The importance of the Jesuit church and the oratories, historical and artistic merits
The Church of the Circumcision of Our Lord (Maltese: Knisja taċ-Ċirkonċiżjoni tal-Mulej), commonly known as the Jesuits Church (Maltese: Knisja tal-Ġiżwiti), is one of the oldest churches in Valletta, Malta, and one of the largest in the diocese. It was originally built between 1593 and 1609 by the Jesuit Order, and is located adjacent to the Old University Building, that which originally housed a Jesuit college known as the Collegium Melitense. The church was rebuilt in the Baroque style by Francesco Buonamici after suffering extensive damage in an explosion in 1634. The church remained in use after the Jesuits were expelled from Malta in 1768.
The Immaculate Conception Oratory dates back to the first half of the 17th century. It was built to provide a suitable space for prayer for a confraternity established some time earlier by the Knights of Saint John. Although historical sources have as yet not uncovered its architect, the time of its construction have led some to attribute it to Francesco Buonamici (1596–1677). the Onorati Oratory was founded by the Congregation of the Onorati, originally documented as the Congregazione dei Secolari and was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. It was completed by July 1659 and is considered a gem of great historical, cultural and artistic value.
The Jesuit Church collection is valued primarily for its liturgical and ecclesiastical purposes; however, it is also valued for its cultural heritage significance, and the artistic treasures which are housed within its walls. The titular architectural reredos in the chancel reflects equally high aesthetic values in its elaborate sculpture, from the detail in its ornateness to the monumentality of its scale.
The church and its chapels are all embellished with paintings by the foremost artists of the time, including Neapolitan, Tuscan, Flemish as well as Maltese masters. Its titular paintings include such masterpieces as The Circumcision of the Lord by Filippo Paladini (1544-1614), The Return from the Flight to Egypt by Battistello Caracciolo (1578-1635), The Escape of St Peter from Prison by Mattia Preti (1613-1699), Apparition of the Holy Trinity to St Ignatius Loyola, by Francesco Romanelli (1610-1662), Our Lady and the Child Jesus with St Ignatius Loyola and St Francis Xavier by Giuseppe d’Arena (c.1643-1719) besides others. The Jesuits Church thus presents an array of artistic schools from late sixteenth-century Renaissance art, to Caravaggist art, to Classical and High Baroque art. For this reason, it is considered to equate with St John’s Conventual church in terms of the quality of its paintings.
Today the Jesuit Church continues to serve as an active place of worship as well as a religious heritage monument, a symbol of Malta’s rich cultural religious heritage, that welcomes visitors to admire its artistic splendour, as well as participate in its rich cultural programme.
The Foundation and its role
The conservation of this historic building and its collection has only been possible thanks to the establishment in July 2021 of the Jesuits Church Foundation, when the Archdiocese of Malta and the Government of Malta, joined forces to safeguard the church, together with its adjoining Oratories of the Onorati and Immaculate Conception, as a historic and architectural monument, and as a sacred place of worship.
Through this agreement the Foundation embarked on a journey committed to the long-term preservation and accessibility of this important historic religious heritage site, with an unwavering dedication to safeguard this sacred space and its religious artistic patrimony, to honour the legacy of our ancestors, and to sustain the spiritual sanctuaries that have stood as a beacon of faith guiding Europe for centuries.
Conservation – Oratories and Sacristy
Within the past three years extensive conservation efforts have been undertaken, that focussed on the external facades of the church, as well as the conservation of the Sacristy, and the Oratories of the Onorati and the Immaculate Conception, that included their interiors. Works were also conducted on one of the few remaining timber gabled roofs that once prevailed in Valletta. The conservation work aimed to structurally rehabilitate the interior of these sacred spaces that date to the first half of the 17th century. [already stated earlier]
The structural rehabilitation of these spaces were conducted in collaboration with the Restoration Directorate under the direction of the Foundation and the Pro Rector Rev. Dr Nicholas Doublet. Works were carried out by AX Holdings, and Queens Furniture Limited amongst others specialised contractors. The historic walls and ceilings were cleaned from accumulated dirt and conservation masonry repairs ensued on the intricately decorated walls and sculptures. Restoration was conducted on the marble floors, altars, historic marble lavabo found in the Sacristy, as well as the internal and external historical apertures. Roofs, were rendered water tight, while the historic timber roofs and beams were safeguarded for posterity. The works extended to the conservation of historic timber and metalwork found in the apertures, gates anddecorative internal ceilings, as well the sacristy cabinetry. The choir stalls found in the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception, were expertly conserved by Atelier del Restauro.
The project also included the replacement of outdated services, the introduction of fire and security detection systems as well as the installation of a new illumination system that would enhance the appreciation of the artistic collection housed within these spaces.
The Archdiocese of Malta, together with its museological consultants, Curatorial Studio focused on the preservation of the artistic and historic aspects of the project together with the Pro-Rector Rev Dr Nicholas Doublet. Under their direction the importance of scientific analysis drove the project to reveal the historic blue scheme that defined the decoration of the Marian theme of the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception, that allowed the original colour to be faithfully reproduced.
Under their expertise and direction, the entire ecclesiastical and liturgical collection was inventoried, packed and stored, in anticipation of disinfestation and conservation initiatives that were required. The beautiful collection of paintings found in the sacristy underwent preventive interventions, dusting and condition assessments prior to them being packed and put into storage awaiting disinfestation and conservation initiatives.
The cycle depicting the Life of the Virgin, attributed to Filippino Dingli (17th century) and Stefano Erardi (1630-1716) found in the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception as well as the
cycle depicting the Life of the Virgin, created by Stefano Erardi and Alessio Erardi, found in the Oratory of the Onorati all underwent preventive interventions, dusting, and were packed and placed into storage awaiting disinfestation and conservation initiatives. The conservation of both series of paintings was funded through the ERDF Cultural Valorisation Funding and the Archdiocese of Malta, that reached completion in 2023.
Conservation initiatives extended to the restoration of the floral panel paintings and the mural paintings of the Four Evangelists, found in the apse of the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception, that were entrusted to Atelier del Restauro Ltd. Other ecclesiastical artefacts such as the silver gilt Apostolato and antependium were conserved by conservator Fr Charles Vella thanks to funding by APS Bank Malta .
Upon completion of the works in the Oratories, all the paintings, could be re-hung for public appreciation. In the Sacristy, the paintings were rearranged and hung on a professional museum painting-hang system. This will allow the Foundation more flexibility in its display, whilst protecting the historic fabric of the building.
Next Phase
With significant conservation work having been completed on the sacristy and the two oratories' structural fabric, furnishings, and pictorial cycles, attention is now focussing on the structural conservation of the main church, its chancel, nave, transepts, belfries and eight side chapels. Protecting the interiors of the church is fundamental to ensuring the protection of the collection of exquisite liturgical and ecclesiastical artefacts found within. Structural works initiated on the church, its roofs and the dome's restoration are being conducted by AX Holdings in collaboration with the Restoration Directorate under the direction of the Foundation and the Pro-Rector Rev. Dr Nicholas Doublet,. The works that include the conservation of the interior fabric of this sacred space are anticipated to reach conclusion within the span of three years, while the dome is at an advanced stage of completion.
Patron Program
The Jesuit Church Foundation is dedicated to preserving and restoring the historic building and its collection, by ensuring its long-term preservation through the acquisition of grant funding. Amongst its initiatives, the foundation has launched a Patron Programme to conserve the extensive cycle of paintings found in the main church. Thanks to the generous support and contributions from the Good Causes Fund, Arts Council, Heritage Malta, Saint John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, APS Bank, BOV, Tumas Group, AX Holdings, PWC and various other private companies and benefactors, conservation works are initiating on a number of projects.
Jesuit Church Patron Programme - HSBC patron of the Jesuits Church
In a remarkable fusion of finance and fine art, HSBC Malta Foundation has stepped forward as a key financial patron in the conservation of 16 priceless paintings, becoming a key Patron by committing €150,000 for the restoration of artworks found in the church's transept, including the Chapel of Saint Ignatius and the Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrat. This partnership exemplifies the growing trend of corporate social responsibility in the realm of cultural heritage preservation.
The bank’s generous contribution will fund the meticulous conservation of these paintings, created by prominent Baroque artists, include the titular paintings "The Apparition of the Holy Trinity to St. Ignatius Loyola" by Francesco Romanelli (1610-1662) and "Our Lady and the Child Jesus with St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier" by Giuseppe d’Arena (1643-1719). The side paintings feature "The Martyrs of Nagasaki" by Stefano Erardi, amongst others. The paintings have adorned the church’s walls for centuries, and now necessitate expert interventions to preserve their beauty and historical significance. The importance of safeguarding these pictorial cycles for the development of Baroque art in Malta cannot be overstated.
Conservation work on the paintings shall be conducted by a team of skilled conservators, under the expert direction of conservator Pierre Bugeja, of Prevarti Ltd. The work will be undertaken with a scientific approach, through a conservation process that will ensure that faithfulness to the artists' original intentions while stabilizing the artworks for the long-term future. The project is expected to reach completion over a period of three years, after which the conserved paintings will be once again be displayed in all their glory within the rehabilitated church. The Jesuit Church Foundation together with HSBC Malta Foundation and Prevarti Ltd are planning a number of events and public programmes to inform the community about the conservation project.
The Jesuit Church Foundation would like to thank HSBC Malta Foundation involvement on this project, as it demonstrates how the business sector too can play a crucial role in the safeguarding of Malta’s national patrimony. The project will show how these paintings form a vital part of our community, a part of our living religious patrimony, that is also appreciated by visitors wishing to experience the island's religious and artistic heritage.
This collaboration between HSBC Malta Foundation and the Jesuit Church Foundation serves as a shining example of how financial institutions can contribute meaningfully to cultural preservation, bridging the gap between commerce and conservation in a way that enriches the entire community, by present and future generations.
Value of Structural works
Contract Values for Completed Works:
- Restoration of the choir stalls in the Immacolata Oratory: €36,000
- Restoration of ceilings, walls, and floors in the sacristy and oratories: €895,000
- Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) works in the sacristy and 2 oratories: €248,000
- Sacristy cupboards: €96,000
- Soffit of the Onorati Oratory: €103,000
Ongoing Restoration Works:
- Restoration of ceilings, walls, and floors of the main church: €1.25 million
- M&E works in the main church and lighting of the facade: €450,000
Value of Conservation works on Paintings and the collection
- ERDF 2021 & Archdiocese of Malta 85%/15% contribution- Conservation of 15 paintings in the Oratories: €250,000
- Archdiocese of Malta: Sacristy Paintings disinfestation, new paint hang, Conservation of paintings, ecclesiastical artefacts, floral panel paintings, 4 Evangelists and furniture €60,000
- Patrons programme to date - €500,000
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