[MSN] Restoration of niche in Gozo

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Restoration of niche in Gozo  
 
Last Sunday, Wirt Ghawdex began restoring a century old ex-voto niche in
Mgarr.

This niche was vandalised a few years back, when the oil painting in it,
depicting Our Lady, St Peter, St John and St Francis protecting two
fishermen on a ferilla in rough seas, was stolen.

Fortunately, Joe Caruana of Ghajnsielem had a colour photograph of the
painting and this made it possible for the society to produce a photographic
replica to replace the missing painting.

Magistrate Paul Coppini, president of Wirt Ghawdex emphasised the importance
of preserving such niches which form an important part of the popular cult
of Gozo's local culture.

Also present for the event were Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and the Mayor
of Ghajnsielem Frans Cauchi.

The heritage society is involved in other restoration projects in
collaboration with the ministry and Gozo Channel Co. Ltd, namely the
Gunpowder Magazine on the St John's Demi Bastion within the Citadel, the
Mgarr ix-Xini Tower and the only surviving dghajsa tal-latini.
 
http://www.independent.com.mt/