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In a significant event marking the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Theatine Order, the statue of San Gejtanu (St. Cajetan), Ħamrun’s beloved patron saint, has been transported from Malta to Rome. For the first time since it was created by the Maltese sculptor Carlo Darmanin in 1885, the life-size statue has left its home parish. The journey has taken the statue to the Minor Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle in Rome, attracting nearly 1,000 devotees from Ħamrun to accompany it.
The statue will play a central role in a grand procession on September 14 that will culminate at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This rare pilgrimage underscores the deep ties between Malta and the Theatine Order and offers a moment to reflect on the enduring influence of St. Cajetan, co-founder of the Theatines, whose life and mission continue to inspire faith and devotion throughout the world.
Devotion to San Gejtanu in Malta
St. Cajetan holds a special place in the hearts of the Maltese, especially the inhabitants of Ħamrun. The parish church of Ħamrun, where the statue usually resides, holds major cultural and spiritual significance, attracting locals and visitors alike. The church itself, a masterpiece of Maltese architecture, was designed by the renowned architect George Schinas and boasts a majestic dome completed by Andrea Vassallo. The grandeur of the church is a testament to the devotion and respect held for San Gejtanu, whose feast day on August 7 is celebrated with great fervor.
As read in the Times of Malta, the transfer of the statue to Rome was described by Archpriest Father Walter Cauchi as “a golden opportunity for the Maltese people.” It honors the life and legacy of San Gejtanu and also highlights Malta’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage. The event is a source of immense pride for the Maltese, reinforcing its ancient religious and cultural ties with the wider Catholic community.
The life and legacy of St. Cajetan
St. Cajetan, born Gaetano dei Conti di Thiene on October 6, 1480, in the Veneto region of Italy, was a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church. Despite his noble birth, Cajetan chose a life of service over the comforts of status. He earned degrees in civil and canon law by the age of 24, and after a brief career as a diplomat for Pope Julius II, he turned to a more spiritual path and dedicated his life to helping others.
In 1524, Cajetan was instrumental in founding the Theatine Order, a religious congregation dedicated to reforming the Church and addressing the spiritual needs of the people during a time of great upheaval. His efforts to combine monastic austerity with active ministry were groundbreaking. He established hospitals for the incurably ill and was deeply involved in providing financial assistance to the poor – even founding a bank in Naples that offered interest-free loans, a forerunner of modern credit unions.
Cajetan’s life was marked by a deep commitment to both spiritual and social reform, and his legacy lives on through the Theatine Order. His canonization and the continuing veneration of his relics and images, such as the statue from Ħamrun, reflect his enduring influence on the Church and its followers.
As Malta and Rome come together to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Theatine Order, the journey of the statue of San Gejtanu serves as a powerful reminder of the deep spiritual ties that bind communities across borders and centuries.
The Ambassador of Malta to the Holy See H.E. Frank Zammit’s input in the event
During last year’s Holy Week, Ambassador Frank Zammit was invited for a lunch by the Superior General of the Order of the Clerics Regular, H.E. Fr. Salvador Rodea Gonzalez, C.R. in the Order’s Curia House in Rome
During lunch, the Superior General explained to the Maltese Ambassador Frank Zammit all the activities of the 500th Anniversary from the Order’s foundation by St. Cajetan.
The Maltese Ambassador explained to Fr. Salvador that the participation of the statue of St. Cajetan in the pilgrimage of Saturday morning, September 14, 2024, between the Minor Basilica and the Papal Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican would give even greater impetus to the celebration.
The Superior General seconded the proposal of the Ambassador, who immediately sought local permission from the Archbishop of Malta H.E. Charles J. Scicluna and from the Archpriest of Hamrun Fr. Walter Cauchi. The permissions allowed the statue to travel to Rome for these festivities.
Ambassador Zammit was proven right that the statue’s presence in Rome will give more stature to the Theatines’ anniversary, as more than 1,000 parishioners from Hamrun decided to travel to Rome with the statue. Moreover, both musical societies of this Hamrun parish also accompanied the statue during the pilgrimage, as also did the various church fraternities.
Ambassador Frank Zammit also sought to finance this great mission to Rome through various Maltese national authorities.
Archpriest Walter Cauchi nominated Monsignor Anton Portelli to head the organization committee while the Procurator of the Statue, Mr. George Sciberras was assisted by two very well-seasoned personalities in the names of Mr. Jamie Bugeja and Mr. Louis Mifsud.
The statue of St. Cajetan was brought to Rome by the local forwarders of Alfaran Trailers LTD, who did not charge for their work as this family business is situated in the parish of Hamrun; that is,the Hamrun Church did not suffer financially from this great initiative.
