Parish Church Paola
Paola is known as Raħal Ġdid and is a new city built by Grandmaster Antoine de Paule. Before the city was built a request was made to Pope Urbanus VIII to found a church. On 31st July 1629 approval was given for the establishment. The Grandmaster had great respect and admiration for the sister Ubaldesca Taccini who joined the Order of St. John (Jerusalem) in 1136 at the age of 15 and she became St. Ubaldesca.
The first stone building which has been built in the new city was a 17th century baroque church dedicated to St. Ubaldesca. The first stone was laid by the 78 year old Grandmaster on Sunday 27th August 1630.
Due to the growth of the population the parish of Paola requested their own parish church in 1883. Bishof Pietro Pace granted the wish. Marquis Giorgio Crispo Barbaro di San Giorgio and Fra. Francis Attard led the process. In 1902 the church was enlarged and the original altarpiece, a painting of Bartolomeo Garagona has been replaced by a painting of Lazzard Pisano.
It became a parish church in 1910. As the city continued to grow due to maritime activities, the church was so full during mass that the people had to attend mass outside.
CHURCH CHRIST THE KING
Plans were made for a bigger church. Construction started in 1924 according to the design of Ġużè Damato who was also a great benefactor. The first mass was held in 1928, although the church was not yet finished. It became the parish church of Paola in 1936. The church was finished in 1959. The church was consecrated and dedicated to Christ the King by Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi on 3rd June 1967.
This church is the biggest of the country and the builiding has the shape of a Latin cross.
The process of elevating the church to the status of a basilica started in July 2019.
The feast of Christ the King is celebrated on the 4th Sunday in July.
Holy Mass | Mondays - Friday 6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30 - 10:00 - 18:30 Saturday 6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30 - 10:00 - 18:30 -19:30 Sunday 6:30 - 8:00 - 9:30 - 11:00 - 18:000 -19:30 |
Address and street / location can be found on our map, click on Guide in the menu bar and you will get a map with markers. | |