This
statue made of bronze was made by Antonio Sciortino and inaugurated exactly 100
years ago today, on December 30, 1917. Even though the date on the monument
shows 1913, it was erected to coincide with the International Eucharistic
Congress being held that year in Malta. It is a landmark that shows the
Christian identity of Malta. Its strategic place is also very important as it
is placed just before the entrance to the capital city of Valletta. The style
of this statue was considered quite innovative for that time, as it distanced
itself from the customary Baroque style and created a new approach to modern
contemporary art, which later developed and is still developing in the Maltese
islands. The 24th Eucharistic Congress was led by Pope Pius X’s
representative Domenico Ferrata, and was attended by 4 Cardinals and 53
bishops. The whole image represents Christ the King, but the striking figure of
Malta, kneeling at His feet, shows her praying and admiring Christ the King.
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