Rev. Fr Paul Mizzi

I welcome you to this web portal dedicated to the old parish church of St Julian, popularly known as 'Ta’ Lapsi'. This site is intended not only to provide historical information about the church itself and the works of art that adorn it, but also to give space to present the work being carried out by the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta’ Lapsi, San Ġiljan, in collaboration with the Parish of St Julian, so that together we may continue to care for this jewel at the heart of the community of St Julian's.

Dun Anton Sciberras, a priest greatly loved by the people of St Julian's for his spirituality and holiness, wrote in 1968 a poem dedicated to Lapsi church when the new parish church opened its doors. In it, he addresses the old church in these precise words:

“Illum li bnejna knisja sabiħa,

Knisja ta’ Lapsi, mhux se ninsewk;

Ġo qlubna tibqa’ tifkirek ħelwa,

L-imħabba sħiħa li niesna urewk!

Int tibqa’ għalina, illum u dejjem,

L-Omm tagħna għażiża, xiħa biż-żmien;

Aħna ferħana bl-għarusa l-ġdida,

’Ma f’qalbna għandek l-egħżeż imkien”

Through this poem, Fr Sciberras conveys the sentiment of the people of St Julian towards Lapsi church.  Even though a new and beautiful parish church had been built, the first parish church of St Julian would never be forgotten. It would remain in the people’s hearts, a sweet memory of the love the Ġiljaniżi always had for it. To them, this church is like a beloved mother, aged with time, yet always precious. Even as they rejoiced in the “new bride,” the new parish church, the old church did not lose its tender place in their hearts.

This poem briefly but beautifully captures the affection of the people of St Julian towards this church. The old parish church still lies at the heart of many Ġiljaniżi, especially the elderly, who look upon it with nostalgia because it reminds them of times gone by: their childhood, their youth, or significant moments in their Christian lives. Many recall particularly the sacraments they received here, back when it served as the parish church of St Julian's: their first Holy Communion, Confirmation, and for some even their wedding. It is a church deeply bound to people’s collective memory and remains a central place where the sacraments are celebrated and from which the parish carries out its pastoral mission, particularly among the residents of the historic centre of St Julian and the surrounding Ta’ Giorni area.

In recent years, great efforts have been made by the Parish and the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta’ Lapsi, San Ġiljan, to ensure that the church and the artworks within it are properly conserved and restored. It is my heartfelt wish that the people of St Julian, together with all those who cherish the heritage handed down by our forefathers, will continue to offer their support to the voluntary organisation and the Parish so that this work may continue. At a time when voluntary service is often undervalued, let us give a clear sign of support by offering our help. This may be through physical assistance, administrative work within the voluntary organisation, or financial contributions to the restoration and conservation projects of the church, its artworks, and its maintenance. Every donation, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated. I also urge you to show your support by becoming members of the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta' Lapsi, San Ġiljan. Membership is only €10.00 a year, which goes directly to the church’s restoration fund.

I hope you will find the information, illustrations, and media prepared for you by the members of the voluntary organisation both enriching and inspiring, aimed at raising awareness of the historical and artistic heritage left to us by our ancestors. Let us continue to cherish within ourselves that love for all that makes us Christians, and for all that makes our community beautiful, including our traditions and our cultural identity.