The Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu saw the launch of an exhibition that recounts the nearly 20-year-long story of when the neighbouring Dominican community, together with some brave friars, sought refuge inside the palace. At the same time, their church and convent were being rebuilt after being ravaged during World War II.
The exhibition Dumnikani fil-Palazz: Home & Temple 1942 – 1960 recounts this story through documents and interviews of people who remember these events. Parts of the painting adorned the original Dominican church dome are also being exhibited together for the first time. A section of the exhibition is inspired by the first post-war feast of St Dominic celebrated in 1952, after an absence of 13 years, with the typical vestments worn during the procession by members of the clergy and the altar boys accompanying them.
Speaking at the exhibition’s official launch, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said this exhibition shows our continued determination to preserve our national heritage.
“All in all, this exhibition clearly shows that discoveries are at the heart of cultural heritage. This exhibition is a clear testimony of the desire to explore and discover, and also, a clear proof that the exhibited material has several stories to tell”, stated Minister Bonnici.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli stated that “These exhibitions enrich Maltese culture and are important as they remind us of events that portray our island’s history.” The parliamentary secretary urged the public to attend this exhibition to enable us to preserve our heritage for future generations. She also praised the organising committee’s dedication for this exhibition.
Heritage Malta’s Chairman Mario Cutajar stated that a nation’s memory is preserved through commemoration. The aim of commemoration is not to relive that memory but rather to understand its context, learn from it, and better understand the present. This exhibition does not represent a mere page in the history of Birgu or of Birgu’s Dominican community. It stands for the volumes that document the ugliness of war and human suffering caused by humans themselves. This exhibition embodies the stories of people who had to uproot themselves and seek shelter in unfamiliar surroundings, the history of the Maltese nation during World War II but also the history of humanity to date.
Fr Aaron Zahra O.P., Prior of the Dominican Convent in Birgu, said that the events which occurred 80 years ago clearly attest to the Dominicans’ determination to stay close to the people of Birgu during a very difficult period. Were it not for their courage and determination; we would not be who we are today. It was their wise move that reignited the Dominican flame in Birgu.
Dumnikani fil-Palazz: Home & Temple 1942 – 1960 is a collaborative effort between Heritage Malta and the Dominican Convent in Birgu, with the support of the National Archives. The exhibition runs until 8th January 2023, enriching the experience of a visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister