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Ottavio Catalogna (26th September 1851 – 21st January 1925)

was a renowned Sicilian Maestro di Pasticceria (master pastry chef) known for his significant influence on Malta’s pastry culture. Born in Vittoria, Sicily, he established several pastry shops across Malta, including the notable Dolceria Catalogna. His legacy continues to be celebrated in his hometown of Floriana, Malta.

Early Life and Background

Ottavio Catalogna was born on 26th September 1851 in Vittoria, Sicily. On July 22, 1883, Catalogna married Carmela Borg (1865-1950) a Maltese woman, the daughter of Giuseppe Borg and Elena Azzopardi, in Floriana, Malta, marking the beginning of his deep-rooted connection to the Maltese community.

Professional Career

Upon his arrival in Malta, Ottavio Catalogna quickly established himself as a master pastry chef. He opened several pastry shops across the island, including the renowned ‘Dolceria Catalogna,’ which became famous for its high-quality and innovative pastries. One of the most well-known locations was situated at 53 and 54 St. Anne Street, Floriana, where the shop operated for over 30 years. The Catalogna family owned and ran the shop for three decades, becoming an integral part of the community. Catalogna was particularly well-known for his cannoli, a testament to his Sicilian heritage, and he provided a wide range of quality Sicilian pastries. His reputation grew, and his influence extended to many of Malta’s famous pastry shops today, such as Busy Bee and Friggieri Cannoli.

In 1898, Ottavio Catalogna wrote a letter to the English governor of Malta at the time, Arthur Lyon Fremantle, proposing the establishment of a kiosk and a bandstand in the Argotti Botanic Gardens in Floriana. The proposal suggested selling fresh beverages, a move that would have added a new element to the local community’s social life. The initiative reflected Ottavio’s forward-thinking approach and strong ties to the Floriana area.

Influence on Modern Pastry Shops

Ottavio Catalogna’s techniques and recipes became foundational to Malta’s pastry culture, influencing modern pastry shops. These establishments have adopted and adapted his methods, contributing to their long-standing popularity and prestige.

Personal Life and Legacy

Ottavio Catalogna was known for his deep patriotism and significant contributions to his community in Floriana, Malta. He and his wife Carmela had one son, Salvatore Catalogna (1885-1959) , whose middle name included “Publius,” in honor of Saint Publius, the patron saint of Floriana.

The Catalogna Family During WWII

In 1940, during the turmoil of World War II and the tensions between the British and Italians, Salvatore was exiled to Palestine. Despite being born in Floriana and being a British subject by birth, Salvatore held dual nationality—Italian and British—because of his Sicilian heritage. This dual nationality became a point of contention, leading to his exile by the British authorities as part of their measures to prevent potential espionage and ensure national security during the war. Salvatore returned to Malta in 1949 after the end of the war.

Ottavio’s son, Salvatore, inherited the family pastry shops after his father’s death, on 27th February 1925. Salvatore became well-known in his own right as a pastry maker and confectioner, continuing the family’s legacy in the trade. However, due to his health problems, particularly sharp attacks of neurasthenia, Salvatore was forced to sell the family shops prior to World War II. Despite these health struggles, Salvatore’s expertise and reputation in pastry making remained significant in Malta’s culinary history.

One of Ottavio Catalogna’s notable contributions was the donation of a fully gold relic to the Parish church in Floriana. The relic, which is considered one of the church’s treasures, is displayed annually during the feast of St. Publius, which is celebrated every year on the 15th of April. The relic is a gold monstrance. It has a tall, slender Gothic style with vertical lines.

The monstrance was designed by famous Maltese renowned Sculpture, Painter and designer Abraham Gatt from Bormla. The Relic is decorated with angels, cherubs, and floral designs. Four angels are featured:one holds a crown and the other holds a papal tiara. Two of these angels support the base, which has floral patterns and an Italian inscription. 'OTTAVIO CATALOGNA 5 LUGLIO 1925'

The bottom middle of the relic features a colorful depiction with a sun, three green hills, and a blue background. These elements are common in Catholic art and may hold traditional symbolic meanings. The sun often represents Christ, while the three hills can symbolize various aspects of the faith, such as the Holy Trinity or Mount Calvary. The blue background is typically associated with heaven, the idea of eternity and the Virgin Mary.

In addition to the relic, both Ottavio and his son Salvatore continued to make generous financial donations to the Floriana church throughout their lives. Their contributions were highly respected by the community, and they are remembered as key benefactors who helped support the church’s activities and upkeep.

Death and Burial

Ottavio Catalogna passed away on the 21st of January 1925 at 10pm, at the age of 74 in his house (57 St Anne street in Floriana) and his funeral was held in Floriana. He, along with his wife Carmela and son Salvatore, are buried in the Catalogna crypt at the Addolorata Cemetery in Paola (Along with other members of the Catalogna family), which Ottavio built himself. The crypt is located in the same cemetery where many other prominent figures of Malta are buried.

Commemoration

Ottavio Catalogna's legacy continues to influence Malta’s pastry culture. His dedication to bringing high-quality Sicilian pastries to the island has had a lasting impact on famous local pastry shops. His work helped shape Malta’s pastry tradition.

In addition to his contributions, Catalogna was a generous benefactor to his community. These acts of charity reflect his deep connection to the town of Floriana and his strong faith.

Ottavio’s contributions went beyond his business and donations; he also took an active role in improving his community. In 1898, he proposed the idea of creating a kiosk and bandstand in the Argotti Botanic Gardens, showing his vision for enhancing public spaces in Floriana.

Today, the Catalogna family is still remembered with respect in Floriana, especially during the yearly Feast of St.Publius for the Monstrance relic Ottavio had donated in 1925.

Through his work, generosity, and vision, Ottavio Catalogna’s memory is honored by both his family and the wider community, and his contributions continue to be celebrated in Malta.