The cost of maintaining the majority of the 70 parish churches, as well as a number of monasteries, ran into more than €4 million over the past two years, according to Curia property manager Ray Bonnici.

The Vittoriosa parish church of St Lawrence is one of Malta’s ageing parish churches in need of costly restoration works.

Mr Bonnici said the Vittoriosa church required urgent attention because its deteriorating pillars were potentially dangerous.

The parish church is supported by 12 pillars encased in marble. Pieces of marble are falling off four of the pillars. Repairing these pillars would cost an estimated €120,000.

Thanks to a few beneficiaries, the parish church has amassed enough funds to cover the cost of just one pillar.

“Most of the 3,000 people who live in Vittoriosa are elderly people,” archpriest Fr Joe Cilia said.“What we collect from parishioners is only just enough to cover the church’s dailyexpenses, mainly electricity, water and salaries.”

The fact the church is located close to the sea means high levels of humidity cause additional problems.

A ceiling painting directly above the altar is peeling off and fading away.

“These old parish churches are part of our national heritage.

“It is our duty to preserve and safeguard them.”