In the late Middle Ages and Early Modern periods of Malta’s long and colourful history, our forefathers embarked on intensive periods of church building that have left an indelible mark on our landscape.

Despite the increase in high rise structures, domes continue to dominate the skylines of our towns and villages. Wayside chapels, on the other hand, delicately adorn the islands’ rural spaces. This activity was the result of a people wanting to show and declare their spiritual devotion and Christian roots in no uncertain manner.

When Bishop Dusina visited Malta in 1575, he visited and surveyed literally hundreds of churches and chapels. Such numbers have given rise to popular statements such as ‘Malta having a church for every day of the year’. Bishop Dusina’s visit was not all hunky-dory, however. He reported some churches as being in ruin and actually took steps to deconsecrate them.  

Over the centuries since the bishop’s visit many other churches have fallen into disrepair. The reasons for this vary from disuse, to a lack of funds and even war damage. In recent years there have been numerous positive initiatives to reverse some of the damage suffered by these architectural and historical gems and it is pertinent to point out that besides efforts by central government, many of these projects have been carried out by NGOs, local initiatives and private companies.

As part of their obligations towards the built heritage of Manoel Island, MIDI plc has restored the chapel of St Anthony that is situated within the walls of Fort Manoel and that was heavily damaged in World War II.

To give credit where credit is due, the Government’s Restoration Unit has carried out a first class restoration project on the ruins of the old parish church of Siggiewi, a project that was awarded the Silver Medal and the Prix d’Honneur for Restoration and Conservation’ by Din L-Art Helwa.

On a recent visit to the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta, I could not be but impressed by the effort that Din L-Art Helwa is putting into its restoration.

To put this site’s importance into context, suffice it to say that it was the first building to be erected in the new city of Valletta, on the site where the city’s foundation stone was laid.

The presence of the (Venetian) Admiral Angelo Emo’s heart set inside a monument dedicated to this great naval commander gives Our Lady of Victory church added historical significance. The current project to restore this magnificent building, managed by Din L-Art Helwa and supported through generous donations from both the private sector and the general public, certainly reflects the enthusiasm of Din L-Art Helwa’s executive president Simone Mizzi – one of the kindest and most gentle people I have ever met –for this and other projects undertaken by the NGO.

Fully supported by DLH’s council, Ms Mizzi has not shied away from this gargantuan task, and it is heartening to see others – such as British High Commissioner Louise Stanton – throwing their weight behind the project.

Unfortunately, one also has to look at the story that led to this building being in dire need of restoration. This is succinctly described on Din L-Art Helwa’s website: “Over the centuries the building and its paintings have suffered neglect and damage through water infiltration, grime and inappropriate earlier restoration”. Over time, most, if not all, built heritage suffers some form of degradation. In the past, restorers had no formal training and today many conservators spend time (and money) undoing past mistakes.

Through the excellent restoration courses run at the University of Malta, more and more professionals are now available on the job market. Part VI (article 31) of the Cultural Heritage Act (2002) states that conservators/restorers are to be in possession of a warrant.

Despite this law having been passed during the 1998-2003 legislature, it is nothing less than shameful that it has taken close to 10 years for the government to get its act together to ensure that the respective Warrants Board is up and running with all the necessary powers to fulfil its duties.

As Opposition spokesman for Heritage, I have stressed this point from my very first contribution in Parliament on the matter and hopefully the second reading of the Cultural Heritage Act (Amendment) Bill should finally see this entity begin to function in its true and intended manner.

However, the Opposition is not entirely happy with the provisions of the Bill: the Amendment ensures that only conservators and restorers working within the context of government projects are to be in a possession of a warrant and thus it completely excludes other sectors such as ecclesiastical heritage.

During the recently held Forum of Cultural Heritage, a story was recounted (by a leading professional in this field) of a church that had recently installed air conditioners, creating a pleasant atmosphere for the congregation but to the detriment of the wall paintings.

Although the locality of the church was fictitious and the delivery of the story was dramatised, I am sure (as are certain experts in the field) that there is more than a degree of truth behind it. A new Labour government will work towards ensuring that all conservation and restoration work is carried out by professionals in possession of a warrant as required by the law. This will ensure that we fulfil our obligations as custodians of our cultural heritage as well as preserving this non-renewable resource for future generations.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to urge you all to offer your support to Din L-Art Helwa so they may continue with their invaluable work. If Admiral Emo has physically left his heart in the splendid church of Our Lady of Victory, I am sure that all Maltese and Gozitans who visit this church – once the restoration work is completed – will have theirs leaping with joy at the beautiful piece of work that has been undertaken. 

I too, like Emo (albeit and most fortunately only symbolically) have left my heart at the church!

Dr Bonnici is Opposition spokesman for Higher Education, University, Research and Culture and a member of the Foreign and European Affairs Parliamentary Committee