https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3202 2026-10-09T20:11:23Z 2026-10-09T20:11:23Z Spiteri, Hilary https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149740 2026-10-06T12:03:04Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Filial churches in Malta : Qormi : a case study Authors: Spiteri, Hilary Abstract: Malta’s cultural and religious identity is expressed in the architectural heritage present around the Islands. This publication aims to contribute to the study on filial churches in Malta and open the way for further research about their history, architecture and works of art. Nonetheless, this study does not feature a detailed individual assessment of all the filial churches present on the Islands. The multitude of such exemplars stretches research boundaries to a limit which is beyond the purpose of this exercise. The book sheds light on nine filial churches existent in the Maltese town of Qormi. It provides a case study based on an assiduous research in both Church and State archives and also maps Malta’s socioreligious and political outline from the late fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries. On the other hand, the account takes note of their present architectural and artistic conservation and the echoing religious cults and traditions.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Fano, Laura Muschitiello, Michele Spiteri, Hilary https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149739 2026-10-06T11:59:31Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Vincenzo Labini 1735-1807 : Bitonto, Naples and Malta Authors: Fano, Laura; Muschitiello, Michele; Spiteri, Hilary Abstract: This book offers a fresh and engaging perspective on a pivotal moment in Maltese history, viewed through the life and work of Vincenzo Labini (1735–1807), a prelate whose personal and ecclesiastical journey forged a lasting bridge between southern Italy and the Maltese Islands. Born in Bitonto and later appointed Bishop of Malta, Labini moved between Bitonto, Naples, and Malta at a time marked by profound political and religious upheaval, spanning the decline of the Knights of the Order of St. John, the French occupation, and the advent of British colonial rule. Through a fluent narrative, the authors reassess Labini as a religio-political figure of notable diplomatic skill and spiritual determination. The book traces how his Italian formation and post-Tridentine ideals shaped his episcopate in Malta, where he sought to reform ecclesiastical structures, revitalise the clergy, and foster an active religious spirit among the Maltese population, often in the face of social resistance and political uncertainty.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Spiteri, Hilary https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149738 2026-10-06T11:57:44Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Academic artistic training in early British Malta Authors: Spiteri, Hilary Abstract: Art and architecture were low priorities to the early British Administration with its single-minded concentration on exploiting the island and its harbours for colonial interests. In spite of this, the first British Civil Commissioner, Sir Alexander John Ball, meritoriously undertook the re-founding of the University of Studies and appointed as its first rector, presumably in acknowledgement of services rendered during the French blockade, Mgr Francesco Saverio Caruana. Caruana thrived on political opportunism but, to his credit, he was a patron of the arts. His admirers and flatterers applauded him as a Maecenas. His great achievement was to set up, at the re founded University, a School of Design to bring architecture and the fine arts in line with current European artistic preoccupations. This was a big step forward in artistic education and, with the available limited resources, every effort was made, to give the school academic credibility.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149737 2026-10-06T11:51:59Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: L-istatwa tal-ġebel ta’ San Sebastjan f’Ħal Qormi : minn idejn l-iskultur Francesco Fabri… u Gerolamo? Abstract: Fl-ewwel deċennji tas-seklu dsatax, taħt il-ħakma kolonjali Ingliża, Ħal Qormi esperjenza qawmien ġdid fil-qima ta’ San Sebastjan meta f’Mejju 1813, l-abitanti ffaċċjaw l-aktar epidemija bubonika vili fl-istorja tal-belt Pinto. F’medda ta’ ħdax-il xahar - bejn Mejju u Marzu 1814 - f’Ħal Qormi, ’il fuq minn 723 abitant, minn popolazzjoni ta’ madwar 4,500, ċedew għall-marda. It-telf kien jammonta għal 16% tal-popolazzjoni ta’ Ħal Qormi ta’ dak iż-żmien; figura allarmanti tassew li tikxef is-sofferenza enormi li għaddiet minnha l-komunità speċjalment meta nqisu li l-imwiet kollha fil-gżejjer Maltin matul din il-pandemija kienu ta’ madwar 4,600 ruħ. Din il-ġrajja traġika qanqlet għal darba oħra d-devozzjoni lejn il-qaddis u fl-1816 ittellgħet statwa tal-ġebel, tradizzjonalment skolpita fil-franka Maltija minn Francesco u Gerolamo Fabri mill-Birgu, li tirrappreżenta l-martirju ta’ San Sebastjan, bħala ex-voto ta’ dan l-avveniment traġiku li ħalla marka fuq it-tessut tal identità kollettiva tal-Qriema. [silta]

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z