Liturgical function of architecture in pre-Vatican council Maltese churches

Abstract

Most of the Liturgical Architecture in Malta was built or renovated before Vatican Council II. Vatican Council II felt that the Church needed to understand more the "signs of the times" by emphasizing the need for active participation in the liturgy. The Constitution on the Liturgy "Sacrosanctum Concilium " felt the need for appropriate Liturgical Architecture to help uplifting the worshipper's mind to God. In this long essay, my intention is to analyze the theological influence of Vatican Council II on our Maltese Liturgical Architecture. Although many Maltese churches can be considered museums, because of their artistic masterpieces, as Christians we needed churches that stimulate the believer of all ages and sectors to take active participation in the liturgy. This underlines the need for a balance between the artistic value and the practical means of our liturgical architecture.