The Archconfraternity of Saint Joseph has announced that on Saturday, 29th October between 5pm-7pm and Sunday, 30th October from 7am-12pm, the 350-year-old crypt found beneath the National Sanctuary will be open to the public.  

The crypt, which dates back to the 1670s, was the original burial place of Fratelli and Consorelli, members of the Archconfraternity of St. Joseph. The custom of burying members within the church continued for centuries. It was in the 1970s that such burials were stopped and the remains of Fratelli and Consorelli were laid to rest in a cemetery.

Fast forward to the beginning of the millennium, permission was then given to transport the remains back to the church.

As the crypt started being used again, restoration works took place out of respect towards the dead and their beloved relatives.

Such restoration works included the stripping down of paint to showcase the limestone that lied beneath.

Two sets of wooden candleholders paired with a cross, two sets of Glory cards, two altarpieces, two wreaths and dowels were made to embellish the crypts.

Additionally, a gate was constructed, together with four iron candleholders on the side of the altars and a set of 24 lanterns to be lit above the graves.

Within the crypt, they also found two stone altars from two different time periods.

The first altar is from the crypt that was dug in 1670, when the chapel dedicated to St. Joseph above it was rebuilt. In it there was also a sculpture of Saint Joseph lifting the souls from the Purgatory.

On the other hand, the second crypt of the second altar extends beneath the Oratory, nowadays known as the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph.

This crypt was dug in 1839, as suggested by the date under the opening that leads to the sanctuary. A stone statue of Saint Joseph with the child is also found here.

On Monday, 7th November, at 6pm a mass will be held in the same crypt for the souls of those buried there.

Then on Wednesday, 9th November another mass will be held in the Sanctuary dedicated to Saint Joseph (within Ta’ Giezu Church in Rabat), with suffrage for the Souls members of the Archconfraternity of Saint Joseph, L'Isle Adam Musical Society and 19th March Pyrotechnic Factory.

After the end of the mass, a procession will take place from the Sanctuary to the crypt followed by the blessing of the graves.