Sliema’s parish community is preparing for special celebration on Monday 29th September, as the anniversary of the Parish of Our Lady of Sacro Cuor coincides with the 70th anniversary of the solemn coronation of the beloved statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

To mark the occasion, the sanctuary will also unveil the newly restored main apse – a jewel of Maltese sacred art. The apse, Il-Glorja tal-Immakulata (The Glory of the Immaculate), was painted by the renowned artist Giuseppe Calì and has now been lovingly brought back to its splendour. The delicate restoration was carried out by Mr Pierre Bugeja of Prevarti, with the support of Bank of Valletta.

The evening’s programme begins at 6.30pm with an audio-visual presentation showcasing the restoration journey, followed by the official inauguration of the apse. At 7pm, a festive Mass will be celebrated by Fr Twanny Chircop OFM, Provincial Minister, alongside the Franciscan Fraternity, with the Cappella Musicale Caeciliana choir providing a rich musical backdrop.

Have you ever seen Giuseppe Calì’s masterpiece in Sliema?