History
As can be imagined, the history of this parish is intertwined with that of the Capital and of the whole Country at large. The Dominicans have been outstanding in their services to the local population in the worst moments of its history: the plague, the French occupation, and, last but not least, during the terrible years of the World War II.
During the plague, for example, the friars never failed from their duty of assisting those infected by the disease even when this meant falling victim to it.
During the French occupation, the whole Dominican community was under arrest and imprisoned in Fort St Elmo. One of the brothers was executed by firing squad.
During World War II the Friars worked tirelessly in order to assist the hungry and the needy. As bombs fell and the war began to take its toll, the Dominicans were always at hand in order to give spiritual and material assistance. During those times many families in Valletta found refuge and lived for months on end in the crypt below the church that served as an air raid shelter.