Evolution of a church

St Julian's Parish church in 1968

My parish church at St Julian's just turned 50 this year. These photos show how it evolved over these years. The foundation stone was blessed by Archbishop Michael Gonzi in July 1961, and the church was officially opened in 1968. However, a major change was done after only a few months, as the main altar was brought down closer to the congregation, eliminating an original crypt which was found to be not functional.

The St Julian's parish church in 1978

The church was painted in various unusual colors for the occasion of the visit of St John Paul in 1990. The color scheme was designed by Architect Richard England, and was only changed this summer. The church hosts a modern Way of the Cross designed by Emvin Cremona and his son Marco, who also created the main Resurrected image of Jesus which dominates the sanctuary, above the main altar. I served in this church as an assistant parish priest from 1977 and 1981, and occasionally I still celebrate Mass when asked, as I did many other times whenever I visited my family from the USA.

The St Julian's parish church in 2006

The St Julian's parish church today.