Century-old ex-voto niche restored

Wirt Ghawdex last Sunday inaugurated the restoration of a century-old ex-voto niche in Mgarr, in the presence of Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Ghajnsielem mayor Frans Cauchi.

The niche was vandalised a few years back, when the oil painting in the niche, depicting Our Lady, St Peter, St John and St Francis protecting two fishermen on a ferilla in rough seas, was stolen.

Fortunately Joe Caruana of Ghajnsielem had a colour photograph of the painting and this made it possible for the society to produce a photographic replica to replace the missing painting.

Magistrate Paul Coppini, president of Wirt Ghawdex, emphasised the importance of preserving such niches that form an important part of the popular cult of our local patrimony. Fr. Frankie Bajada, archpriest of Ghajnsielem blessed the niche.

The heritage society is currently involved in other restoration projects in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, including the Gunpowder Magazine on St John's Demi-Bastion within the Citadel, and Mgarr ix-Xini Tower. Another project to restore the only surviving dghajsa tal-Latini is being undertaken in collaboration with Gozo Channel Co. Ltd.