How Senglea’s Maria Bambina statue came to be crowned

In 2021, Senglea will celebrate the centenary of the solemn coronation of the treasured statue of Maria Bambina. The coronation was the fruitful conclusion of many lengthy efforts.

[attach id=871943 size="medium" align="right" type="image"]Canon Dr Joseph Adami, archpriest of Senglea (top) and a portrait of Archbishop-Bishop Mauro Caruana, OSB (bottom), found at Senglea Collegiate Chapter Hall.[/attach]

Ever since the statue’s presence in Senglea was first recorded in 1618, people have constantly prayed and beseeched its intercession. When trouble such as earthquakes, plagues and drought arose, they turned with fervent devotion to Maria Bambina. The September 8 procession, held annually since 1685, is considered a votive act of thanksgiving since Senglea was delivered from the plague in 1813.

The practice to crown devout images started in mid-17th century. The first in Malta was that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Valletta – 1881), followed by Our Lady of St Luke (Mdina Cathedral – 1895), Our Lady of Mellieħa (1899), the Immaculate Conception (Cospicua – 1905) and Tal-Ħerba (Birkirkara – 1910). In Senglea, regardless of a 300-year-old tradition of devotion, and the desire to have...