The Deposition of Christ.

Since last October, as part of the restoration of the catechetical centre at the MSSP Oratory in Birkirkara, a set of icons are being painted on the walls of the oratory church. This set of seven frescos portray the Mystery of Christ.

The artist, Fr Nathanael Theuma, is a renowned iconographer whose works may be found in different parts of the world and especially in Italy. Fr Theuma plans to finish the whole set of icons by next June. Up to now four out of the seven icons have been completed.

To fully appreciate and contemplate the works, which illustrate the main events of Salvation history, one must understand that icons are not merely a painting filling the void of an empty space.

An icon is a spiritual work of art through which the artist uses colour to proclaim the gospel and help people pray in beautiful and meaningful surroundings. Everything in a church building should reflect a theology of God.

The icons present a blend of traditional iconography with a touch of modernity. The central icon depicts Christ as pantocrator, that is the image of Christ in Glory holding the open book of scripture bidding one and all to come and find rest in Him as we read the words “Come to me all of you who are weary and heavy laden and I give you rest.”

The four completed icons are the Pantocrator , the Transfiguration, the Deposition of Christ in the Tomb and the Icon of The Resurrection. After Easter, the artist will continue painting the remaining three: the Annunciation, the Birth of Christ and Christ’s Baptism.

Much thought has been given to the position given to each icon within the church. The icon representing Christ’s Baptism is near the main entrance, inspiring those who enter the church to remember that it is through baptism that we become part of this body. Then, as one leaves the church, the icon of the Transfiguration is a reminder of the transformation that the liturgy must lead people into.

One of the joys of this liturgical centre is the people who come here to share their life of faith; the beauty and fervour of youths who have found a home here, radiating their zeal and enthusiasm as they reach out to other youths; the adults who belong to different small communities and form the backbone of this centre; the children. The promise of life, who bring joy to this place. All these together bring the Oratory to life. The icons and all the changes carried out in this place are only a reflection of the faith lived in there.

We deeply believe that evangelisation needs beauty. The church is not just the house of God but of his people, the place where we become the body of Christ and where one could experience a foretaste of heaven and the beauty of God. Here at the oratory we are surprised by the ‘miracles’ we are witnessing. We would have never dared to venture into such a project if it was not for the fruits of the spirit that we are reaping in this place.

www.oratorjumssp.org