100 year old statue

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 24^th 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.