Church of the Annunciation, Laferla Cross, Siggiewi
The Chapel of the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Our Lady is on a hill historically known (in Pietro Dusina’s 1575 report) as x-Xagħra tal-Fuqanija tal-Qassis in Siġġiewi. The hill is now more commonly known as is-Salib tal-Għolja or Laferla Cross Hill.
The church probably dates back to the early 15th century. The chapel was damaged many times and probably was rebuilt in 1494 and also in 1680. This damage is due to the fact that it was built on cracked rock resting on clay. Other than damage caused by ground settlment, it was also destroyed by the 1693 earthquake. After being rebuilt it was re-consecrated by Bishop Alpharan de Bussan in 1749. But it was again damaged by earthquakes in 1856 and 1923!
Above the doors leading to the sacristy were two coats of arms: those of Grand Master Carafa and Bishop Molina. These coats of arms are still visible. This is rectangular in shape with a simple facade and a bell tower. The bell, having the image of the Immaculate Conception and the coat of arms of Pope Pius IX. The bell is presently on the roof of the Pastoral Centre in the area of Ta’ Kirċippu and the titular painting is in the sacristy of the Siġġiewi Parish Church.
Our Lady of Consecration, Girgenti, Siggiewi
“I was consecrated to God since I was very young but no one in the world has given Me this title. It has pleased Me to bring it down to you Myself so that you tell them about it…”
Guza Mifsud, a resident of Siggiewi and devotee of Mother Mary, declared to have seen the Blessed Virgin at Girgenti, limits of Siggiewi where she helped her family on their farm.
Girgenti valley then had one side to side full of cane. Guza made a clearing so that during her break she could pray there, reciting the rosary.
On the 29th June, the eve of the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul many people were flocking to Buskett to attend the agricultural, fowl and fruit show. On that day she saw a great light on the loquat tree. It was as if the sun had landed on that tree. During that vision Our Lady was wearing a white dress and blue mantle.
From Girgenti we continue in the direction Brija cemetery and towards of the church of San Blas and onward to tal-Virtu hill, Rabat.