Earlier this month, on December 10, The St. Helen’s Collegiate Basilica Museum was pleased to unveil a display of high quality Baby Jesus statuettes in partnership with The St. Helen’s Collegiate Chapter. ‘The Word Made Flesh,’ is the museum’s first exhibition since its official opening. At the launch, there were a couple of speeches made by  Mons. Louis Suban Provost-Archpriest as well as Mons. Dr Edgar Vella. 

One must remember that, at least in Christian faith, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ. Given how prevalent Catholicism is in Malta, this is something that is deeply valued. Thus, The Word Made Flesh was organised with the goal of assisting visitors in rediscovering the beauty and significance of Baby Jesus as the centrepiece of the holiday season. Ten or so antique collectors convened to share their buried gems, the display includes contributed pieces from Sicily, Italy, Spain, and Northern Europe, as well as a 300-year-old Maltese wax bambino.

The sacristy of the basilica serves as the entrance to the museum. At the door, there will be a catalogue with the shown artwork. In addition to the temporary exhibition, the museum features year-round displays of other artefacts, including sculptures, paintings, vestments, altar antependiums, brocades, and silverware made by the renowned Cannataci brothers. The basilica, which is currently decorated for Christmas, is another place worth visiting.