The Jesuit Church Foundation is pleased to announce the commencement of a significant conservation & restoration project on the historic 17th-century wooden polychrome and gilded Crucifix, along with two large lunette paintings on canvas located in the Chapel of the Crucifix at the Church of the Circumcision of Our Lord, commonly known as the Jesuit's Church. This endeavor, generously sponsored by Tumas Group, aims to preserve an essential piece of Malta's religious and cultural heritage.
The Jesuit Church, with its Maltese name Knisja tal-Ġiżwiti, is one of Valletta’s oldest and largest churches. It was originally constructed by the Jesuit order between 1593 and 1609. The church, an architectural jewel adjacent to the Old University Building, played a crucial role in Malta’s early academic life as part of the Collegium Melitense. Following a destructive explosion in 1634, the church was modified under the direction of Francesco Buonamici, incorporating Baroque elements that enhanced its grandeur.
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, ensuring its conservation as a historical 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. It is unwaveringly dedicated to safeguarding this sacred space and its religious and artistic patrimony, honouring the legacy of our ancestors, and sustaining the spiritual sanctuaries that have stood as a beacon of faith guiding Europe for centuries.
The Chapel of the Crucifix, situated on the left side of the central aisle of the Jesuit Church, holds significant historical and religious value. Archival records from 1633 indicate that the chapel was granted to the noble families Xara and Bonici and houses a collection of Holy Relics.
One of the centerpieces of this sacred space is the Holy Crucifix, believed to be the work of an important Roman sculptor from the early 17th century. This restoration project will focus on meticulous preservation techniques to ensure that the Crucifix and its surrounding artworks, including the lunettes painted by Giovanni Nicola Buhagiar, remain preserved for future generations to appreciate.
The work is being entrusted to Atelier del Restauro Ltd. This local company is known for its expertise in conservation, ensuring that the Crucifix and the lunettes of the Crucifix are preserved with the utmost care and respect for their historical integrity.
The Jesuit Church continues to be vital to Malta’s cultural and spiritual landscape, drawing visitors and locals to experience its profound historical and architectural significance. This restoration project highlights the importance of preserving Malta’s religious traditions and artistic heritage, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of the island's cultural fabric.
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