Photos from a Maltese festa

I visited another parish this past weekend during the evening procession with the statue of the Blessed Mother known as Sacro Cuor (Sacred Heart of Mary.) As you can see it is another beautiful statue with Mary carrying baby Jesus, and the church is yet another splendid Baroque church dressed to its very best. This particular parish is run by the Franciscans and is one of 4 parishes in the one big town called Sliema, adjacent to my home parish of St. Julian’s. The exquisite paintings adorn the entire ceiling were done by a Maltese artist. More on these in tomorrow's blog.

The statue of the Blessed Mother in procession

The statue was carried in procession through the streets of the town, accompanied by marching bands. Fireworks were let off later in the evening, and the statue returned to the church by 10 PM, where Benediction is held and another festa has ended. But there will be more next weekend, at least 3 to 4 festas every weekend between now and the middle of September.

Mary and baby Jesus