A statue of a sorrowful 'Mother of God' was unveiled today at the roundabout in front of the main entrance of Mater Dei Hospital.

The three-metre high bronze statue is the work of 30-year-old artist Christopher Ebejer of Qrendi. It is one of the biggest bronze statues to be made completely in Malta.

Mr Ebejer said the Mother of God is shown sharing compassion with the sick and blessing their relatives while Jesus welcomes visitors.

The design was chosen from among 18 that were submitted in a national competition back in 2006. Mr Ebejer said he had immediately started working on the monument. The project took him three years. The statute was cast at Chetcuti Foundry of Luqa.

Mr Ebejer said that such competitions in Malta were rare and it was a major honour for him to win the competition, especially since competitors included his former teachers.

Mr Ebejer's other works include the monument to Pietro Paola Floriani in Floriana, a monument representing Youth and Life in Qrendi, Carm Lino Spiteri in Mellieha and Toninu is-Sajjied in St Julian's. He was also the designer of the Christ the King in silver with Archbishop Paul Cremona presented to the Pope as a gift during his recent visit.

The artist also has works in China and has exhibited in several countries in Europe. He studied art in Malta and in Los Angeles, USA, but self-taught himself sculpture.

The statue was unveiled by Health Minister Joe Cassar. It was blessed by Archbishop Paul Cremona.