John Carmel Navarro, Senglea
Community use of redundant churches
St Mary Magdalene chapel, lower Merchants Street, Valletta. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli.
So, carnival enthusiasts have been made to vacate the historic 17th century chapel of Mary Magdalene in Valletta. How interesting to read so many comments from people who probably never knew this chapel existed and are all of a sudden taking an interest.
While I agree that such gems that belong to our heritage must be protected, I cannot help but reading between the lines the fact that this is another jab at the dedicated carnival enthusiast. Does anyone really care what is going to happen to them? I wonder what involvement, if any, had the Minister who has taken it upon himself to solve the issue of premises for the float builders.
Maybe we have to accept that as far as the Carnival is concerned, very few people do give a hoot. Although I just cannot believe that the thousands of Maltese and visitors who attend Carnival have no interest in all the preparation that is required to stage such a prolific event.
Redundant churches ought to be used to serve the needs of the community as happens in other countries; the Church must take the responsibility for abandoning this chapel in the first place.
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Paul Borg
Mar 21st 2010, 09:25
I wonder if the Old Parliament Chamber (The Tapestry Room) in the Magistral Palace should be handed over for community use including as a workshop and store house for the building of Carnival floats. After all it is no longer being used for its original intended purpose and it was the government that decided to abandon it as the Parliamentary meeting place?? s/off
At the very worst, architectural masterpieces should be used as museums to display artefacts relating to the original function of the building in the first place, You never relegate such places to be used as workshops and garages. It is the same sort of sacrilege as when Notre Dame was used as a store house for food during the French Revolution..
Dave Alan Caruana
Mar 20th 2010, 18:21
Living in UK I have seen many examples of old, disused churches turned into apartment blocks while preserving the exteriors and general feel of the building. It's a very productive way of putting these buildings that are no longer required back on the map without destroying them.
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Mar 20th 2010, 15:26
@Denis A. Darmanin
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your reply. Lets hope your article will be published for all those interested.
If you don't find any objection, I kindly ask you to send me a copy of your article at:
yusuf@maltanet.net
Thanks again.
Denis A. Darmanin
Mar 20th 2010, 15:09
@Joseph Zammit.
I have just passed a short article about this church to The Times, relating to when used by the British military before the war. If published, it should prove interesting reading and historical material.
The Gloria above the main altarpiece has the crossed arms supporting the Cross as its central feature, denoting the Franciscan Order . In the bay to its left is a relief of the Apotheosis of St. Francis and on the right a relief of what I believe to be Santa Clara. The entire church is richly endowed with sculpture and architectural features.
J Martinelli
Mar 20th 2010, 13:31
It will take one good investigating journalist to research the history of this chapel, when it passed to the State, and why, and whether some consideration by the State to the Church was made at the time. Another point of interest, of course, would require information as to the date this property was handed over to the Carnival enthusiasts and for what rent, if any.
As far as the original report in this paper and comments resulting from it, the majority did not blame the Carnival enthusiasts for making use of the chapel but some did point out that any damage resulting from such use is regrettable.
If the Ministry of Tourism values Carnival as an added bonus for attracting tourists, then it only makes sense that it ought to help these float builders to find some adequate space for their work which is almost year round.
At a time when half truths and misinformation in the media is so rampant, someone, somewhere can contribute positively in order to restore faith in our papers and their journalists.
Let's start with accurate information regarding this historical chapel!
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Mar 20th 2010, 11:25
With mixed emotions of sadness and joy i read the news that the St Mary Magdalene chapel in lower Merchants Street, Valletta is to be given back to the church authorities. I do not know why this gem of a heritage was reduntant? Is it because it was dedicated to St Mary Magdalene --while everyone knows what image Mary of Magdala portrays to the church?
Where can i get historical information about this chapel?
S. Zammit
Mar 20th 2010, 10:22
If I were the man in charge, not only would they have to vacate, I'd also fine them for the mess they turned the place into. Honestly, to use a building do they really have to spray the walls with random garbage?