Manifestations of the Council of Trent in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation highlights the various manifestations of the Council of Trent (1545 – 1563) on Malta as a direct result of the Tridentine decrees implemented on the island in the mid 16th century. The term 'manifestation' is being extended to account for both the outwardly visible, such as church architecture, furnishings and objects d'art as well as the role and behaviour of the clergy, the veneration of saints, the settlement and work of various religious orders, votive masses and formation of confraternities and solidarities by parishioners. Through careful study of printed material and on-site visits, this study examines and brings to light the Maltese manifestations of the Tridentine decrees and of the intermediaries stipulated by the Catholic Church in the Council of Trent. It will eventually be shown that the Maltese people were very willing to adhere to Tridentine decrees. The strengthening of the Catholic Church, the parish churches and its pastors, gave the people a sense of security which they craved. Religious Dogmas amply fed their need for security, ensuring their soul's wellbeing and passage to the divine realm.