The foundation stone laid by Grand Master Fra Antoine de Paule in 1626 when he decided to build the new town Casal Nuovo, later named Paola, is on display at the old church of St Ubaldesca in Paola.

The church itself was built by the same grand master and later served as the first parish church of the locality until the new larger church dedicated to Christ the King was built. The exhibition, organised by the Centenary Celebrations Committee in conjunction with Heritage Malta and entitled 5,000 Years Of History: 100 Years As Parish, is one of the cultural events being held to mark the first centenary since the foundation of the parish dedicated to Christ the King. It will remain open to the public until Sunday.

The exhibits cover the prehistoric and Punic period, the foundation of Paola, the church of St Ubaldesca, one of the patron saints of the Order of St John, the building of the new parish church, pastoral work carried out in the parish over the years, photos of all the parish priests since its foundation. There is also a section focusing on special events of the parish during the years.

Over 90 photos highlighting the history and pastoral work in Paola include some rare images from private collections that have never been on public viewing before.

Heritage Malta has placed at the disposal of the organisers some exhibits that are on public viewing for the first time. These include earthenware found near Tal-Ħorb, coins of the period of Grand Master de Paule, a painting of St Ubaldesca and sacred objects and a statue of the sacred heart by Carlo Darmanin.

The plans for the new parish church drawn up by Ġużè Damato are also being displayed publicly for the first time.

Entrance to the exhibition is free and it is open daily between 9 a.m. and noon and from 5 to 7.30 p.m.