Pride and Passion

Over 500 rare and stunning crucifixes from around the world are currently on display at a private residence in Gudja.

Jesmond Farrugia has been collecting crucifixes for the past 30 years but his family has been interested in these symbols of Christian faith for generations.

“Some of these crucifixes have been passed down from one generation to the next. Others I bought locally or from abroad, but a good number were donated to us,” Mr Farrugia said.

His exhibition Crocefisso has grown significantly since it was first held five years ago.

“We started out with about 300 crucifixes and now have close to 600,” Mr Farrugia, who shares his passion for these artefacts with his son Rosaire, said.

There are crucifixes of various sizes, materials, styles and origins. One of the oldest dates back to around 1600 and is a replica of a crucifix from Enna, Sicily, which belonged to a local named Lucarda Barbara. This particular crucifix made the rounds in Gudja until the 1940s as it was believed to be miraculous.

A ‘miraculous’ crucifix is one of the oldest items on display.

“We still get people who come to pray in front of this crucifix. Others recall having

Article source: https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20190411/arts-entertainment/pride-and-passion.707011