Altars of Repose

A Baroque style altar of repose at the Mdina Cathedral

If there is one area where the Maltese go over and beyond beauty, it has to be the way they decorate the Altars of Repose for Holy Thursday adoration. It's a pity that they last less than a day, mostly Thursday evening and Friday morning around noon, but a visit to a few of them leaves you just about breathless. Hundreds of people visit 7 churches to pray, a custom started by St Philip Neri when he visited the 7 main churches of Rome with his Oratorians. (Please click on each photo to enlarge)

Altar of Repose at the Franciscan church, Rabat.

Between an abundance of flowers, rows and rows of candles, angels and seraphs, there is main attraction, called gilandora, where the Blessed Sacrament will be preserved for the duration of the visits. It is usually made of gold or silver with rays emanating from the center, and it is usually one of the most treasured items in each parish church.

Altar of Repose at Mosta parish church.

Altar of Repose at the Augustinian church in Rabat.

Altar of Repose at St Paul's church, Rabat.