An exhibition on the old and new parish churches of Għajnsielem was inaugurated by archpriest Frankie Bajada to mark the 125th and 25th anniversaries respectively of the consecration of the two churches. The exhibition, featuring photos and objects used to build the churches, is organised by the parish youth group GSM Youths in the old church.

The building of Għajnsielem’s first parish church followed a vision that shepherd Anġlu Grech had in the vicinity of the natural spring that gives the village its name. According to Gozitan historian Joseph Bezzina, Grech saw a lady in dazzling white clothes who asked him to build a church for people living in the area, which at that time formed part of Nadur parish. He shared his vision with fellow farmers, who soon obtained the necessary authorisation from the ecclesiastical authorities.

The church’s foundation stone was laid and blessed in 1810 and the church was built under the direction of master mason Franġisk Gafà. It was opened and blessed on August 21, 1820. The church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto, became the parish church of Għajnsielem on January 26, 1855. It was consecrated by Bishop Giovanni Maria Camilleri a few weeks after his election as Bishop of Gozo, on June 30, 1889, 125 years ago.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the old church was proving to be too small for the growing population. The foundation stone of the new parish church, planned by architect Ugo Mallia, was laid on September 14, 1924.

However, for various reasons, the building proceeded at a snail’s pace and rather haphazardly. It was only on August 25, 1974, that the dome was completed and crowned with a cross, and the first Mass was said there in August 1978. The church was consecrated on August 13, 1989, 25 years ago.