The Faculty of Theology will be hosting a Public Lecture entitled 'Secluded Treasures in Malta – the Baroque Neapolitan Crib and its Fascinating World'.
Speaker: Rev. Dr Edgar Vella
Venue: Theology Board Room (317)
Date: Friday 20 December
Time: 12:00 noon - 13:00 (Christmas refreshments will be served following the seminar)
Time: 12:00 noon - 13:00 (Christmas refreshments will be served following the seminar)
Chair: Rev. Dr John Berry
The Neapolitan crib has a fascinating history. Such cribs traditionally feature collections of 18th century crèche figurines in old-fashioned period costumes of the different regions of various kingdoms. In this lecture, Rev. Dr Edgar Vella will highlight the evolution of the various characters that appear in it. Reference will be made to the artistic, social and traditional aspects of this renowned crib. The presentation will evidence the rich detail and symbolism involved in such a crib which has captivated the imagination of so many people down the centuries.
The general public is cordially invited to attend this public lecture.
RSVP Ms Gillian Cachia on 2340 2767 or send an email to gillian.cachia@um.edu.mt.
Rev. Dr Edgar Vella obtained a doctoral degree from the University of Malta in 2012 with a research on Maltese cultural Catholic heritage titled: ‘Treasures of Faith’. Hailing from Mgarr, Rev. Vella attended art lectures at the Polytechnic between 1978 and 1980. He entered the Major Seminary in 1980 and read for a Licentiate in Theology between 1985 and 1988. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988 and rendered service in several parishes, forming part of the Mgarr clergy and being director of the Oratory for six years. In 1993 he was appointed assistant curator at the Cathedral Museum where he organised various thematic exhibitions. Fr Edgar introduced the Neapolitan crib locally by means of a series of exhibitions between 2004 and 2019, and he published a book on the same topic in 2012. He was appointed as the person responsible for the inventory of the diocese in 2001 and curator of the Cathedral Museum in 2008. He is the secretary of the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church which is responsible for restoration projects in the dioceses of Malta and Gozo. Fr Vella published his doctoral thesis in 2016.