Malta’s Heartbeat: Nine Fridays of Devotion

It’s 7 pm on a Friday evening in the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta. The sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the Grandmaster’s Palace. Suddenly, the air is filled with the rhythmic sound of church bells tolling. Not just any bells, but those of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, announcing the start of the traditional ‘Nine Fridays’ devotion.

Unveiling the Tradition

The ‘Nine Fridays’ devotion is a deeply rooted tradition in Malta, honouring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It spans nine consecutive Fridays, starting on the first Friday after Easter and culminating on the feast of the Sacred Heart, celebrated on the Friday following the octave of Corpus Christi. This year, it falls between April and June.

But why ‘Nine Fridays’? The devotion traces back to the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun, in the 17th century. Mary asked for the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be established, with nine Fridays being the chosen number to represent the nine months of Jesus’ life in His Mother’s womb.

Malta’s Interpretation

In Malta, the devotion has evolved into a communal event. Each Friday, the Church of the Sacred Heart in Valletta hosts a mass at 7 pm, followed by a procession through the city’s narrow streets. The procession is led by the statue of the Sacred Heart, carried by priests, accompanied by the church’s band, and followed by a sea of devotees, many carrying candles.

But the devotion isn’t confined to Valletta. Every town and village in Malta has its own ‘Nine Fridays’ celebration, each with its unique touch. In Mosta, for instance, the procession is held inside the Rotunda, Malta’s third-largest unsupported dome. In Rabat, the procession winds through the ancient streets, passing by the Roman Villa and the Catacombs.

More Than Devotion

The ‘Nine Fridays’ devotion is more than just a religious practice. It’s a social event, a time for families and friends to gather, for communities to come together. It’s a spectacle of light, sound, and colour, a testament to Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

For tourists, it’s a unique opportunity to experience Malta’s faith and culture firsthand. It’s a chance to witness the island’s deep-rooted Catholic tradition, to marvel at the intricate church architecture, and to mingle with the locals in a festive atmosphere.

So, if you find yourself in Malta during the ‘Nine Fridays’, don’t miss out on this unique experience. Join the procession, light a candle, and feel the heartbeat of Malta.