Bank of Valletta announced last week that it will finance the restoration of the Ta’ Giezu’ Cross. The historic mother-of-pearl crucifix made the headlines recently when it sustained serious damages in an unfortunate incident. Some reports in the media had even suggested that the Ta’ Giezu Cross could be beyond repair.

“Although reports in the media have stated that the Ta’ Giezu’ cross, might be ‘almost irreparable’, our community of Franciscan friars are confident that the 200-year old prestigious artefact will be restored to its former glory,” said Fr Marcello Ghirlando, Rector of Saint Mary of Jesus (Ta’ Giezu) Franciscan Church in Valletta. “We are thankful to Bank of Valletta for offering to finance the restoration works. BOV’s support will help us start the restoration right away,” Fr Ghirlando said.

Following the incident, Bank of Valletta contacted the Franciscan Friary and told Fr Ghirlando it was willing to pay all the expenses involved to restorie the 19th century crucifix.

“We wanted to step in and support the restoration of this cross that is part of Malta’s cultural heritage. When we heard of the unfortunate incident, we offered our full support and pledged to fully finance the restoration works in line with our commitment to preserveof Malta’s heritage,” said Tonio Depasquale, chief executive officer of Bank of Valletta. “We also feel that our support is especially appropriate at this time of the year when we commemorate the passion of our Lord during Easter week,” Mr Depasquale commented.

“Restoring the crucifix to its original state is a highly complicated and delicate task that will be entrusted to Fr Charles Vella and Fra Ovideo Duenas OFM of Jerusalem,” Fr Ghirlando announced. “The Franciscan friars are known to have the technique of sculpting in mother-of-pearl since they used to teach and practice this unique craft in the Holy Land. Over the years, most of the original skills and techniques have been lost but we now regard this project as a new opportunity to relearn most of the restoration techniques and procedures involved in this prestigious craft.”

Eddie Hili has been entrusted with the restoration of the wooden crucifix, which is only brought out and used at this time of the year (in Lent) and the religious ceremony on Good Friday; it is understood to be around 190 years old but the exact date when it was brought to Malta is unknown.