The Mepa board has confirmed a decision it took in August whereby 50 parish churches throughout Malta and Gozo were scheduled as grade one buildings. Most were built before 1900 but other buildings were scheduled because of their particular characteristics, as in the case of Fgura and Manikata churches.

In terms of the scheduling, only restorative works will be allowed to take place on both the internal and external of the building and that even such works can only be carried out with Mepa’s approval and monitoring.

The Curia had sought a reconsideration and further discussion, arguing that scheduling should be based on the individual characteristics of each church.

An architect representing the Curia explained that the churches were places of worship, not monuments, and while the Church was all in favour of their preservation and restoration, changes might be required over time in line with changes to the liturgy, as had happened in the past. Such changes might not be possible with grade one scheduling.

The architect pointed out to changes made inside churches in the wake of the Second Vatican Council as an example.

Mepa chairman Austin Walker said the scheduling would not affect religious use and was aimed solely for the preservation of the buildings.