the spiritual cornerstone of the locality. Its history began shortly after World War II, in response to the growing population of the San Ġwann area, formerly part of Birkirkara.

In 1947, the Capuchin Friars were entrusted with the pastoral care of this emerging district, then known as l-Imsieraħ. The cornerstone of the church was laid on 13 September 1953 by Bishop Emmanuel Galea. After years of dedicated construction, the church was opened to the public on 20 December 1959, and later consecrated on 12 May 1962 by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi.

Just a few years later, on 21 September 1965, San Ġwann was declared an independent parish, with the church being dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes as its Patroness.

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

Designed by Maltese architect Ġużé Colombo, the church features a harmonious neo-classical style, constructed from local limestone. The interior was enhanced in 1982 by skilled Italian artists from Vicenza, who added intricate artistic details.

  • Main Altar: Imported from Italy and crafted by the firm Pietra Santa.
  • Titular Painting: Created in 1959 by renowned Maltese artist Ġużeppi Briffa.
  • Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes: Brought from Bolzano, Italy in 1960 and gradually adorned with silver, gold, and ornamental roses over the years.

Current Parish Leadership

Parish Priest:

  • Rev. Fr. Bertrand Vella, OFM Cap.

Fr. Bertrand Vella, a member of the Capuchin Order, serves the community with spiritual guidance, social outreach, and pastoral care. His leadership continues the tradition of the Capuchins who have led the parish since its inception.

Past Parish Priests:

Over the years, many devoted friars have served this church, including:

Fr. Leopold Tabone, OFM Cap. (1965 – 1972)
The first parish priest following the establishment of the parish in 1965.

Fr. Donat Spiteri, OFM Cap. (1983 – 1991)
Instrumental in the construction of the San Ġużepp Parochial Centre, uniting various lay movements under one roof.

Fr. Manuel Abela, OFM Cap. (2013 – [end date not specified])
Introduced as the new parish priest in October 2013.

Parish Life and Services

The church offers a full liturgical schedule, catechism classes, youth ministry, and various church groups:

  • Church Groups & Ministries:
    • Catechism Centre
    • Legion of Mary
    • Youth Group
    • Choirs & Liturgical Ministers
    • Eucharistic Adoration Team

The Parish Feast

San Ġwann’s parish feast is held annually on the first Sunday of August. This festive celebration includes processions, musical performances by the San Ġwann Band Club, fireworks, and communal spiritual activities in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes.

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