Description
In 1913, Malta hosted one of the largest religious festivals ever to be held on the island. The International Eucharistic Congress welcomed a total of five Cardinals, more than 50 Archbishops and over 2,000 pilgrims and guests from around the world.
The congress was spread over a week and events took place all over the islands. An elaborate stage was erected at The Granaries in Floriana to allow speakers to address the huge crowds. Eventually, as a commemoration, the statue of Christ the King was erected and still stands today to remind generations of the event.
A series of religious processions and meetings were organised in Mosta to celebrate the Eucharistic Congress. The Mosta Dome even had its name changed to the Mosta Rotunda to mark the unique occasion. Congresses, which are a festival of faith and prayer, still bring together people from all walks of life to discuss and deliberate the issues facing the world.
Like the Olympic Games, the Eucharistic Congress is held once every four years. Our archive film footage shows the huge crowds gathered in Floriana in 1913 as well as festa celebrations for Christ The King in 1967.
