During World War II, Malta was heavily bombed, and so people had to find some kind of shelter during the incessant air-raids, particularly in 1942. The Government had to provide underground facilities which became knows as ‘shelters’, positioned in strategic places in various towns and villages. These were dug out from the limestone, which is predominant on the Maltese Islands. Entire families spent many days and nights, crowded in a very limited space, but at least protected from the bombs falling. Most of these shelters have been closed, but some are open, and still used as a tourist attraction. When road-works are done, occasionally the workers come across one of these shelters, which the present generation does not remember. To their surprise, last week, construction workers digging in a street in the town of Pieta’ came across a series of religious sculptures, specifically 8 of them, carved with some artistry and craftsmanship. They will be somehow preserved, to remember the devotion the Maltese people had towards their religion during the harsh times of the war, 80 years ago. I share with you today the first 4 related to Jesus, and tomorrow we’ll see the other 4 related to Mary and a beloved saint. These photos were taken by the official Chancery photographer Ian Noel Pace.
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