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The Military & Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem Priory
of the Maltese Islands Grand Master: : His Excellency Don Carlos Gereda de Borbon Prior: Count Dr. the Chev. J.R. Pace LL.D, MIM, CSA, MMInst, GCLJ, KMLJ, GCrLJ |
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RESTORED PAINTING The Raising of Saint Lazarus held in the Basilica of St George at Rabat, Gozo The Basilica of St
George at Rabat, Gozo was the collegiate church for
the Confraternity of St Lazarus
and of Charity [est. 1620]. The origins of the Basilica dates to the
15th century. In 1575, Mgr. Duzina reported that the church was adorned
with three small undecorated side altars, which had no associated
benefices. In 1620 with the setting up of the Confraternity of St
Lazarus, the right main side altar of the church was dedicated to St
Lazarus, and was embellished by a painting depicting the raising of St.
Lazarus. This titular painting was replaced in 1689 by a more elaborate
one showing the same episode painted by Giuseppe D'Arena known as "il
Romano". This altar, dedicated to St Lazarus in the Basilica, was
described by Bishop Mons Lorenzo de Astira in his 1673 pastoral visit.
The Basilica was significantly enlarged during 1672-78. In his 1745
pastoral visit, Bishop Paolo Alpheran de Bussan in 1745 described again
the side altar dedicated to St Lazarus and its associated benefices.
The altar was said to be linked to the Confraternity of St Lazarus who
celebrated the saint's feast every year on the 17th December.
Celebration of Mass at the altar was further carried out every Saturday
and Sunday as determined by benefices left by Pietru Grima and Anglu
Cassar, and on the feast of St Mary. The earlier painting is
held in the sacristy of the Basilica and was restored by the Priory of
Malta of the MHOSLJ during 2005-07.
The Raising of St
Lazarus
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