د . إAEDSRر . س

Mosta Oratory Being Restored From WW2 Damage

Article Featured Image

The Restoration Directorate is continuing their good work with another project being funded by the Local Councils Scheme 2020/21, which covers the restoration of historical structures in various localities and communities. 

Restoration work on the façade of the Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mosta began in August 2022, and are expected to be completed by the end of May 2023. The Restoration Directorate were responsible for this project, from the documentation to the work on the Oratory itself.

The Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was completed in 1935 and inaugurated in 1940, based on the design of architect Nettu Mifsud Ellul. During World War II, a bomb fell in the square in front of the chapel, causing some damage to its façade, which can still be seen today.

Minister for National Heritage Owen Bonnici visited the site today as part of the government’s initiative to focus on the preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of historical sites in our localities.

“The Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of a series of projects that are being completed so that we can continue to preserve our localities, thanks to the tireless work of the Restoration Directorate,” Bonnici said.

Mosta mayor Chris Grech noted how Mosta has changed over the years from an agricultural village to a large residential city and an important commercial centre.

“We cannot make the advances we have achieved without appreciating the legacy left to us by our predecessors, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mosta is a cradle of civic, religious, dramatic and sporting culture for the whole generations of ‘young people and adolescents. For them the Oratory was their second home”.  Concluded the Mayor.

Audrey Ann Bonnici, the Architect responsible for the restoration work, explained that the interventions primarily involve cleaning the façade of biological growth, black crust formation, minor cement repairs, and painting in some areas.

The project also includes opening joints and pointing with a lime-based mortar, reinstalling missing parts of stone features, restoring the cement composite statue on top of the façade, and cleaning the impermeable coating applied at some point.

Tag someone from Mosta

 

READ NEXT: From Giant Omelettes To Crime Novels: 9 Easter Traditions Around The World

You may also love

View All