Chapel of the Annunciation of the Virgin

Not far from the Kennedy Grove and exactly opposite the salt storage sheds at Salina, one finds the chapel dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady.

This chapel was built towards the beginning of the sixteenth century and was held in great reverence by our forefathers. Close by are early Christian tombs.

In the past, the Chapel lay within the parochial limits of Naxxar and every year the people of this village led by the parish Priest, used to go in procession to Salina on the feast of the Ascension in fulfilment of a vow. The Parish Priest used to celebrate mass and deliver a sermon. The procession was discontinued long ago. According to Bishop Molina (1680), vespers were sung on the feast day, and a free breakfast was offered to all present. The heirs of Giuseppe Buhagiar bound themselves to light the lamp on Saturdays (Acts of Notary Gan Dumink Debono). For a long time, the Jesuits looked after this chapel.

Although this chapel falls within the boundaries of the Naxxar locality, it forms part of the Parish of Burmarrad and is cared for by the Franciscan Conventual Fathers. The Friars have paved the church, removed the side altars, one of which was dedicated to the Apostles Philip and James, installed a "table" altar, and added a confessional. They celebrate the feast, and on Saturdays, at 5p.m., Mass is celebrated.

The fine titular painting is by the late Chev. Emvin Cremona.

Reference: A Hundred Wayside Chapels of Malta and Gozo by Kilin