The article on Sacro Cuor church (September 18) made interesting reading. I am surprised, however, that it did not mention the hefty contribution to the expenses of building the church made by General Giacomo Lazzarini. The whole story is narrated in my book … Of Maltese Generals and Admirals.

This gentleman was one of three Maltese officers who reached the rank of major general in the British Army during the Colonial era. He contributed almost 70 per cent to the expenses involved in building Sacro Cuor.

The donation was made in the form of a legat (legacy) that obliged the friary to celebrate daily Mass at 8am for the repose of the general’s soul. Mass, celebrated on the main altar, was to be preceded by prayers and the ringing of a bell. These obligations, still observed to this day, are commemorated on a marble slab displayed in the sacristy.

Lazzarini, who was created a Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory the Great for his generosity, died in 1904 and was laid to rest at the Addolorata cemetery. He had no children and, from what I was given to understand, spent all he had on ‘living well’ as well as on his generous donation to the Sacro Cuor church, leaving virtually nothing to any heirs. Thus, no one bothered to even put a name on his grave.

It would indeed be a fitting tribute to the church’s great benefactor if the parish, celebrating its centenary, were to place a gravestone on this honourable soldier’s unmarked final resting place.

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