Liturgical artefacts in Malta during the Knights' rule and their theological significance

Abstract

This research about liturgical artefacts gives a brief meaning of liturgy and liturgical ' artefacts, and a concise background of the Knights Hospitallers from their foundatioo until their arrival in Malta. This study comprises: (i) the meaning and use of several liturgical artefacts, (ii) their theological meaning, (iii) an explanation of liturgy; a primary source of the Church's theology, (iv) liturgical artefacts brought by, Knights from Rhodes, (v) liturgical artefacts commissioned during the time of the Order, and ( vi) liturgical artefacts still extant in Malta. This study is limited to the most commonly used artefacts during the Eucharist and the main liturgical celebrations. It focuses mostly on vessels, instruments, choral books and vestments. This dissertation considers: (i) the important role that artefacts play in liturgical services, (ii) their social dimension on an individual and community level, (iii) their significance throughout one's spiritual journey leading to salvation, (iv) the symbolism of the donation of these artefacts by the faithful. Today there is an ever growing interest on the part of the laity in the liturgy. This was brought about by Vatican II especially in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in Sacrosanctum Concilium. The scope of this study is to bring out the symbolic beauty and profound depth of the liturgy combined with the treasures of the liturgical artefacts still found in Malta. It is necessary to delve deeper into the subject where liturgical artefacts are concerned.