Żabbar

The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Grace dates back to many centuries and the Sanctuary has since been a centre of frequent pilgrimages. |abbar became a parish in 1615. The present Sanctuary was built on plans by Tommaso Dingli between 1641 and 1696. In 1738 a new facade designed by Giovanni Bonavia was given to the Sanctuary. The titular painting by the Maltese artist Alessio Erardi was made in 1715. In 1951 it was solemnly crowned by Archbishop Michael Gonzi. During 2001 a 12 star silver diadem was placed by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca.

Parish Church dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Grace

Dedication date 31 October 1784

Parish Priest

Rev Sebastian Caruana

Parish Office

22 Sanctuary Street

Żabbar

ZBR 1013

Office Hours

Tuesdays and Fridays

9.00 – 11.00 am

Mondays and Wednesdays

5.00 – 7.00 pm

Telephone

2182 4383

Fax

2169 1862

E mail

parrocca.zabbar@maltadiocese.org

Parish Population: 17,000

Families: 5,200

Parish Clergy

• Rev Sebastian Caruna, Parish Priest
• Rev Faustino Ellul
• Rev Joseph Ellul
• Rev Joe Galea
• Rev Josef Mifsud

Holy Masses

Sundays and Feast Days: 6.00, 7.15, 8.30, 10.15, 11.30 am; 5.30 pm

Saturday Evenings: 5.00 pm; 6.15 pm

Baptisms First Sunday: 4.00 pm

Weekdays: 6.00, 7.15, 8.30 am; 6.00 pm

Other Churches

St. Mary’s Church

This church is also known by the title “ta’ l-indirizz” (a guide towards eternal salvation) and is the only one having this title in Malta. It was built during the 17th century replacing a much older chapel. During the French blocade it served as a parish church because of the great damage suffered by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Grace. Today not only Masses are celebrated in the church but catechetical instruction is also given.

Holy Masses

Daily (except Mondays): 7.00 am

Marija Bambina Pastoral Centre

The centre is used for catechetical instruction and Masses are celebrated there on certain days.

Holy Masses

Sundays and Feast Days: 9.00 am

Thursdays: 6.00 pm (winter); 6.30 pm (summer)

Church of Our Lady of Mercy

This chapel is part of the parish cemetery which is in use since 1676. It is used for funerary services and other Masses during the year.

Holy Masses

Mondays: 4.00 pm (winter); 5.00 pm (summer)

Annunciation Church

The present church was built in 1861 on the site of an older church built in 1610; today it is used by the Catechumenate Movement.

Eucharistic Adoration

Mondays to Fridays 8.00 am – 7.00 pm

St Nicholas Church

This church was built in the 16th Century and was partially damaged during the Second World War. Today it is used for prayer meetings.

St Domenica’s Church

This church was built in 1954 replacing an older one that was heavily damaged during the Second World War. The old chapel was decorated with beautiful frescoes, the central one was saved and is preserved in the Sanctuary Museum.

Church of Our Lady “Tal-Plier”

This church owes its origin to Joseph Testaferrata who in 1585 left a legacy for the celebration of its patronal feast. This church is situated in the centre of the housing estate built recently, in a locality known as “Tal-Plier”.

Ursuline Sisters Church

This church forms part of the Convent of the Ursuline Sisters. It was built between 1983 and 1986.

Telephone

2180 3974

Holy Mass

Wednesdays: 7.00 am

St Leonard Church

This church is part of a beautifully laid summer house that belonged to the Baroness Anne Casici Casolani. In 1656 it was rebuilt by the Cleric Leonard Sammut. Today this church is not in use.

St Andrew Church

The church situated near the church of St Domenica was built in the fifteenth century for the people living in the outskirts of the village. Today it serves as a headquarters for the Żabbar Scout Group.

Holy Cross Church

The church that was blesssed on the 3rd April 1993, serves the pastoral needs of the people living in the area. Adjoining it is the St. Andrew’s Pastoral Centre used for catechism classes.

Holy Masses

Sundays and Feast Days: 8.00 am

Saturday Evenings: 5.30 pm in winter; 6.00 pm in summer

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 8.30 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6.00 pm in winter and 7.00 pm in summer

St. James Church – Xgħajra

The church was built in 1933 to cater for the spiritual needs of the people living in the area.

Telephone

2169 0241

Holy Masses

Sundays and Feast Days: 7.30 am, 11.00 am , 5.00 pm in winter; 6.00 pm in summer

Saturday Evenings: 6.00 pm

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 8.30 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5.30 pm

St. Joseph Church

The chapel is the Convent chapel of the Dominican Sisters and caters for the pastoral needs of the people living in the Housing Estate.

Telephone

2182 4740

Holy Masses

Sundays and Feast Days: 7.00 am

Weekdays: 7.00 am

Nazareth Pastoral Centre

Holy Mass

Sundays: 8.30 am