Our Lady of the Assumption of Mosta

Marian Advocation of Mosta (Malta)

Since modern times, the Catholic community of Mosta has venerated the Virgin Mary in the mystery of her Assumptionwhich is the holder of the local parish. The previous parish church was built in 1619 (other sources cite 1614) and was already dedicated to St. Mary in his Assumption. On this Renaissance church was raised the current circular temple, designed in neoclassical style by Giorgio Grognet de Vassé, whose construction was developed approximately between 1833 y 1860.

Main data

Origin and history

Since modern times, the Catholic community of Mosta has venerated the Virgin Mary in the mystery of her Assumptionwhich is the holder of the local parish. The previous parish church was built in 1619 (other sources cite 1614) and was already dedicated to St. Mary in his Assumption. On this Renaissance church was raised the current circular temple, designed in neoclassical style by Giorgio Grognet de Vassé, whose construction was developed approximately between 1833 y 1860.

En la documented historythe Mosta roundabout has become a Maltese national symbol both for its architecture and for the episode of the World War II: el 9 April 1942During a liturgical celebration, a German bomb passed through the great dome, fell inside among the gathered faithful and It didn't explode., avoiding a tragedy of great proportions. The artefact was withdrawn and a replica in the church today is displayed as a reminder of this fact.

In the plan of the tradition and reading of faiththe Maltese people interpret this event as Special intercession of the Virgin of the Assumption, in considering that Mary's protection miraculously preserved the lives of hundreds of people present in the temple. This pious interpretation, extended in popular devotion, is based on the historical fact of the unexploded bomb, but the qualification of "miracle" belongs to the realm of faith and local tradition, not to a formal canonical pronunciation.

The image and the sanctuary

The church is officially the Basilica Sanctuary of the Assumption of Our Lady, popularly known as Rotonda de Mosta o Cúpula de Mosta. Es iglesia parroquial católica of the town of Mosta and is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Several sources also describe it as basilica-santuarythe expression which reflects its spiritual importance and its function as a place of pilgrimage; however, the Pontifical Decree of the granting of the title of minor basilicathe general name of "Sanctuary Basilica" as used by tourist and devotional sources is maintained.

The temple presents a planta circularinspired by the Pantheon of Rome, with a monumental self-porting dome which is among the largest in the world in its type. The main facade has a large portico of neoclassical columns and two bell-trees, while the interior is wide, with classic decoration, side altars and a rich Marian and holy iconography.

In the interior, a image of the Virgin of the Assumption, enthroned on the main altar, representing Mary to the sky; the general sources describe the dedication and iconography of the church, but do not specify precisely the material nor the author of the main image, so no consta This information is certainly available from the sources consulted. The church also retains a replica of the bomb that did not explode, exposed in a side room as a memory of the 1942 event.

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of the Assumption is and patron of the parish of Mosta, and the roundabout is the main Marian cult center of the city. The temple is also one of the great religious icons of Malta, frequented both by faithful from all over the country and by pilgrims and tourists.

The sources consulted (encyclopedic, tourist and devotional) do not mention a specific recognition as an official patron of the Maltese nation under this specific advocation, beyond the strong raigambre of the cult of Santa Maria de la Asunción in Malta.

As for a canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of the Assumption of Mosta, does not contain a documented canonical coronation In available sources, there are no clear references to the year or to a pontifical delegate responsible for such an act.

Party and devotion

The main feast of this advocation is celebrated August 15, solemnidad de la Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is one of the most important Marian festivities in Malta. Around that date, the parish of Mosta organizes solemn liturgical celebrations, processions and religious and popular events, which attract many faithful on the island.

Mosta has become an important center of devotion and visit: the roundabout is described as the the largest and most emblematic church in Malta and one of the most visited places in the country. During the year, pilgrims, parish groups and visitors come and, in addition to admiring the architecture, stop for prayer before the Virgin of the Assumption and to contemplate the room where the replica of the bomb is exposed. The memory of the 1942 event remains very alive in devotional memory, and many faithful thank the Virgin for her favors and protection, especially in situations of danger or conflict.

Link to the Rosary

The sources consulted on the Rotonda de Mosta and the advocation of Our Lady of the Assumption do not explicitly mention a particular association between this sanctuary and some specific fellowship, movement or practice of the Rosary. For example, the existence of a national rosary or a specifically rosarian party linked to Mosta in the accessible documentation is not included.

However, as in many Marian shrines, the rezo of the Holy Rosary It is a regular part of the mercy of the faithful who come to the Virgin of the Assumption. In this advocation, the Rosary allows to contemplate, in a particular way, the glorious mysteries, culminando en la Assumption of Mary y su Coronation in the skywho illuminate the faith experience of the people of Mosta and help to interpret events like that of 1942 in the light of the Gospel. Through the Rosary, the community joins the Virgin who has been preserved and glorified by God, entrusting to her intercession the protection of families, the city and all of Malta.