- . · of the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus L Deus on November 1, 1950. In 2005, the Mosta Rotunda was one of the distinguished venues hosting over a thousand Mosta Rotunda elevated to priests from 80 countries, includ.ng several car­ dinals, participating in the International Con­ gress for Priests organised by the Congregation for the Clergy. Reflecting their spiritual closeness to the Holy Father, minor basilicas are duty bound to the dignity of minor basilica encourage the study and divulgation of docu­ ments issued by the Supreme Pontiff and the SANDRO VELLA reserved sins) subject to the Cardinal Peniten­ 1989. The latter document governed the grant­ church of Mosta was essentially the first local ' Holy See, particularly those pertaining to the tiary. All other basilicas, including the Patriar­ ing of the title of minor basilica to the archpres­ major ecclesiastical project built in neoclassical Sacred Liturgy. Such holy edifices are particu­ chal basilica of St Laurence Outside the Walls byterial church and sanctuary of the Assump­ lines. Its architectural motifs and dimensions ' larly called to promote active lir.1rgical partici­ and the two Franciscan Patriarchal Basilicas of tion in Mosta on May 31, 2018, through a decree are truly monumental and a living testimony of tc pation by the faithful, especially in the sacra­ Assisi (StFrancis andStMaryoftheAngels) are signed by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the News that the Mosta Rotunda was elevated to unwavering faith in the C::-eator and devotion to t ments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation and the coveted privilege of minor basilica by Pope deemed minor basilicas. aforementioned dicastery, acting upon powers the Blessed Virgin. the celebration of the Divine Office. Francis last May has kindled a sense of satisfac­ Some churches were considered minor basil­ conferred by Pope Francis. The Rotunda's unsupported masonry dome ' Emphasis is made on thorough preparation tion, joy and gratitude among the parishioners icas by virtue of the consistent use of this title built in Maltese globigerina limestone remains of.the Liturgy, particularly thatpertaining to the of this populous locaJty. since antiquity or medieval age - such edifices a feat of architectural engineering to this day. most solemn seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent In a canonical sense, the sanctuary basilica of are now referred to as immemorial basilicas. "The criteria of pre­ Throughout the years, this edifice, raised to and Easter, and to the promotion of sacred the Assumption joins a restricted group of They include four famous shrines in the Holy archpresbyterial status in 1888, was decorated music and singing. To this end, throughout the around 1,800 pre-eminent churches worldwide, Land (the Basilica of the Ann~ciation in eminence justifying the with works of art by eminent local and foreign centuries and to date, Mosta parish, currently including another four in Malta and five in Gow, Nazareth, the Basilica of the Transfiguration on artists- suffice to mention the famous murals. the Largest in the archdiocese, has been abun­ and is the latest minor basilica to be established Mount Tabor, the Basilica of the Agony and the grant{ng of this title can by Giuseppe Cali, paintings by Stefano Erardi, dantly blessed with priests and religious, and in the Maltese archdiocese since the elevation of Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem). Good Friday statues made by Carlo Darmanin, dignified execution of the Liturgy. the collegiate churct of St Helen in Birkirkara The distinguished (ins4]nis) collegiate churches be summarised in terms the monumental urn ho.lding the statue of the Moreover, basilicas are callEd to celebrate to the same canonical dignity in 1950. of Rome assumed this title in the second half of dead body of Christ and the Inzoli mechanical "with particular care" the feasts of the Chair of Etymologically meaning a 'royal house', the the 18th century and served as a prototype of of history, architecture, pipe organ, in addition to silverware and StPeter (February 22), the solemnity of the apos­ term 'basilica' has been reserved for distin­ today's minor basilicas. embroidery adorning the celebration of the tles Peter and Paul (June 29) and the anniver­ guished churches that stand outin size, magnif­ The first canonically created minor basilica artistic merit, Sacred Liturgy. sary of the election or inauguration of the icence and/or historical significance, or upon dates back to 1783 (San Nicola di Tolentino in and The solemn crowning of the titular painting r Supreme Pontiff's Petrine ministry. which the Roman Pontiff has bestowed this title Macerata, Italy), while the first church to be devotional fame of the Assumption, authorised by papal decree Basilicas are entitled to the use of the basilica along with its obligations and privileges. bestowed with this dignity outside Italy was the liturgical celebration" on August 10, 1975, cemented the centuries-old h canopy (umbraculum) and bell (tintinnabulum). · Throughout the centuries, the Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1805. irrevocable bond between the locals and the f The canopy, shaped like a half-open umbrella, is Church has designated the title-of major basilica While the first few minor basilicas were cre­ Blessed Virgin, a bond which predates Mosta's ~ made in plain or damaskedsilk in stripes of alter­ to the former seats of the four Patriarchs in ated by the Supreme Pontiff, the canonical pro­ The detailed canonical process was instituted institution as a parish in :608. nate red and yellow colours, topped by a globe Rome. These comprise the Lateran Archbasilica cessing of petitions asking for the concession of at the request of formal Mosta archpriest Fr Throughout the years. the Rotunda hosted with a cross, both made of gilt metal. From each the Supreme Pontiff signify Petrine authority to tian hope. The red lining of the scroll symbolises solemn inauguration Mass of this newly insti­ of the Most Holy Saviour and StJohn the Baptist this privilege has been entrusted to a Roman Albert Buhagiar and petitioned to Rome by important events. Clergy and laity, including 15 stripe hangs a pendant of the O;Jposite colour. bind and loose on earth (silver key) and in the sacrifices 'made by the local parishioners tuted minor bas.lica dn July 29, 2018, the grant­ (StJohn Lateran; the cathedral of the Bishop of dicastery, and subsequently approved by the Archbishop Charles Scicluna, after obtaining archbishops, 45 bishops, four cardinals and Red and yellow are reminiscent of the hereditary heaven (gold key), as entrusted by Christ himself over the centuries. ing of this coveted title to one of Malta's most Rome, also known as Patriarch of the West), the Holy Father. The first norms governing this the 'nihilobstat' (favourable judgment) by the other dignitari~, presided over by Papa.delegate " colours of the Roman senate, later adopted by (Matt 16:19). Minor basilicas have the right to display the iconic churches carries an added responsibility Vatican Basilica of StPeter (formerly assigned ecclesiastical title were set out in the decree Luce­ Maltese Episcopal Conference. Additionally, it Cardmal Domenico Ferrata, packed this arch­ the Papal government. Itwas originally intended The heraldic insignia of the newly instituted insignia of the Supreme Pontiff on their facade to convey the Kingdom of God (Basilea), through to the Patriarch of Constantinople), the Liberian rina issued in 1836 during the pontificate of Pope required the presentation of a detailed dossier presbyterial church between April24 and 26, to be used to cover the Supreme Pontiff on his Mosta basilica comprises the traditional coat of (alongside that of the bishop in the case of parish active ministry 11\lith all strata of society, partie­ Basilica of the Divine Maternity (StMary Major; Gregory XVI. These norms were updated in line on the historical, artistic and liturgical aspects 1913, as they deliberated and gave praise to the descent from his horse or carriage as he arrived arms ofMosta, namely an escutcheon with a red churches), together with the triple barred papal ularly the poor and the marginalised. formerly assigned to the Patriarch of Antioch) with the spirit of Vatican Council II by the Sacred of Mosta church, in accordance with the Holy Eucharist during the 24th International to visit a Roman basilica. cross on a white field, (representing the Catholic cross. Basilicas erected after 1968 are addition­ May the Blessed Virgin, the first fruit of the and the Ostian Basili::a of St Paul (St Paul-out­ Congregation of Rites through the publication requirements of the aforementioned Domus Eucharistic Congress. The tintinnabulum comprises a small metal faith), a yellow circle (representing the Rotunda) ally entitled to the use of the papal symbol (the Basilea and mother of the Eternal King side-the-Walls; formerly assigned to the Patri­ of the decree Domw; Dei in 1968. Specifically, the Ecclesiae decree. This process was completed In a·similar vein, Mal:ese faithful Uoining bell hanging from a typically elaborate portable and a white star on a blue background (a symbol crossed keys) on banners, furnishings and the (Basile us), accmapany the local parish commu­ arch of Alexandria). latter document emphasises that such churches during the tenure of the current archpriest Fr othe:-s around the glo'Je) gathered in the belfry held atop a supporting pole, and is usually of the Madonna). Amonogram of Mary (inter­ basilica seal. nity as it struggles in