For exactly half a century, Maltese boys have been going to the Vatican every year without fail to assist in liturgical functions at St Peter’s Basilica during the summer months.

Even though the number of boys and girls taking part in church activities or serve as altar boys might have dwindled over the years, applications submitted to the National Association of Maltese Altar Servers have not decreased, even as it marks its 50th anniversary this summer.

Mgr Frans Bonnici, director of the Piccolo Clero Malta, has been accompanying the altar boys to the Holy See for the past 18 years. A total of 85 applications were made by boys aged between 11 and 13 in January to take part in the national selection process to serve as altar boys at St Peter’s, a number that did not change in the past years.

The tradition started with Italian altar boys in 1955 when it was suggested they could take part in Mass at St Peter’s Basilica as part of their pre-Seminary studies. In 1964, the idea was about to be scrapped altogether but Canon Giuseppe Delia, from St Paul’s Shipwreck parish, in Valletta, saved the day and suggested taking a group of Maltese altar boys to substitute the Italians during their summer holidays. The following year, on August 10, 1965, a group of 16 Maltese boys – accompanied by Mgr Philip Calleja, now head of the Emigrants’ Commission – went to St Peter’s for the first time.

Applicants now also have to sit for an exam and the successful ones follow a course that includes practising what they learnt. They rehearse processions and what they need to do on the altar at St Barbara’s church, in Valletta, which has a round form and ample space, thus simulating the situation at St Peter’s Basilica, according to Mgr Bonnici.

Rehearsals also focus on the celebration of lauds and vespers, which is not done in Maltese parishes but are considered to be very important when the Holy Father prays for the Universal Church.

The highlight of the trip to Rome is when the Basilica’s archpriest gives the red sash bearing the coat-of-arms of St Peter’s to each of the altar boys.

But it is not all work and no play for the boys while in Rome. Once liturgical service is over at 8.30am, they are taken around to see the cultural sights of Rome including the Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi, the Coliseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, among others. Cycling and visiting the zoo in Villa Borghese were also a must, Mgr Bonnici said.

The association is publishing a book this year to mark the second 25 years (1991 to 2015) together with an appendix of a 1990 publication that was issued to celebrate the first 25 years (1965-1990).

There will also be a pilgrimage to Rome from July 29 to August 1.

Celebrations to mark the anniversary will include a solemn High Mass by Archbishop Charles Scicluna on September 26 at St John’s Co-Cathedral at 4pm and one at the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech on September 27 at 10am.

Those interested can contact Mgr Bonnici at fransbonnici@libero.it.