Religions of Il- Gzira

into bar, which at that time of day, was closed.The sailors wanted to enter at all costs. When Karmnu Brincat, the owner of the bar, refused to open they started throwing stones at the place. On of these stones hit a small shrine depicting a picture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which was hanging outside the bar. The stone broke the glass of the frame, but did not make contact with the portrait itself, which remained intact. Notwithstanding the wind, the stone remained fixed within the broken glass.

The stone was removed by Rev. Anton Manché and taken to the Stella Maris Parish Church in Sliema, whose Parish Priest at the time was the Rev.Francis Saviour Manché the brother of Rev. Anton Manché.

For three days, prayers and services for reparation were held. Rev. Anton Anton Manché managed to set up a small chapel in Gzira where the small shrine was taken.

On the 7th. July 1913 Bishop Pietro Pace declared the chapel as a vice-parish.

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