Stqarrija bil-Malti Agħfas Hawn / Press Release in Maltese Click Here

Press Release│ 27 June 2025

Heritage Malta and the voluntary organisation SOCEP (Senglean Organisation of Culture and Ecclesiastical Patrimony) are offering fully accurate replicas of Senglea’s iconic and miraculous effigy of Christ the Redeemer, in an initiative that reflects Heritage Malta’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage through excellence in digitisation practices.

The effigy holds a long and significant history. Built in 1742 by sculptor Saverio Laferla and placed within the Oratory of the Holy Crucifix, it became a focal point of devotion, especially during a plague outbreak in 1813. The statue is revered in Senglea and throughout Malta, attracting thousands of devotees all year round but particularly during the annual processions where it is carried along the streets of Senglea. 

Two years ago, Heritage Malta and SOCEP – a voluntary arm of the Senglea Parish Church  – signed a Memorandum of Understanding whereby the agency’s Digitisation Unit was tasked with scanning and creating a three-dimensional digital twin of the effigy while it was being restored. The MOU was the culmination of the excellent relations garnered over the years between both sides.

The process involved a combination of advanced technologies, including terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry, handheld laser scanning, and LiDAR capture. These complementary methods ensured an accurate and detailed digital reconstruction of the effigy in its current state. The resulting 3D model, jointly owned by both stakeholders, is a permanent digital record of the effigy, and a very effective tool for public outreach.

Now that the restoration process has been completed and the digital twin created, Heritage Malta and the Senglea Parish have produced the replicas to provide devotees and collectors with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a miniature version in perfect likeness of the effigy.

This initiative will also aid SOCEP in its endeavour to propagate devotion towards Christ the Redeemer, while providing financial help towards the restoration of Senglea’s ecclesiastical treasures.

Replicas have been produced in a limited quantity and come in four different sizes. One of them, larger in size than the other three, is a special collector’s item including the effigy, its dais, and all its various decorative elements. It is numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Anyone wishing to acquire a replica should click on https://heritagemalta.mt/store/ordni-xbieha-mirakoluza-ta-gesu-redentur/ or else send an email to sengleaparish@gmail.com or visit the parish office at 27, St Lawrence Street, Senglea ISL1113.

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