The Statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is the work of the Maltese sculptor Jerome Darmanin and is the first Titular Statue in Sliema, 1879. Made of paper-mache’, it is considered to be one of the finest statues of the Virgin and Child on the Island, and is exquisitly gilded. Both figures are crowned with two solid silver crowns. An artistic silver aura, the work of Giuseppe Madiona, gives an impressive touch of splendour to the statues. The wooden gilded pedestal, besides displaying originality in style, is of great artistic value. Every year – on the first Sunday of July – the feast of Our Lady is celebrated by religious functions in the Church along with outdoor festivities – band marches and fireworks – the statue of Our Lady is carried through the gaily decorated streets of the Franciscan Parish.
People from all over the Island throng to see the procession which is also one of the main attractions to tourists visiting the Island in summer.
The Parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the biggest parish in Sliema.
The Procession with the Statue of Our Lady (First Statue in Sliema) throughout the Years
