Tarxien parish church needs restoration

I recently visited the parish church of Our Lady of the Annunciation at Tarxien and admired the two restored works of Giuseppe Calì depicting St Peter and St Paul in the church's choir.

On the other hand, I wish to draw the newly appointed parish priest's attention to a few things which need restoration.

For six years rainwater has crept into the dome's lantern, damaging Ganni Vella's dome painting.

The church's clock, the work of Gianni Anton Tanti in 1768, has not been functioning for the past three years.

Three years ago part of the crypt's ceiling caved in. Inside it are the remains of some important Maltese personalities, such as Fr Gwann Barbara, a famous Tarxien clergyman, and Pietro Paolo Azzopardi, a sculptor.

The statue of Our Lady of the Rosary also needs restoration. In some parts paint no longer covers this important work of art. Thanks to research carried out by Professor Borg and Dr Keith Sciberras, we know that this was made by Gio Maria Saliba in 1698.

Restoration work should continue in the church choir. It seems that the Flight to Egypt is the next priority. Let us hope that all the choir paintings will be restored so that we could admire them again.