The Dominican community of Valletta marked the 200th anniversary of the new church of Santa Maria of Porto Salvo and St Dominic with a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, who hails from the same parish. Concelebrating with him were Father Provincial Frans Micallef, Dominican friars and other priests.
After Mass, a new book by Victor Scerri on Valletta-born Dominican Fathers was launched. Proceeds from its sale will go towards the restoration project of the church.
Mgr Cremona presented the parish with a clock carved in stone, made by a Corradino Correctional Facility inmate.
Attending the celebration were President Marie-Louise Preca’s husband Edgar, Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli and council members, the president and committee members of the King’s Own Philharmonic Society and the St Dominic’s External Festivities Committee.
A reception was later held at the Catechism centre next to the church.