House of Calleja - Calleja Coat of Arms

Anthony Calleja - Christian. Husband. USAF Veteran. American Patriot. Photographer. Web Designer. Gardener. Proudly Maltese. Living in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.

Mosta Rotanda - 2017

The House of Calleja

See: My Ancestors - House of Calleja - House of Caruana - House of Mercieca - Pacifico Calleja - Antonia Galea Mercieca - HMS Glorious - SS Ashbury - Victor B. Caruana - Pietru Caxaro - Theophilactus I - Arnulf of Metz - Words of My Mother and Father - Family Photo Gallery

My Paternal Grand Parents Annunziato (Lonzu) Calleja and Teresa Bugeja Calleja

Welcome to the House of Calleja.

In this special space, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Calleja family. It all began with my paternal grandparents, Annunziato (Lonzu) Calleja and Teresa Bugeja Calleja, who united in marriage on May 15, 1898, within the sacred halls of the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta, Malta.

My grandparents’ bond lasted an impressive 58 years, and they raised five children who not only became the pillars of our family but also played a significant role in shaping our legacy: Joseph, Carmello, Pacifico (my father), Maria, and Zarena Calleja.

My grandfather’s dedication to his work as a construction worker was matched only by his commitment to his faith. He was the caretaker of the chairs at the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, ensuring that worshippers found solace and comfort within its sacred walls.

As we honor the memory of Annunziato and Teresa Calleja, we also celebrate the rich tapestry of our family’s history and the values that continue to guide us today: tradition, unity, and love. Through their legacy, we find inspiration to uphold these values, which define us as the House of Calleja.

 

 

Calleja Coat of Arms

House of Calleja - Calleja Coat of Arms

Calleja is a surname found in Spain and Malta. It is unclear whether the Maltese and Spanish surnames are related or a coincidence, perhaps caused by romanization.

Motto - "I Was Crowned But Not Here"

Calleja Family Portrait

House of Calleja - Calleja Family Portrait

From Left to Right: oldest son: Joseph Calleja, daughter: Maria Calleja, Mother: Teresa Bugeja Calleja, son: Carmello Calleja, Father : Annunziato (Lonzu) Calleja, daughter: Zarena Calleja, son: Pacifico Calleja (My Father)

Calleja's Family Tree

Calleja Family Tree - Calleja is a surname found in Spain (as well as countries people of Hispanic descent) and Malta. It is unclear whether the Maltese and Spanish surnames are related or a coincidence, perhaps caused by romanization—a Surname DNA project exists with the one of its stated goals to determine if there is a relationship. Based on historical evidence, the Maltese version of the surname is likely not related to the Spanish version. The first written appearance of the Calleja surname in Malta predates both Aragonese rule (1283–1412) and Aragonese/Castilian rule (1412–1530) of the Maltese island—appearing in 1271 AD with the spelling Calleja and Caleja. On May 22, 1271, Bertrando de Real, the magister of Malta, was instructed to keep a note of the names and surnames of those who transported the falcons to the royal court from Malta; Martinus Calleja was a witness and Leo Caleja is among those included in the list. Of note, the persons on the 1271 document belonged to the wealthy class and did not include any serfs or peasants, nor any surnames of Arabic derivation. One theory is that the surname Callea or Calleya in Malta is of late Greek orByzantine formation—Commendatore Francesco Abela, the father of Maltese history, believed the surname to be of Greek origin. In the fifteenth century there was a village in Malta called Calleja, situated near Mosta—it seems linguistically and geographically connected with il-Qlejgħa, in the same geographic area. Wied il-Qlejgħa (more popularly known as Chadwick Lakes) means the Valley of the Small Castle. Another place name in Malta is Il-Qlejgħa, on the Northwest coast. The nearest town to Il-Qlejgħa is Birkirkara, 11.4 km east, which has the highest concentration of people with the surname Calleja. Calleja Family Tree

Calleja's Family Tree

Although tracing my father Pacifico Calleja's lineage posed challenges, the journey was hindered by the Mosta Church's refusal to grant access to historic documents. I was unable to gather any additional information from other sources beyond five generations.

Rotunda of Mosta

Caruana is a surname, commonly found in Italy, Sicily and Malta. Notable people with the surname include: Alfonso Caruana (born 1946), member of the Sicilian Mafia. Alternatively, it could originate from the Siculo-Arabic caruana, meaning "a group of people or workers" or the Arabic kârwân, meaning "a caravan of camels, horses and donkeys".

The Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, Mosta Malta

The Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, lovingly referred to as the Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome, stands tall as a treasured emblem of faith and tradition in Mosta, Malta. As a Roman Catholic parish church and basilica dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, it embodies the unwavering devotion of the local community. Designed in the neoclassical style by Giorgio Grognet de Vassé, its construction spanned from 1833 to the 1860s, bearing witness to the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Across generations, this sacred sanctuary has been a cornerstone of spiritual life, fostering profound connections among its parishioners.

Among those who dedicated themselves to the church's service was my grandfather, Annunziato (Lonzu) Calleja, affectionately known as the caretaker of the chairs, or "tas-siggijiet" in Maltese. His steadfast commitment to ensuring the comfort of worshippers during services left an indelible mark on the community, earning him a beloved nickname synonymous with his cherished role.

Santa Marija has been a sanctuary for countless families, including my own, witnessing the sacred rites of baptism and marriage that bind generations together. Within its holy confines, my father and his siblings received the sacrament of baptism, and it was here that my parents embarked on their marital journey, exchanging vows on January 11th, 1942. Their union marked the beginning of a shared life, and a continuation of the enduring legacy of faith and devotion passed down through generations within the hallowed walls of the Rotunda of Mosta.

The Story Annunziato (Lonzu) Calleja

The Story Annunziato (Lonzu) CallejaAnnunziato Calleja, known affectionately as "Lonzu," was born on April 14, 1877, in Mosta, Malta, to Venerando Calleja and Felicita Baldacchino. On May 15, 1898, he married Teresa Bugeja at the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta, a union that would last 58 years. Together, they raised five children—Joseph, Carmello, Pacifico Maria, and Zarena—who became the foundation of their family's enduring legacy.

Lonzu worked as a construction laborer, dedicating himself to his craft and faith. He was the caretaker of the chairs at the Basilica, ensuring worshippers could gather in comfort and peace. His devotion to this role earned him the nickname "tas-siggijiet," meaning "of the chairs" in Maltese.

In 1921, Lonzu traveled to New York City with his son Pacifico, where he worked at the famed Childs Restaurant for a year before returning to Malta. This brief journey was a testament to his willingness to explore opportunities beyond his homeland while staying connected to his roots.

One of Lonzu's most remembered acts of service occurred during World War II. On April 9, 1942, a bomb struck the Rotunda of St. Marija Assunta in Mosta. While pouring rain, Lonzu climbed to the top of the Basilica to cover the hole left by the bomb, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the church..

Annunziato Calleja passed away peacefully in his sleep in June 1957. His legacy lives on, especially in Mosta, where he is still fondly remembered as "Lonzu tas-siggijiet," a man whose faith, dedication, and service left an indelible mark on his community.


About

  • Home
  • About
  • Sitemap

Personal Work

  • My Ancestors
  • My Art
  • My Faith
  • My Favorite Films
  • My Garden
  • My Kitchen
  • My Travels

Online Presence

  • Facebook
  • Find A Grave
  • HMS Glorious
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • X
  • For Sale

  • Domain Names
  • Photography Gear
  • Plants and Cuttings
  • Website Archives

  • Website Archives
  • Art
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Headshots
  • Maternity
  • Modeling
  • Pet
  • Senior Portraits
  • Travel
  • Wedding
  • Contact

    Anthony Calleja
    Kapolei, HI 96707
    Phone: ✆ 808-349-7917
    Email: info@anthonycalleja.com
    Url: anthonycalleja.com

    Anthony Calleja Photography on Link Tree

    Made In America Made In America