The Maltese Dominican Province is celebrating 175 years from its recognition as an autonomous province. This was established by a canon dated July 12, 1838, signed by the Master of the Order Angelo Ancarani.

This anniversary was anticipated last November, with the organisation of the Fourth Preachers’ Congress, which was open not only to Dominicans, but also to the clergy in the Archidiocese, members of other religious congregations as well as committed lay people.

Another celebration to mark this anniversary was held earlier this month with Mass in the Grotto of Our Lady in Rabat for the Dominican Friars as well as members of the Dominican Sisters Council and the Council of Lay Dominicans.

During Mass, there was the renewal of the Consecration of the Dominican Province to Our Lady.

The Grotto of Our Lady is a very significant place for the Maltese Dominican Province because it was the first shrine placed under the custody of the Dominican friars who came to Malta around 1450.

This particular date was chosen specifically since on January 18 and 19, the three Provincials of the Italian Provinces were in Malta, together with the Socius for Italy and Malta, Fr Bernardino Prella, OP.

They were in Malta for the triennial meeting of the Committee for the Dominican Provinces of Italy and Malta, which is usually held in Italy.

There is a special link between the two provinces, since the Maltese Province was originally part of the Sicilian Province.

In fact, Mass was celebrated by the current president of this committee, the Provincial of the San Tommaso in Italia Province, which originally included the Province of Sicily.