This year marks a significant milestone in ecclesiastical history: the 150th anniversary of the birth of Eugenio Pacelli, known to the world as Pope Pius XII. Born in Rome on 2 March 1876, his life spanned the transition from the Victorian era to the height of the Space Age.
Pius XII was a man of immense discipline and aristocratic poise. Before his election to the Papacy in 1939, he served as a top diplomat for the Vatican. His reign was defined by the Second World War, during which he navigated a treacherous path of neutrality to protect the Church from both Nazi and Soviet aggression. While he was a figure of global politics, he remained deeply moved by local devotions, particularly in the Mediterranean.
For the people of Żabbar, the legacy of Pius XII is not found in grand political treaties, but in a specific decree. The town’s most treasured possession is the painting of Our Lady of Graces (Il-Madonna tal-Grazzja), a 1715 masterpiece by Alessio Erardi.
Following the hardships of the Second World War—in which Malta played a heroic role—Mgr Joseph Zarb petitioned Rome for the highest possible honour: a Canonical Coronation for the Titular Painting.
A “Canonical Coronation” is a formal act of the Holy See. To grant it, the Vatican requires proof that an image is both ancient and truly “miraculous.” On the 20th July, 1949 acting under the authority of Pius XII, the Vatican Chapter issued the official decree.
The salient points of this historical event are:
- Recognition: The decree acknowledged the centuries of “extraordinary graces” and miracles attributed to the painting.
- The Act: It authorised the placement of two solid gold crowns upon the heads of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.
- The Ceremony: On 2 September 1951, the coronation was carried out by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi. It was a day of national rejoicing, attended by thousands of Maltese faithful.
As we reflect on the 150 years since his birth, Pius XII is remembered as the “Pastor Angelicus” who sought to provide spiritual stability in a broken world. For the people of Żabbar, the decree issued during his pontificate is a living testament to their faith. The gold crowns atop the painting are not merely ornaments; they are a permanent seal of approval from a Pope who recognised the miraculous history of their town.
