Bank of Valletta has extended a sponsorship towards the restoration of the titular painting of the parish church of Ghasri. The perpendicular painting by renowned Zebbug-born artist Lazzaro Pisani (1854-1932) depicts the Institution of the Holy Eucharist during the Last Supper, featuring Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles and displaying various traditional biblical aspects associated with the represented event.

The painting was put in place on June 3, 1917, during the tenure in office of Fr Carmelo Caruana. Over the 90 years it has been in place, creases were formed as a result of the heavy texture of the canvas, which was gradually getting unstuck from the wooden frame. A hole in the back wall behind the painting so as to let air circulate behind the canvas also caused damp and brought about patches on the back canvas.

Zejtun restorer Emanuel Zammit was trusted with the restoration, following other successful restorations at the Gozo Cathedral.

The bank's sponsorship was presented by Jack Thewma, manager of Bank of Valletta's Gozo branch, to Fr Edward Xuereb, parish priest of Ghasri, during a visit to the church following the re-installation of the restored painting.