In pictures: When the visit of St Francis Xavier’s relic caused public hysteria

Archbishop Mauro Caruana carrying the Francis Xavier relic in a procession. Postcard by Lauri & Co.

One of the most memorable highlights of the year 1924 undoubtedly remains the visit to Malta of a holy relic – the mummified arm of a reputable Spanish holy man, St Francis Xavier.The organising committee did not expect the rapturous welcome it received.The relic arrived in Malta on May 26 aboard the MV Ljubljana, decked...