I must congratulate the Restoration Directorate which has been carrying out numerous restoration works on public property and many historical buildings including chapels around Malta.
It was a great pleasure to know that the earliest historical chapel in San Ġwann, which gave its name to the locality, will soon be included in the restoration.
The chapel known as San Ġwann tal-Għargħar was first mentioned in 1659 when it was deconsecrated by Bishop Balaguer. It was rebuilt in 1672. For many years, its parvis was used as a cemetery. Something unusual in this chapel is the eight-pointed cross surmounting the bell-cot.
Until the new parish church was built in 1950, this chapel served as the local church and services were held by the Capuchin Order.
It is fitting that this year, being the 50th anniversary of the creation of San Ġwann parish, this chapel will be restored to its pristine glory. Restoration is badly needed inside and outside the chapel which has been left completely neglected for many years.
It is hoped that the additional cumbersome rooms that were added to it in recent years are pulled down completely to give the chapel its original look.