St Clement's Chapel, Żejtun


St Clement's Chapel is a 17th century Roman Catholic church located in Żejtun, Malta.

History

This chapel was built as a thanksgiving for a vow that a certain village local did. Clemente Tabone had vowed that should his life be spared from the invading piracy headed by the Turkish army who constantly attacked Malta during the 17th century, he would build a chapel in honor of St Clement to whom he prayed. The chapel was built in 1658. Klement was also responsible for equipping the chapel with all items needed to celebrate services and for the celebration of the feast of St Clement every November 23 with vespers and mass. Klement was also responsible for lighting the oil lamp in the chapel in commemoration of his late wife Dorothy Cumbo and for the celebration of two masses every week.

Interior

The titular painting, the work of Stefano Erardi, depicts its founder Clemente Tabone, whose head and prayerful hands can be spotted in the bottom left corner. The painting depicts Pope Clement I, the Blessed Virgin and the child Jesus with several angles. The painting dates from 1662. Another notable painting, by Francesco Zahra, depicts the Pietà.