The Fontana Local Council has continued with its tradition of placing a bouquet of flowers beneath the oldest niche within the locality, marking the feast in honour of Christ the Saviour.

The niche, situated just in front of the parish church, contains a small statue representing Christ the Saviour, which originally stood on a pillar at the corner with St Julian’s Hospital Street facing the area known as Ta’ Mulejja.

The devotion that steadfastly grew towards this niche led to the establishment of an annual celebration with the participation of La Stella band, lanterns and fireworks in 1884.

This also instilled the first ideas for the building of a parish church in the area. One of the initiatives taken by the Fontana Local Council was the restoration of this niche in 2007.

August the 6th is the traditional date for both calendars of Roman and Eastern rite Catholics to celebrate the Church’s feast of the Transfiguration.

It commemorates one of the pinnacles of Jesus’ earthly life, when he revealed his divinity to three of his closest disciples by means of a miraculous and supernatural light.

Besides ensuring regular maintenance the Council said that it also ensures that the candle in front of this niche is kept alight day and night without fail.

Photos: Fontana Local Council

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