The kappillan : case study of the Birkirkara parish provost

Abstract

This dissertation is an attempt to start analyzing the role of the parish priest in Birkirkara throughout the nineteenth century. This research gives an account on the social role that parish priest had during that period especially during the celebration of the rites of passage namely: baptism, marriages and death ceremonies. Besides that, the kappillan issued attestation to the poor in order to be eligible to receive benevolent assistance from the government, and also used to draw up the last wills and deeds for their parishioners. I delved in this specific aspect to analyse the ''Prepostu'' of Birkirkara and his responsibilities by looking at the Provosts who served throughout the course of those hundred years, highlighting the Pastoral work that had been done on a community level and other projects related to the Parish Church. Finally I tried to analyse the selection process for a Provost through the Concorsi that were held from time to time.