The post 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

LED lighting system and the launch of a major fundraising campaign for the restoration of Mattia Preti’s magnificent Baroque ceiling. Together, these efforts embody the

Foundation’s mission to illuminate Malta’s sacred heritage while safeguarding it for future generations.

St John’s Co-Cathedral, one of Europe’s most celebrated Baroque landmarks, has recently completed a transformative lighting project that brings new life to its sacred

interior, harmonising art, architecture, faith, and sustainability under one radiant vision. The new system marks a historic milestone, 112 years after the Co-Cathedral first

transitioned from candlelight to electricity. It replaces outdated halogen and metal-halide fittings with over 350 museum-grade LED luminaires, reducing energy consumption by more than 50% while revealing every brushstroke, carving, and gilded detail with renewed clarity.

President of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, Colonel Dr Mark Mallia, emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating:

“The new lighting system is far more than a technical enhancement – it is an act of reverence, bringing to life every brushstroke and gilded carving, allowing visitors to

experience St John’s Co-Cathedral as Mattia Preti envisioned it – radiant, contemplative, and alive with divine light. ‘Where Light Meets Legacy’ is more than our campaign’s name;

it is our mission – to illuminate the past while preserving the future.” Mgr Prof Emmanuel Agius echoed this sentiment, noting that “this new lighting installation should not be celebrated solely as a commendable technical enhancement; it should also be interpreted as a vibrant symbol of illumination – a light that reveals beauty, inspires devotion, and elicits our inner spiritual response. This lighting system will help every visitor and worshipper to savour and experience the splendour of Preti’s ceiling in all its dramatic glory, and intensify the contemplative atmosphere that defines this sacred space.”

Alongside this milestone, the Foundation has launched a six-year, €6 million fundraising campaign for the restoration of Mattia Preti’s monumental ceiling, a masterpiece that

remains both a symbol of Malta’s cultural identity and a defining achievement of 17th-century European art. Executed between 1661 and 1666, Preti’s decorative cycle

depicting the life of St John the Baptist now shows signs of deterioration caused by humidity, environmental factors, and the passage of time. This underscores the urgency

for conservation.Colonel Mallia further remarked that “the restoration of Mattia Preti’s vault is not merely about conserving art, but about safeguarding the soul of our nation’s heritage. Each contribution helps ensure that this masterpiece, and the light of faith and artistry it represents, endures for generations to come.”

In his address, Mgr Prof Emmanuel Agius remarked that the fundraising campaign for the conservation of the Preti vault “calls for a generosity of heart and vision – it is one that can

only succeed through the collaborative synergy of our esteemed partners: the business community, philanthropic institutions, and individual benefactors who, like the Knights

of old, understand and appreciate the enduring value of such enterprises for the common good.”

The restoration project will combine historical research, advanced diagnostics, and multidisciplinary conservation techniques under the guidance of a scientific committee

made up of internationally recognised experts together with the team at St John’s Co-Cathedral. It will stabilise and clean the painted surfaces, strengthen the underlying

stone structure, and protect the vault from future deterioration. This will ensure that this extraordinary work continues to inspire awe for centuries to come.

Together, the new lighting system and the restoration campaign mark a defining moment for St John’s Co-Cathedral. It is a harmonious meeting of light and legacy that reaffirms

the Foundation’s enduring commitment to the preservation and celebration of Malta’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

For more information or to contribute, visit www.stjohnscocathedral.com/fundraising or email fundraising@stjohnscocathedral.com.

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(Ref: STJCF002/25)

Click here to download the Tender Documents.

Click here to download VOLUME 1 WPC OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE

Click here to download VOLUME 2 WPC CONDITIONS AND GEN REQUIREMENTS

Click here to download VOLUME 3 WPC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Click here to download VOLUME 4 WPC DRAWINGS

Click here to download VOLUME 5 WPC BOQ

Click here to download VOLUME 6 WPC SCHEDULES

Click here to download VOLUME 7 WPC TENDER FORMS AND ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS

Clarification Meetings/ Site Visits: 15/07/2025 at 9.30am. In order to participate in the clarification meetings/ site visits, potential bidders are to register their interest by sending an email to the Contracting Authority/ Employer on info@stjohnscocathedral.com

Click here for Clarification Note 1

Click here for Clarification Note 2

Closing date: 08/08/2025 at 12pm

Click here for the Recommendation for Award Schedule

Click here for the Tender opening repaward Scheduleort/ schedule of offers received

For more details call 21220536 or email: info@stjohnscocathedral.com

Submit your clarifications online at info@stjohnscocathedral.com

The post WORK PACKAGE C (WPC): SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF FINISHES, INTERNAL RESTORATION AND MEP FIT-OUT, FOR THE EXTENSION & REFURBISHMENT OF THE ST JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL MUSEUM appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

Josep Solé Coll is celebrated across Europe and beyond for his expressive command of the organ and his deep musicality. As the chief organist at one of the most revered religious sites in the world, his artistry brings with it the solemnity and grandeur of the Vatican. His performance at St John’s Co-Cathedral promises to be a rare and spiritually resonant experience, made even more powerful by the setting, one of Malta’s most iconic and historic landmarks. 

The evening also commemorates the opening of an exhibition that allows locals to have a closer look at Francesco Laparelli’s Drawings of Valletta, the 16th-century Italian military architect entrusted by Pope Pius V to design the fortified city of Valletta. Grand Ambitions will unveil a curated selection of Laparelli’s original drawings, offering rare insight into the strategic vision and creative genius behind Valletta’s unique urban plan. This exhibition, housed within the Oratory of the Co-Cathedral, invites the public to reflect on Valletta’s rich heritage through the eyes of one of its earliest planners. 

St John’s Co-Cathedral has long stood as a beacon of artistic excellence, and this event reaffirms its role as a living monument where history is not only preserved but continually reinterpreted and celebrated. Whether you are a lover of sacred music, a connoisseur of history, or simply looking for a meaningful evening in the heart of Valletta, this is an event not to be missed. 

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Kindly RSVP by 16th June to secure your place at this prestigious event by contacting events@stjohnscocathedral.com.  

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Valletta, Malta — 8–9 May 2024

On Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May 2025, The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation hosted the third edition of the European Cathedrals Conference in Valletta, Malta. Themed “Sacred Art Conservation as a Vehicle of Re-Evangelization”, this year’s conference highlighted the crucial role of sacred art and architecture conservation in preserving and revitalising the spiritual, theological, and cultural messages they carry.

The conference organised in collaboration with the Opera della Primaziale Pisana of Pisa, Italy, studied how the safeguarding of religious heritage can act as a bridge between tradition and contemporary society, enabling sacred spaces to continue inspiring faith and reflection in modern audiences.

Now in its third year, the conference welcomed keynote speakers from across Europe to explore how preserving sacred spaces helps keep their spiritual message alive in today’s world. Participants included researchers, students, practitioners, and professionals who engaged in meaningful dialogue and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing the synergy between faith-based communities and the conservation world.

The conference was opened by Mgr. Prof. Emmanuel Agius, President of The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, who remarked that “Across the centuries sacred art and architecture have served as effective channels of evangelization because they expressed, communicated, and nourished the faith of Christian communities. This is, regrettably, no longer the case with contemporary society, because today’s generations have lost their affinity with the syntax, grammar, and vocabulary of faith, with the tragic consequence that the visual spiritual message enshrined for two millennia in sacred art has gradually disappeared. The Church thus needs to explore a new syntax, a fresh grammar and an upgraded vocabulary of faith in order to engage today’s generations in understanding the spiritual message that sacred art has been transmitting for two millennia”.

While the H.G. Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, in his address, he added “Restoration and conservation of sacred art are important not only for the preservation of aesthetic beauty and the safeguarding of humanity’s historical and cultural patrimony but also in bringing out more effectively the spiritual beauty creatively communicated by the artist.  Conservation methods and techniques ensure that artistic beauty and its spiritual mediation continue to be enjoyed and experienced without the risk of losing them forever”.

The event successfully provided a platform for robust discussion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reflection on the evolving role of cathedrals in today’s society—especially as they continue to serve as both spiritual centres and cultural landmarks.

The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation remains committed to positioning the Co-Cathedral and its initiatives on the European cultural and academic map. Through conferences such as this, the Foundation fosters a shared European heritage network, advancing research, encouraging innovation, and deepening ties among cathedrals and their communities across the continent.

It-Tielet Konferenza dwar il-Katidrali Ewropej Tenfasizza l-Konservazzjoni tal-Arti Sagra bħala Għodda għall-Evanġelizzazzjoni mill-ġdid

Il-Ħamis 8 u l-Ġimgħa 9 ta’ Mejju 2025, Il-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann ospitat it-tielet edizzjoni tal-Konferenza dwar il-Katidrali Ewropej fil-Belt Valletta, Malta. It-tema “Konservazzjoni tal-Arti Sagra bħala Vettura ta’ Ri-Evanġelizzazzjoni”, il-konferenza ta’ din is-sena enfasizzat ir-rwol kruċjali tal-konservazzjoni tal-arti sagra u tal-arkitettura fil-preservazzjoni u l-ħajja mill-ġdid tal-messaġġi spiritwali, teoloġiċi u kulturali li jġorru.

Il-konferenza organizzata b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Opera della Primaziale Pisana ta’ Pisa, l-Italja, studjat kif is-salvagwardja tal-wirt reliġjuż tista’ taġixxi bħala pont bejn it-tradizzjoni u s-soċjetà kontemporanja, li tippermetti li spazji sagri jkomplu jispiraw il-fidi u r-riflessjoni f’udjenzi moderni.

Issa fit-tielet sena tagħha, il-konferenza laqgħet kelliema ewlenin minn madwar l-Ewropa biex jesploraw kif il-preservazzjoni tal-ispazji sagri tgħin biex iżżomm il-messaġġ spiritwali tagħhom ħaj fid-dinja tal-lum. Il-parteċipanti kienu jinkludu riċerkaturi, studenti, prattikanti, u professjonisti li kienu involuti fi djalogu sinifikanti u qsim tal-għarfien, li jsaħħu s-sinerġija bejn il-komunitajiet ibbażati fuq il-fidi u d-dinja tal-konservazzjoni.

Il-konferenza nfetħet minn Mons. Prof Emmanuel Agius, President tal-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann, li rrimarka li “Matul is-sekli l-arti u l-arkitettura sagra servew bħala kanali effettivi ta’ evanġelizzazzjoni għax esprimew, ikkomunikaw, u rawmu l-fidi tal-komunitajiet Insara. sfortunatament, dan m’għadux il-każ tas-soċjetà kontemporanja, minħabba li tilfu l-vokabularju tal-lum, l-affinità u l-fidi, bil-konsegwenza traġika li l-messaġġ spiritwali viżiv imnaqqax għal żewġ millenji fl-arti sagra bil-mod il-mod il-Knisja teħtieġ tesplora sintassi ġdida, grammatika ġdida u vokabularju ta’ fidi mtejjeb sabiex timpenja l-ġenerazzjonijiet tal-lum biex jifhmu l-messaġġ spiritwali li l-arti sagra ilha tittrasmetti għal żewġ millenji”.

Filwaqt li Arċisqof ta’ Malta, Mons Charles J. Scicluna, fl-indirizz tiegħu, żied jgħid “Ir-restawr u l-konservazzjoni tal-arti sagra huma importanti mhux biss għall-preservazzjoni tas-sbuħija estetika u s-salvagwardja tal-patrimonju storiku u kulturali tal-umanità iżda wkoll biex joħorġu b’mod aktar effettiv is-sbuħija spiritwali kkomunikata b’mod kreattiv mill-artist. minnhom għal dejjem”.

L-avveniment ipprovda b’suċċess pjattaforma għal diskussjoni b’saħħita, kollaborazzjoni interdixxiplinari, u riflessjoni dwar ir-rwol li qed jevolvu l-katidrali fis-soċjetà tal-lum—speċjalment peress li jkomplu jservu kemm bħala ċentri spiritwali kif ukoll bħala punti ta’ referenza kulturali.

Il-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann tibqa’ impenjata li tpoġġi l-Konkatidral u l-inizjattivi tagħha fuq il-mappa kulturali u akkademika Ewropea. Permezz ta’ konferenzi bħal din, il-Fondazzjoni trawwem netwerk ta’ wirt Ewropew kondiviż, tavvanza r-riċerka, tinkoraġġixxi l-innovazzjoni, u tapprofondixxi r-rabtiet fost il-katidrali u l-komunitajiet tagħhom madwar il-kontinent.

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The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its latest exhibition, ‘Portraying St John’s Co-Cathedral Through Time’—a curated collection of approximately fifty paintings that artistically capture the magnificence of this iconic monument across the centuries.

The exhibition presents an evocative journey through time, showcasing works that reflect the interior and exterior of St John’s Co-Cathedral, as interpreted by both old masters and contemporary artists. From the late sixteenth century to the twenty-first, these paintings reveal the enduring inspiration that the Co-Cathedral has provided to generations of artists.

This unique exhibition explores the beauty, spirituality, and cultural importance of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Paintings from both public and private collections in Malta have been brought together, each offering a distinct artistic lens through which visitors can experience the essence of this architectural and religious treasure.

“We can say that this monument, which is a sacred place, is not only a witness to faith, culture and history but also a source of inspiration for artists who have worked and continue to work in Malta,” commented Profs Mons Emmanuel Agius, President of the St. John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation. He continued by saying that “the combination of art, architecture and history gives the artist a unique opportunity to feel a connection with the past and contemporary culture.”

While the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a symbol of faith, art and history.

“This new exhibition reminds us of the beauty and importance of this unique temple. As a Government, we remain committed to protecting, preserving and giving new life to our heritage. I thank the Co-Cathedral Foundation for their important work. I invite you to visit this experience that increases the pride of being Maltese,” concluded Minister Bonnici.

More than just a historical building, St John’s Co-Cathedral remains a centre of learning, culture, and inspiration. This exhibition is part of the Foundation’s ongoing work to celebrate and share the Cathedral’s legacy with the community and visitors from all over the world.

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Ħadd il-Palm 09:30 Tberik tal-Friegħi taż-Żebbuġ tkompli bil-Quddiesa kantata.

Jippresiedi Mons. Arċisqof Charles Jude Scicluna. Il-Ħamis 17 ta’ April – Ħamis ix-Xirka 09:30 Quddiesa tal-Griżma bit-Tberik taż-Żjut.

Jippresiedi Mons. Arċisqof Charles Jude Scicluna. 18:00 Quddiesa solenni tat-tifkira tat-twaqqif tal-Ewkaristija li tinkludi l-ħasil tar-riġlejn. Wara jsir it-trasport tal-Ewkaristija għall-Altar tar-Repożizzjoni. Il-Ġimgħa 18 ta’ April

Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira 08:30 Liturġija tas-Sigħat quddiem l-Altar tar-Repożizzjoni. 15:30 Tifkira Solenni tal-Passjoni tal-Mulej.

Jippresedi Mons. Arċisqof Charles Jude Scicluna. Is-Sibt 19 ta’ April

Sibt il-Għid 20:00 Is-Sahra fil-Lejl Qaddis tal-Qawmien tal-Mulej mill-Imwiet. Jippresedi Mons. Arċisqof Charles Jude Scicluna. Il-Ħadd 20 ta’ April –

L-Għid il-Kbir 07:45 Quddiesa bil-Malti. 09:30 Quddiesa Solenni.

Jippresiedi Mons. Arċisqof Charles Jude Scicluna u jagħti l-Barka Appostolika. 11:30 Quddiesa bil-Malti. 17:45 Quddiesa bl-Ingliż.

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Nixtiequ ninfurmakom li minn nhar il-Ħadd 20 ta’ April (L-Għid il-Kbir) il-Quddiesa tal-Ħadd fil-għaxija fil-Konkattidral ta’ San Ġwann il-Belt Valletta (5.45pm) ser tibda’ tkun bl-Ingliż.

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