Joe Cordina, 74, spends long months in his workshop, poring over and changing details of his large crib at Christmas and which he transforms into the Way of the Cross at Easter.

The structure is entirely made of free-standing natural rocks. Even the caves are built without any support for the ceiling.

Mr Cordina, who first set up the exhibition 32 years ago, explained that the method he used to build the structure was similar to that used by professionals to erect rubble walls in the countryside.

The model is complete with valleys, hills, caves, trees, pathways strewn with sawdust and streams of running water – all depicting the Palestinian scene at the time of the Passion of Christ.

Mr Cordina explained that some of the figurines are unique as they were made by statuarian Carmelo Agius, of Pietà, specifically for use in this exhibition.

When he passed away, other figurines usually on display in the Christmas crib and made by Mr Agius were arranged by Mr Cordina to represent characters involved in the story of the Passion. Others were totally made by Mr Cordina himself.

Joe Cordina has been organising religious exhibitions for more than 30 years.Joe Cordina has been organising religious exhibitions for more than 30 years.

At Christmas, Mr Cordina builds an artistic crib built using the same method.

Six years ago, he started to set up an exhibition for the occasion of the feast of St Cajetan.

The display resembles a typical Italian town with the figurines showing episodes from the life of St Cajetan.

There are scenes showing the birth of St Cajetan who came from a noble family.

The exhibition opens today at 3A, Villambrosa Street, corner with St Joseph High Road, Ħamrun.

The structure depicts the Palestinian scene at the time of the Passion of Christ.The structure depicts the Palestinian scene at the time of the Passion of Christ.

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