Hamrun residents joyfully celebrated the return of the St Cajetan statue after its month-long stay in Rome, where it made part in the 500th-anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Theatine monks on September 14th.

The statue’s journey included a pilgrimage starting at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle, crossing Rome’s River Tiber to the Basilica of St Peter in Vatican City. Upon its arrival, the statue was blessed by Pope Francis and carried out in procession to the crowds in St Peter’s Square, accompanied by the music from both of Hamrun’s band clubs – Ghaqda tal-Muzika San Gejtanu il-Hamrun and Socjeta Muzikali San Guzepp.

Yesterday’s homecoming celebrations were equally festive, with crowds lining the decorated streets. The highlight was the statue being carried in procession and dramatically rushed up the stairs of the Hamrun parish, following the traditional custom observed during the village feast.

Did you attend yesterday’s celebrations in Hamrun?