Today we went to participate in Mass at the Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St Paul the Apostle in Valletta. The first stone of this cathedral was laid by Queen Adelaide, widow of King William IV, on the 20th March 1839. The Dowager Queen not only inspired the building of the Cathedral but paid from her private purse for the entire cost of construction. The Cathedral was consecrated on All Saints Day 1844.
Despite the heavy bombing of Valletta during World War II, especially the heavy air raids of 1941-42, the Cathedral escaped serious damage. Thus did it survive to bear testimony to the valour of those who fought to defend Malta; and to house the memorials of all units of the Navy, Army and Air Force, and additionally a Submariners Memorial Plaque on the outside north-west wall of the Pro-Cathedral, facing Manoel Island. Further information about the Cathedral can be found on its well designed web site here.
The Cathedral and Anglican Community in Malta are ably led by Canon Simon Godfrey SSC who took charge last June. He is helped by Fr Jeff Williams SSC who resides next to Holy Trinity Church in Sliema. There is a third growing community on the sister Island of Gozo that meets every Wednesday in the Roman Catholic Seminary.
Fr Simon was kind enough to invite me to celebrate the Holy Mysteries at the Sung Mass held at 11am. There was a good choir and a large congregation. After Mass there was lunch for everyone in the Lodge (the Chancellor’s House) next to the Cathedral were all admired the recent professional refurbishment.
It was good to see Fr Simon in his new ministry and to meet so many friends and old acquaintances.
Despite the heavy bombing of Valletta during World War II, especially the heavy air raids of 1941-42, the Cathedral escaped serious damage. Thus did it survive to bear testimony to the valour of those who fought to defend Malta; and to house the memorials of all units of the Navy, Army and Air Force, and additionally a Submariners Memorial Plaque on the outside north-west wall of the Pro-Cathedral, facing Manoel Island. Further information about the Cathedral can be found on its well designed web site here.
The Cathedral and Anglican Community in Malta are ably led by Canon Simon Godfrey SSC who took charge last June. He is helped by Fr Jeff Williams SSC who resides next to Holy Trinity Church in Sliema. There is a third growing community on the sister Island of Gozo that meets every Wednesday in the Roman Catholic Seminary.
Fr Simon was kind enough to invite me to celebrate the Holy Mysteries at the Sung Mass held at 11am. There was a good choir and a large congregation. After Mass there was lunch for everyone in the Lodge (the Chancellor’s House) next to the Cathedral were all admired the recent professional refurbishment.
It was good to see Fr Simon in his new ministry and to meet so many friends and old acquaintances.
The monument to Fr Michael Scerri and other Maltese shot by the French during their occupation 1798-1800, with the Cathedral in the background.
With the new chancellor, Canon Simon Godfrey SSC
2 comments:
Good to be reminded of St Paul's - we so enjoyed being there last October and in April. Greetings to Fr Simon (who looks so well established already) ande to Fr Jeff and Mary - and all our friends in Gozo, Sliema and Valletta. Jane & +Edwin Barnes
its a pity.... i wasn't there... can you please inform me about a similar Celebration next summer ??!!!
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