“The protection of the Maltese heritage does not stop only with the restoration and preservation but the willingness to continue to incentivize the enjoyment of the heritage that gives us identity.” This is what Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed in a visit he made to what is known as the Jesuit Church where he saw the restoration works that are currently underway, as well as the work that has already been completed. All this will be enjoyed by the public next Saturday during the Notte Bianca activity, in Valletta.
Accompanied by the Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and by the President of the Jesuit Church Foundation Rev. Dr. Nicholas Doublet, the Prime Minister stressed that the historical heritage needs to continue to be enjoyed by the present generations but we must also think about the future ones. It was here that he mentioned how as a country we must continue to strongly support conservation and restoration projects. He added to note the interest that historical sites attract and initiatives such as the passport for children and the elderly that give nice incentives for those who visit certain historical sites, are increasing the interest, so much so that today there are 56,000 people who enjoy from this.
Visiting the complex works that are being done in this church with an extensive history since the birth of the capital, Robert Abela mentioned that the investment in the protection of our historical and cultural heritage is not an exception . “We are continuing to increase investment and not reduce it,” said Dr Abela, while also praising the role of private entities such as the HSBC Malta Foundation, which also supported part of the extensive restoration that is being carried out. This is apart from the fact that the government, through the Department of Restoration and Preservation, is going through a restoration and preservation project so that this patrimonial jewel in the heart of the City returns to its glorious state and continues to be enjoyed by the people.
Some of the works that were carried out in partnership with the government include, works on the walls and the roof and the restoration of the altar in the Oratory. Changes were also made to the existing electrical systems, repairs were made to the stonework, the balustrades, restoration of the windows, repair of the marble floor in the oratories and sacristy, and a fire detection system was introduced and new lights were installed in the sacristy. Works were also carried out on the ceiling in the Oratory of Honorees where the decorative scheme was preserved.
The prime minister thanked all the workers who are working with such dedication on this very important restoration project. He said that the economic results we get lead us to invest in all areas, not least in the cultural and historical area. “We must be grateful for what makes us Maltese and this strong present must mean a bright future by leaving to those behind us what we look for today,” concluded Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Photos: DOI/OPM
