Restoration of the Niche of Saint Michael the Archangel Cospicua
Cospicua is one of the principal Marian parishes in the Maltese Islands, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1584, it was separated from the parish of Vittoriosa (Birgu) and established as an independent parish. Over more than four centuries the devotion to Our Lady flourished and became deeply rooted among the people of Cospicua.
The parish has long been renowned for the large number of confraternities that flourished within it. These played a significant role in promoting and strengthening devotion not only to the Blessed Virgin Mary but also to several saints, including Saint Agatha, Saint Andrew, Saint Joseph, and Saint Michael the Archangel. Over the years, altars were erected and statues commissioned in the parish church in honour of these patron saints, and their feast days were celebrated annually.
Through their work, the members of these confraternities nurtured and spread these devotions among the people of Cospicua. As a result, several devotional niches dedicated to Saint Joseph, Saint Michael, and Saint Andrew can still be found throughout the streets of the city today.1 This niche dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel is located at the corner of Saint Margaret Street and Matty Grima Street.
Restoration works
The restoration works commenced with the careful removal of multiple layers of paint that had accumulated over the years. Residual deposits were eliminated through a combination of dry and wet brushing techniques. Open and deteriorated joints were cleaned and repointed, while areas of damaged stone were repaired using plastic repair techniques to reinstate the original fabric. One of the wings of the Archangel was missing and was sculpted anew using Globigerina Limestone and attached using a fibre glass rod to provide improved structural stability while preserving the integrity of the original sculpture. Following the completion of the conservation works the statue was repainted.
Reference:
- Terribile, T. (2000). Niċeċ u Statwi fit-Toroq Maltin. Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza.
