House of Calleja - Calleja Coat of Arms

The House of Calleja

See: Artist Statement - Dedication - Family Tree - House of Calleja - House of Caruana - HMS Glorious - Antonia Galea Mercieca - Special Thanks - The Early Years - Victor B Caruana - Words of My Mother and Father

Welcome to the House of Calleja Page.

In this sacred 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 celebrated their union on the 15th of May, 1898, amidst the hallowed halls of the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta, Malta.

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

My grandfather's dedication to his craft 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 in Mosta, 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-values of 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

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

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

Rotunda of Mosta

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.