The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici visited the restoration work on the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace (of Cejlu) in Marsa.
This chapel is one of the ten projects from the Local Councils scheme 2020/21, which covers restoration of statues, niches, monuments, chapels and particular historical structures located in the various villages and communities, issued by the Restoration Directorate within the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government.
The work in this chapel started in November 2022 and is planned to be completed by mid-July 2023. All the work, from the beginning of the documentation, the application for permits as well as the work on the chapel itself was entirely done by the Restoration Directorate.
During his visit, Minister Bonnici emphasized the importance of the restoration of historic churches, not only to continue to increase their cultural and historical value, but also to be enjoyed by future generations. “Committed to continue to take care and give the necessary help while continuing to help these places remain important for the history of our country”, added Minister Bonnici, while expressing appreciation to the Local Council of Marsa for proactive work.
The Mayor of Marsa Josef Azzopardi said that, “The historical heritage of Marsa is close to the heart of the local council and as a council we applied for the restoration scheme to save this historic church that goes back to 1870 , ie before the first parish in Marsa. Although it is a small church, it is one in Baroque style and in the heart of the development that was taking place at that time in Porto Novu or Port il-Gdid.”
He also said that, “We appreciate the work of the ministry and the directorate so that after the facade of the Church of Mary the Queen was completed, the work on the Church of Cejlu has now begun and we look forward so that we don’t delay in seeing the beginning of the restoration of the front of the Trinity Church.”
The architect in charge of the works, Audrey Anne Bonnici, explained the work done in cleaning the facade and the bell towers from the dirt and black crust that accumulated over time.
