St Rita in Valletta

Denis Darmanin (The Sunday Times, May 11) wrote about the statue of St Rita venerated at St Augustine's church in Valletta.

It must be known that the statue was not commissioned by the Austin Friars. Nor was made for St Augustine at Valletta. Vince Cremona made the statue of St Rita as an action de grace received through the intercession of the saint of Cascia.

At first, Cremona offered it to Stella Maris parish church in Sliema. It was refused by the parish priest because Cremona wanted the statue to be placed in the church all year round for veneration.

Afterwards, he offered it to the Austin Friars of Valletta under the same condition.

On May 20, 1908, a Conventual Chapter, held by the Austin Friars, accepted Cremona's offer.

It was later decided that the statue would be placed in the St Nicholas chapel near the sacristy.