‘Ir-Redentur’ – A publication on the history, art, and cult of this miraculous effigy

Midsea Books, in association with the Senglea Collegiate Chapter, is pleased to announce the publication of a book on the history and conservation project on the effigy of Christ the Redeemer venerated at the Senglea Collegiate. The book includes original research and documentation on the commissioning and history of the statue and the technical report on the meticulous conservation project.

One of the most devout statues in Malta to depict Christ encumbered with the Cross, Senglea’s Christ the Redeemer (ir-Redentur) has long been thought miraculous, attracting devotees from across the islands.  Drawing on its reputation and intriguing history, a team of Maltese scholars, Atelier del Restauro conservators and scientists from the Diagnostic Science Laboratories of Heritage Malta and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IVALSA) present their findings. Shedding light on the development of its cult-status, the publication brings together the historical, ethnographical and iconographical study of the statue within the context of the Arch-confraternity of the Holy Crucifix and the Good Friday procession with previously unpublished archival research, scientific analysis on its structure and materials, manufacturing technique and past restoration history, before finally delving into this state-of-the-art conservation project.  

The book is edited by Rev. Dr Jonathan Farrugia, with an introduction by Rev. Can. Robin Camilleri, Archpriest, and essays by Sandro Debono, Jonathan Farrugia, Valentina Lupo and Maria Grazia Zenzani. Main photography by Joe P. Borg