This newspaper reported that the paintings on the ceilings and walls of the Sanctuary of Mellieħa are being restored (November 28). Hats off to whoever is behind this initiative, as well as those who offered funding, Bank of Valletta.

The report says: “Works carried out on the painting on the ceiling feature a series of bishops. It is believed that they might represent a meeting held in the 5th Century AD by the Melivetan Council in North Africa.

“It is said that these bishops stopped in Malta and among them, there were Sylvanus, bishop of Malta at the time, and also St Augustine.

For the sake of historical accuracy, it is not correct to state that Augustine represented in the painting was ever in Malta. It is true that he took part in the Council of Meleto in North Africa. But after his conversion he never left African soil. He visited many Africa dioceses and gave sermons, but not outside Africa. Perhaps that tradition is derived from the fact that the Augustinians were living in the sanctuary a very long time ago.

They left because they were attacked by pirates.