Archangel St. Michael’s street shrine, in Mqabba

 

Restoration of Street Shrine Dedicated to Archangel St. Michael, in Mqabba

Found at Triq il-Parroċċa (previously known as Triq id-Duluri), this street shrine is dedicated to the Archangel St Michael. Located on the outskirts of the village, the shrine served as a symbol for travellers to pray when heading towards Siġġiewi and Haż Żebbuġ as a form of protection during times of trouble in the 1850s.1

Farrugia also refers to extraordinary events that were reported to have taken place near the shrine.2 A plaque near the shrine indicates that indulgences were being granted by Bishop Buhagiar in 1888.3 Indulgences were also recorded to have been granted in 1839 to devotees who pray in front of this shrine.4

 

Archangel St. Michael's street shrine in Mqabba, before (left) and after (right) the restoration.

 

 

The Restoration Process

The niche and statue were cleaned from any biological growth.. Cleaning tests were carried out to identify the most efficient and least invasive method to be used. The cleaning was done using soft water and nylon brushes. On more durable deposits, hand-cleaning tools such as a surgical blade were required. Once all plastic repair had cured, a transparent velatura (a thin limewash) finish was applied to protect the stone surface.

Missing features included the sword, a part of the lower right wing of St Michael and the lower right corner of the pedestal, which were reconstructed.  The chain by which St Michel is holding the devil was also replaced.  

 

References

  1. Farrugia, G. (1999). Storja tan-niċeċ fl – Imqabba.
  2. Ibid.
  3. Ibid.
  4. Terribile, T. (1989). Niċeċ fl-Imqabba.