Seven important paintings in Għajnsielem’s former parish church are being restored with the financial support of Bank of Valletta. The church was built in 1810 to house a statue of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, sculpted by a local farmer named Anġlu Grech after he allegedly saw a vision. Although enlarged over the years, the church was too small for the growing population and work began on a new one in 1922. The titular painting dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto is by Michael Busuttil, while the church also houses six masterpieces by prolific 19th century, Valletta-born artist Giuseppe Calì. Calì’s paintings can be found in many churches, but it is rare to find more than one in each. BoV Gozo branch manager Jack Theuma said: “We have an obligation to pass on what we have inherited to future generations. The expertise and dedication that is being applied to this project will restore these pieces to their original state.” The conservation and restoration work is being carried out by Manwel Zammit of Żejtun, along with Fr Charles Vella and his team.