The Kirkop Parish Church now looks its best after the successful completion of an extensive restoration project on the main facade and sides, domes and bell towers. This project, which was carried out with an investment of around €100,000 with co-financing from European Union funds, was inaugurated by the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and by the Auxiliary Bishop of Malta, Mgr. Joseph Galea Curmi.
Also present for the inauguration were the Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta, Michael Pace Ross and Parish Priest Fr Martin Cardona, the Mayor of Kirkop Matthew Agius Zammit, as well as Koppin residents.
Through this conservation work, to which parishioners also contributed, the Maltese stone was cleaned and the decaying stones were also replaced. The project was carried out in accordance with current conservation principles that respect not only the structural integrity of the building but also its aesthetic qualities as the core of the community’s identity.
During the inauguration of this project, the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised the value of this project as a clear example of how European funds can reach communities and serve our heritage and values.
“This is an investment in our heritage, in our identity, in the heart of the village of Kirkop. Projects like these make a real difference in the lives of our communities and as a Government, we will continue to work so that such funds continue to be invested with one goal, to give back to the people what they deserve and what is needed. This project is a testament to how the unity between the parish, the Curia and the State can lead to beautiful results that serve the entire community,” said Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The minister also thanked Parish Priest Fr Martin Cardona for his support and determination throughout the entire process, the Curia, in particular Michael Pace Ross, as well as the contractor who carried out the work with dedication and professionalism.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi said that the Church in Malta takes the protection of heritage very seriously and continuously encourages the people to cherish the Catholic cultural heritage. He continued that this conservation project will benefit everyone and will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta Michael Pace Ross said that through this conservation project, the parish church building has come back to life and the Maltese stone stands out, embellishing a typical Maltese village square. He stressed that this restoration would not have been possible without European funds, national funds as well as without donations from benefactors and Koppin parishioners. He also thanked the company Pisani Restoration for the conservation and restoration works, as well as EMCS for the consultancy service.
The Church of St. Leonard was built in the 16th century but was enlarged in 1706, as stated by the inscription on the main facade of the church. The titular painting, by the Maltese artist Rocco Buhagiar, shows St. Leonard wearing the habit of the Benedictine Order, as the patron saint of prisoners. In this church we find the remains of St. Benedict Martyr, which were given to the parish in 1790 by Pope Pius VI at the request of Fr. Giuseppe Maria Callus.
This is one of a number of churches in Malta that are benefiting from the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2023.
