The fraternity of the Crucifix and its oratory in Senglea

Abstract

The aim in this dissertation is to conduct a research about the Fraternity of the Crucifix and their Oratory with regards to its history, its development and its eventual funding and obligations. The Oratory of the Crucifix, situated on the right hand side of the Collegiata in Senglea, is embellished in a beautiful baroque style designed mainly by artists from Senglea. Its construction was completed in two years, from 1731 to 1733 during the High Baroque period in Malta. Grand Master Manoel Pinto also contributed to the development of this Baroque monument where he was also the Prefetto of the Fraternity of the Crucifix for eight years between 1763 and 1771, during the time the latter administered this oratory. The Oratory's art and its architectural features were combined to symbolise prestige, power, and wealth synonymous to the Baroque era. The Oratory originated during the period when churches in Malta were the element of grandeur and symbolism as envisaged in the Council of Trent. Throughout this analysis, the author will be focusing on the influences which this period left on the city of Senglea.