• Saturday 15th August – Closed to Visitors (date unavailable) ⁠
• Friday 28th August – Open until 1PM (online tickets unavailable – tickets can be purchased at the door).

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

We look forward to welcoming you.

The post Visitor Notice: August Opening Hours appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

Ever since it was established in 2001, following an agreement between the Government and the Catholic Church in Malta, the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation has been the guardian of unquestionably the greatest artistic treasures to be seen in the Maltese Islands. At the same time, it is entrusted with safeguarding St John’s Co-Cathedral as a sacred place of worship, preserving its spiritual character while ensuring that its rich artistic and cultural heritage is conserved to internationally accepted standards and remains accessible to the thousands of visitors who walk through its doors.

Professor Monsignor Agius’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote this national and sacred treasure. His experience and commitment will support the Foundation’s mission to manage the Co-Cathedral and its Museum with dedicated stewardship, maintaining its sacred character, enhancing its cultural and educational value, and securing the necessary resources for ongoing restoration and conservation.

Welcoming his appointment, Professor Monsignor Agius stated: “I accept this appointment with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. It is a privilege to serve once again as President of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and to contribute to its ongoing work. The year ahead brings important projects that will continue to strengthen the Co-Cathedral’s role as a sacred place of worship and a national cultural landmark. I look forward to working closely with the Council and staff in the year ahead.”

Professor Monsignor Emmanuel Agius is the former Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta, where he studied philosophy and theology before pursuing further postgraduate studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. He subsequently undertook post-doctoral research in bioethics at the University of Tübingen, Germany; Georgetown University; and the University of Notre Dame, , as a Fulbright scholar and a fellow of the Alexander-von-Humboldt Stiftung, among other distinctions.

He is Professor of Moral Theology and Philosophical Ethics at the University of Malta and the former Head of the Department of Moral Theology. He serves as a member of the European Group of Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE), an advisory body to the European Commission, and of the Pontifical Academy for Life, and is moderator of the Commission on Ethics within COMECE. He has also played an active role in national and international bioethics initiatives, including the National Consultative Bioethics Committee and a UNESCO-supported programme on intercultural dialogue and human rights.

H.G. the Archbishop, Mgr. Charles J. Scicluna, appointed Professor Monsignor Agius as a member of the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter on 25th January 2018, and as a member of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation on 1st August 2019. On 13th December 2020, he received Malta’s highest honour – Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika – for his sterling service in bioethics and professional ethics, both in his native country and on the international scene. He is the author and co-editor of several publications, and several of his articles on bioethical, social and environmental issues, marriage and sexuality have appeared in several international peer-reviewed academic journals.

The Foundation warmly welcomes his presidency and extends its best wishes for a successful term ahead.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Colonel Dr Mark Mallia for his dedicated service and leadership during his tenure as President.

*

Jinħatar President Ġdid għall-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann għas-snin 2026/2027

Il-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann bi pjaċir tħabbar il-ħatra tal-Professur Monsinjur Emmanuel Agius bħala l-President il-ġdid tagħha, b’effett mill-1 ta’ Awwissu 2026. Il-Professur Monsinjur Agius diġà serva bħala President tal-Fondazzjoni u qed jerġa’ jieħu dan ir-rwol, biex tiġi żgurata l-kontinwità fil-ħidma tal-Fondazzjoni permezz tal-esperjenza tiegħu f’mandati preċedenti u tas-servizz kontinwu tiegħu bħala membru tal-Fondazzjoni.

Sa mit-twaqqif tagħha fl-2001, wara ftehim bejn il-Gvern u l-Knisja Kattolika f’Malta, il-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann kienet il-gwardjana ta’ dawk li bla dubju huma l-akbar teżori artistiċi li wieħed jista’ jara fil-Gżejjer Maltin. Fl-istess waqt, hija inkarigata li tħares il-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann bħala post sagru ta’ qima, billi tippreserva l-karattru spiritwali tiegħu u fl-istess ħin tiżgura li l-wirt artistiku u kulturali għani tiegħu jiġi kkonservat skont standards aċċettati internazzjonalment u jibqa’ aċċessibbli għall-eluf ta’ viżitaturi li jidħlu fih.

It-tmexxija tal-Professur Monsinjur Agius tasal f’mument kruċjali għall-isforzi kontinwi tal-Fondazzjoni biex tippreserva u tippromwovi dan it-teżor nazzjonali u sagru. L-esperjenza u l-impenn tiegħu se jappoġġjaw il-missjoni tal-Fondazzjoni li tmexxi l-Konkatidral u l-Mużew tiegħu b’dedikazzjoni u responsabbiltà, filwaqt li tippreserva n-natura sagra tiegħu, issaħħaħ il-valur kulturali u edukattiv tiegħu, u tiżgura r-riżorsi meħtieġa għax-xogħol kontinwu ta’ restawr u konservazzjoni.

Filwaqt li laqa’ l-ħatra tiegħu, il-Professur Monsinjur Agius stqarr: “Naċċetta din il-ħatra bi gratitudni u b’sens profond ta’ responsabbiltà. Huwa privileġġ li nerġa’ nservi bħala President tal-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann u li nikkontribwixxi għall-ħidma kontinwa tagħha. Is-sena li ġejja ġġib magħha proġetti importanti li se jkomplu jsaħħu r-rwol tal-Konkatidral bħala post sagru ta’ qima u bħala monument kulturali nazzjonali. Ninsab ħerqan biex naħdem mill-qrib mal-Kunsill u mal-istaff matul is-sena li ġejja.”

Il-Professur Monsinjur Emmanuel Agius huwa l-eks Dekan tal-Fakultà tat-Teoloġija fl-Università ta’ Malta, fejn studja l-filosofija u t-teoloġija qabel ma kompla bi studji terzjarji fl-Università Kattolika ta’ Leuven, fil-Belġju. Huwa wettaq riċerka post-dottorali fil-bijoetika fl-Università ta’ Tübingen, il-Ġermanja, fl-Università ta’ Georgetown u fl-Università ta’ Notre Dame fl-Amerika, bħala riċerkatur tal-Alexander-von-Humboldt Stiftung u bħala studjuż tal-programm Fulbright, fost distinzjonijiet oħra.

Huwa Professur tat-Teoloġija Morali u l-Etika Filosofika fl-Università ta’ Malta u eks Kap tad-Dipartiment tat-Teoloġija Morali. Huwa jservi bħala membru tal-Grupp Ewropew dwar l-Etika fix-Xjenza u Teknoloġiji Ġodda (EGE), korp konsultattiv tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea, u tal-Akkademja Pontifiċja għall-Ħajja, kif ukoll huwa l-moderatur tal-Kummissjoni dwar l-Etika fi ħdan il-COMECE. Huwa kellu wkoll rwol attiv f’inizjattivi nazzjonali u internazzjonali dwar il-bijoetika, inklużi l-Kumitat Konsultattiv Nazzjonali dwar il-Bijoetika u programm appoġġjat mill-UNESCO dwar id-djalogu interkulturali u d-drittijiet tal-bniedem.

L-Arċisqof Mons. Charles J. Scicluna ħatar lill-Professur Monsinjur Agius bħala membru tal-Kapitlu tal-Katidral Metropolitan fil-25 ta’ Jannar 2018, u bħala membru tal-Fondazzjoni tal-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann fl-1 ta’ Awwissu 2019. Fit-13 ta’ Diċembru 2020, huwa ngħata l-ogħla unur ta’ Malta – il-Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika – għall-ħidma eċċellenti tiegħu fil-qasam tal-bijoetika u l-etika professjonali, kemm f’pajjiżu kif ukoll fix-xena internazzjonali. Huwa awtur u koeditur ta’ diversi pubblikazzjonijiet, u għadd ta’ artikli tiegħu dwar kwistjonijiet bijoetiċi, soċjali u ambjentali, kif ukoll oħrajn li jitrattaw iż-żwieġ u s-sesswalità, ġew ippubblikati f’diversi ġurnali akkademiċi internazzjonali riveduti mill-pari.

Il-Fondazzjoni tilqa’ b’sodisfazzjon kbir il-ħatra tiegħu bħala President u tawguralu ħidma ta’ suċċess għall-perjodu li ġej.

Nixtiequ nieħdu din l-opportunità biex nesprimu l-gratitudni sinċiera tagħna lill-Kurunell Dr Mark Mallia għas-servizz dedikat u t-tmexxija tiegħu matul iż-żmien li serva bħala President.

The post New President Appointed to the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation for 2026/2027 appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

From 9 June to 10 July 2026, St John’s Co-Cathedral presents ‘Sette Giugno 1919. Memory and Ritual’, an exhibition exploring one of the defining moments of modern Maltese history through remembrance, funerary culture, and material heritage.

The exhibition commemorates the events of 7 June 1919, when social and economic tensions under British colonial rule erupted into unrest in Valletta. Rising food prices, post-war hardship, unemployment, and growing dissatisfaction with the colonial administration culminated in the deaths of four Maltese civilians. The events of Sette Giugno became a significant milestone in Malta’s journey towards self-government in 1921 and Independence in 1964.

At the centre of the exhibition is a remarkable and previously unstudied collection of funerary cartelloni preserved at St John’s Co-Cathedral. Comprising more than 200 painted funerary emblems dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, these works once formed part of elaborate funeral ceremonies for Grand Masters, Knights of the Order, ecclesiastical dignitaries, and prominent families. Displayed alongside the Cappella Ardente, they served as visual expressions of identity, status, and remembrance.

Particular focus is given to four rare cartelloni dated 7 June 1919 and traditionally associated with commemorations of the Sette Giugno victims and a High Mass celebrated in Floriana on 9 June. Although details of the original ceremony remain unknown, these objects offer a powerful insight into how communities memorialised loss and historical events.
Through these artefacts, the exhibition examines the role of ritual, symbolism, and public commemoration in shaping collective memory. It also highlights the continuity and evolution of funerary traditions within Malta’s cultural history.

The exhibition includes a dedicated accessibility station featuring tactile 2.5D wooden bas-relief reproductions, audio descriptions, and interpretive content, enabling visitors to engage with key objects through touch and sound.

Presented in the Sacristy of St John’s Co-Cathedral, ‘Sette Giugno 1919. Memory and Ritual’ offers a rare opportunity to explore an overlooked aspect of Malta’s cultural heritage and reflect on the enduring connections between history, remembrance, and public memory.

The exhibition is organised by St John’s Co-Cathedral in collaboration with CRPD – Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, the National Archives of Malta, Fondazzjoni Fortunato u Enrico Mizzi, and the Parish Church of St Catherine, Żejtun.

The exhibition will be on display in the Sacristy of St John’s Co-Cathedral from 9 June to 10 July 2026. Admission is included with the standard entry ticket, while holders of a valid Maltese ID Card or Heritage Malta Passport may visit free of charge upon presentation of their card or passport.

The post St John’s Co-Cathedral’s inaugurates new exhibition ‘Sette Giugno 1919. Memory and Ritual’ appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

The Co-Cathedral will be closed on Thursday 18th June due to an internal event.

On Tuesday 9th June & Wednesday 10th June, the Co-Cathedral will open later, welcoming visitors from 10:00AM.

On Saturday 20th June, the Co-Cathedral will be opening at 11:30AM due to State Mass.

On Monday 22nd June, the Co-Cathedral will be closing early at 3:00PM due to an internal event.

On Monday 29th June, the Co-Cathedral will be open on a public holiday.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you.

The post Visitor Notice: June Opening Hours appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

In the Sacristy of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the exhibition revisits the events of 7 June 1919, a defining moment in Malta’s modern history, through an unexpected and fascinating lens: funerary cartelloni.

These beautifully painted funerary emblems, many of which have remained largely unseen and unstudied until now, once formed part of elaborate commemorative ceremonies honouring Grand Masters, Knights, ecclesiastical figures, and prominent families. Created on wood and paper and rich in symbolism, the cartelloni acted as visual markers of remembrance, preserving identity and memory within public ritual.

At the heart of the exhibition are four rare cartelloni dated 7 June 1919, traditionally associated with the victims of the Sette Giugno uprising and the High Mass celebrated in Floriana shortly after the tragic events unfolded.

Rather than presenting history as something distant or static, the exhibition explores how communities remember, mourn, and transform collective experiences into shared identity. Through ritual objects, historical research, and the evocative setting of St John’s Co-Cathedral itself, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the ways memory is constructed and carried across generations.

The exhibition also offers a rare opportunity to encounter a lesser-known aspect of Maltese cultural heritage within one of the island’s most iconic historic spaces. For both locals and visitors, it is a chance to engage with an important chapter of Maltese history through art, ceremony, and memory.

Marking the commemoration of Sette Giugno, this reminds us that remembrance is not only about looking back, but also about understanding how the past continues to shape who we are today.

📍 Sacristy, St John’s Co-Cathedral
🎟️ Exhibition included with the admission ticket.

The post Special Exhibition / Sette Giugno 1919: Memory & Ritual appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

Historic achievement marks first-ever Museums + Heritage Award win for a Maltese institution

St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation is proud to announce that the Caravaggio Wing at St John’s Co-Cathedral has won the Best Use of Digital – International category at the 24th annual Museums + Heritage Awards, one of the most respected accolades in the global museum and heritage sector.

The win marks what is believed to be the first time a Maltese institution has received a Museums + Heritage Award, placing Malta firmly on the international cultural map alongside some of the world’s leading museums, galleries, and heritage attractions.

Recognised for its innovative and immersive visitor experience, the Caravaggio Wing transforms how audiences engage with The Beheading of St John the Baptist, one of art history’s most celebrated masterpieces. Through cinematic storytelling, immersive projections, and interactive digital interpretation exploring Caravaggio’s dramatic time in Malta, the wing has redefined the visitor experience at the Cathedral.

Since opening, the Caravaggio Wing has welcomed an estimated 2.3 million visitors annually, with 95% engaging with the Caravaggio section and visitors spending an average of 45 minutes in the experience — demonstrating a level of engagement far beyond a traditional cathedral visit. The wing also supports more than 50,000 learners each year through dedicated educational programmes. The Museums + Heritage Awards are organised annually by Altair Media Ltd and celebrate excellence and innovation across the international museum, gallery, and heritage sectors. This year’s winners were selected by an independent panel of nine highly respected judges from a record-breaking number of global entries.

Tonio Mallia, Chief Executive Officer of St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, said:

“Winning the Museums + Heritage Award is an extraordinary moment for St John’s Co-Cathedral and for Malta. From the beginning, the vision behind the Caravaggio Wing was to create an experience that would bring one of the world’s greatest masterpieces to life in a way that is emotionally powerful, intellectually engaging, and accessible to all. To receive this recognition on an international stage is a tremendous honour and a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of our entire team.”

The award was presented during a ceremony held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Hilton on Park Lane in London.

The Caravaggio Wing was funded through Operational Programme I – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014–2020, ‘Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges’. The project was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, with a co-financing rate of 80% from the European Union and 20% from St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation.

Photograph credits: Hayley Bray

The post St John’s Co-Cathedral’s Caravaggio Wing Wins Prestigious Museums + Heritage Award appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

St John’s Co-Cathedral and Inizjamed are getting together for an evening of poetry on Tuesday, 17th March, ahead of World Poetry Day on 21st March. This first-of-its-kind collaboration brings together two of Malta’s foremost cultural institutions in a celebration of the spoken and written word, set against the backdrop of a gem of Baroque art and architecture.

The evening takes its title — Inħoll l-Ilħna u l-Ilsna l-Oħra — from the poem “Mestiza” by Myriam Montoya, in its Maltese translation by Simone Galea, published in xtaqt li kont merkurju (Inizjamed, 2022). It echoes the spirit of an evening where poetry will resound across eight chapels in as many languages.

The event will take the form of two poetical tours through the Co-Cathedral’s side chapels, each dedicated to a different language of the Knights of the Order of St John and each carrying its own distinct language and literary tradition. Moving through the chapels of Castile, León and Portugal; Aragon, Catalonia and Navarre; Auvergne; Anglo-Bavaria; Provence; France; Germany; and Italy, the audience will experience poetic texts in the respective languages. In each case, translations in Maltese and/or English will also be provided.

The first poetical tour begins at 7.30pm, led by Maria Christina Zammit, and the second tour (identical to the first) commences at 8.30pm, led by Jeremy Grech. Each tour promises an intimate and immersive journey through language, history, and art.

The evening is being curated by Inizjamed and Inizjamed’s team under the artistic direction of Leanne Ellul, with the script woven together by Leanne Ellul and Jake Buttigieg and the authors’ writings. A cast of readers from diverse backgrounds will bring to life works by Astrid Alben (tr. Antoine Cassar), Clare Azzopardi (tr. Martina Reinecke), Samantha Barendson (tr. Gioele Galea, Dom Gabrielli), Lilia Ben Romdhane (tr. Immanuel Mifsud), Keith Borg (tr. Maria Frendo), Rainer Maria Rilke (tr. Priscilla Cassar), Alphonse Daudet (tr. Joe Pulè), Miquel Desclot (tr. Pierre J. Mejlak), Marc Delouze (tr. Nadia Mifsud), Leanne Ellul (tr. Virginia Monteforte), Claudia Gauci (tr. Giuseppe Goffredo), Elizabeth Grech, Adrian Grima (tr. Rui Cóias), Nadia Mifsud, Dun Karm Psaila (tr. Ġużè Delia), and San Ġwann tas-Salib (tr. Ġorġ Peresso).

The readers for the evening are: Simone Azzopardi, Kit Azzopardi, Jean Paul Borg, Kurt Borg, Jake Buttigieg, Leanne Ellul, Claudia Gauci, Marilyn Mallia, Patricia Micallef, Immanuel Mifsud, Justine Somerville, Klara Vassallo, Maxine Tanti, and others.

This collaboration reflects St John’s Co-Cathedral’s ongoing commitment to art and culture, and its openness to poetry as a living presence within its historic walls. Inizjamed’s participation, meanwhile, draws on the organisation’s long-standing dedication to translation — both into Maltese and from Maltese into other languages.

The event is open to everyone against a donation of €10. Tickets can be obtained from here.

The post A Night of Poetry at the Co-Cathedral / Inħoll l-Ilħna u l-Ilsna l-Oħra appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

Inħoll l-Ilsna u l-Ilsna Oħra

📅 It-Tlieta 17 ta’ Marzu
🕰  7:30pm & 8:30pm

Ftit jiem biss qabel il-Jum Dinji tal-Poeżija, il-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann u Inizjamed se jingħaqdu flimkien għal serata ta’ poeżija b’differenza. Imraħ matul it-tmien kappelli fil-Konkatidral – u hekk ukoll permezz tal-lingwi. Bis-saħħa tal-lingwi storiċi tal-Kavallieri tal-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann, il-poeżija se tinstema’ bl-Ispanjol, il-Franċiż, il-Ġermaniż, it-Taljan, l-Ingliż, u iżjed, tradotta bil-Malti u/jew l-Ingliż. Is-serata se tieħu s-sura ta’ mixja poetika li se ssir darbtejn:

• 7:30pm – immexxija minn Maria Christina Zammit

• 8:30pm – immexxija minn Jeremy Grech

B’kurazzjoni ta’ Inizjamed u direzzjoni artistika ta’ Leanne Ellul, din l-esperjenza immersiva se tqarreb lejn xulxin fi djalogu vuċijiet kontemporanji u klassiċi fl-isfond ta’ ġawhra aristiku u arkitettoniku tal-Barokk.

🎟️ Donazzjoni ta’ €10

BILJETTI MINN HAWN

ECCE HOMO An Evening of Spiritual Reflection and Sacred Music

📅 Thursday 26th March, 2026
🕰  7:30pm

The Co-Cathedral also hosts a moving evening dedicated to reflection on justice, truth, and human frailty within the Passion narrative.

Under the direction of Mro Christopher Muscat, the programme will be interpreted by:

The Jubilate Deo Choir, Cappella Gregoriana Jubilate Deo, Pueri Cantores Jubilate Deo with Mr Ronald Camilleri presiding at the organ.

The musical programme features masterworks by: Tomás Luis de Victoria, Felice Anerio, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Gregorio Allegri.

This sacred repertoire, performed within the Co-Cathedral’s extraordinary acoustics, promises an atmosphere of profound contemplation and spiritual depth.

🎟️ Tickets are available against a €10 donation, with proceeds in aid of the Archbishop’s Charity Fund.

TICKETS FROM HERE

Valletta Resounds: The Caravaggio Experience

📅 Ongoing performances
🕰  Various Times

Breaking national records for the most performances staged within a historical site, Valletta Resounds: The Caravaggio Experience by Udjenza returns for a new run of shows at St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Held in the Oratory, this site-specific performance elegantly weaves together The Beheading of St John the Baptist by Caravaggio with theatrical storytelling and timeless classical music.

Under the musical direction of Jacob Portelli, critically acclaimed Maltese musicians bring to life the works of Baroque masters such as George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach, alongside sacred Maltese compositions by Francesco Azzopardi and others.

The music is performed by some of Malta’s most esteemed sopranos — Dorothy Bezzina, Hannah Tong, and Dorothy Baldacchino — and beautifully accompanied on Baroque harp, Baroque violin, Baroque cello, and psaltery.

This auditory delight is seamlessly interwoven with captivating tales of the Oratory, narrated by the regal character of Fra Bartolomeo, portrayed by Jeremy Grech.

🕰 The 40-minute concert begins at 18:30, with access to the Cathedral from 18:00 through the main door on St John Street.

An unforgettable encounter with art, music, and storytelling — set before one of the greatest masterpieces of the Baroque era.

TICKETS FROM HERE

We look forward to welcoming you to St John’s Co-Cathedral for these memorable evenings.

The post Special Events in March / A Celebration of Poetry, Music, and Spiritual Reflection appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

Ernest Cassar has been named the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation’s Employee of the Year for 2025, in recognition of his dedication, reliability, and quiet commitment to preserving one of Malta’s most treasured landmarks.

As a valued member of the Maintenance team, Ernest plays a vital role in maintaining the Co-Cathedral’s heritage, ensuring its spaces are cared for with the respect and attention they deserve. Beyond his technical expertise, he is known for being a dependable and supportive colleague – someone his team can always rely on.

“Much of the work carried out by our maintenance team happens quietly behind the scenes, often before the Co-Cathedral opens to the public or after hours. Yet their contribution is just as vital as any other role within the St John’s Co-Cathedral complex,” says Ian Camilleri, Chief Operations Officer. “Ernest has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues in a remarkably short time. He is hardworking and loyal, always ready to lend a hand or offer sound advice whenever needed.”

Cassar’s dedication and teamwork are consistently praised by his colleagues. Jurgen Camilleri, a fellow maintenance team member, notes that working alongside Ernest every day shows the effort and care he puts into his work, describing him as someone the team can rely on without hesitation, whether it’s an urgent repair, a long job after hours, or a task that needs doing properly the first time. John Taylor, the team foreman, adds that Ernest doesn’t just focus on his own duties but looks out for the whole team, always ready to step in, share his skills, or help solve problems on the spot. Mauro Debono echoes this sentiment, saying that Ernest consistently supports him in carrying out his responsibilities and that he has learned a great deal from working alongside him.

“What truly sets Ernest apart is his strong sense of responsibility and initiative. He understands what is required of him and consistently carries out his duties with minimal supervision, always to a high standard,” Camilleri continues. “His specialised skills, particularly in welding, woodwork, and organisation, enable him to excel in his role and add significant value to our operations. Employees like Ernest are rare, and we are truly fortunate to have him as part of our team. This recognition is well-deserved.”

Outside of work, Cassar is a devoted family man and lifelong Floriana FC and Manchester United fan – interests that reflect the same loyalty and consistency he brings to his role at the Co-Cathedral. He takes pride in working within a historic institution and approaches his responsibilities with a strong sense of ownership and respect for its significance.

The latter reflects the Foundation’s belief that protecting St John’s Co-Cathedral is not only about technical expertise, but also about the people behind the scenes whose daily efforts sustain it. Whether assisting a colleague, addressing an issue before it escalates, or simply carrying out his work with care and reliability, Ernest’s contribution extends far beyond his job description.

This award highlights the value of dedicated employees whose professionalism and accountability support the Foundation’s ongoing operations and long-term mission.

(L to R) – Mauro Debono, Ernest Cassar, Ian Camilleri, John Taylor, Jurgen Camilleri

The post St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation awards Employee of the Year for 2025 appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.

The revered Madonna of Carafa, long cherished yet little known, has emerged renewed after an intensive restoration and now takes pride of place at St John’s Co-Cathedral for a limited period of veneration, especially during the Marian celebrations on the 8th of December before being put back in the Chapel of Philermos. The cathedral’s in-house conservator-restorers worked with precision, not only reviving the icon’s original splendour but also uncovering new insights into a work that has, until now, remained shrouded in mystery.

Commander Frà Giangirolamo Carafa, Prior of Barletta, is known to be the commissioner of this piece, and its historical context situates the work in Southern Italy between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach gave this project far greater depth. Art historical research, technical conservation, and scientific expertise, brought together by researchers, conservators, and diagnosticians, transformed the restoration into a cognitive and investigative journey, one that not only ensured the safeguarding of the work but also deepened our understanding of its historical and cultural context.

The icon’s journey begins in Southern Italy, on the hills overlooking Matera, at the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Picciano. The sanctuary was an ancient foundation of Benedictine and later Hospitaller origin, and its Marian image has been at the heart of popular devotion for centuries. In 1601, Frà Giangirolamo Carafa, the Commander of Santa Maria di Picciano between 1592 and 1615, commissioned a replica of the icon for his private devotions, moved by the faith of the local population and the miracles reportedly witnessed at the sanctuary.

Carafa subsequently took this copy, which became known as the Madonna of Carafa, with him to Malta. The image was later exposed for public veneration in the Chapel of Our Lady of Victories in Valletta. Per his will, on November 23, 1622, this icon was hanged above the altar of St Catherine in the Chapel of Italy within the St John’s Co-Cathedral. The Council’s record at the time emphasised the obligation to ensure “the veneration due to the sacred image”. The icon remained there until 1954, when it was transferred to its current location, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament also known as the Chapel of the Virgin of Philermos.

Targeted diagnostic analyses, including multispectral imaging, X-ray radiography, and CT scan, were crucial to the investigation. The analyses confirmed that the icon is executed on three poplar wood planks joined together to create an oval format. The structure is reinforced on the reverse by three horizontal crossbars, which are considered original to the work. The absence of a joint system and full canvas lining (incamottatura) contributed to deformations over time, necessitating later fillings and structural additions. Findings about the paint layers confirmed a late Renaissance and Mannerist palette. This analysis detected the presence of the original pigments and overpainting dated to later historical interventions.

At the time of restoration, the icon was in a precarious state, having suffered from insect damage, yellowed protective varnish, and widespread overpainting. The primary objective of the restoration was to preserve the physical and structural integrity of the work. The intervention focused on: structural consolidation and treating the wood against woodworm infestation; selective cleaning and removal of oxidised varnish and recent overpainting’s; and chromatic reintegration, which followed the principle of reversibility, achieving uniform colour without compromising the legibility of the original image.

The meticulous restoration, concluded in October 2025, was guided by material evidence and sought to stabilise, protect, and enhance the work without overriding its identity. Having survived centuries of vicissitudes, the Madonna of Carafa retains its expressive power, particularly in the face of the Virgin, whose composure and spiritual depth continue to exert a powerful devotional impact.

The Madonna of Carafa was on display from 26 November to 5 December, offering a rare opportunity to admire this restored masterpiece up close before she was moved to the High Altar on 5 December for the Marian celebrations on 8 December, and then transferred to the Chapel of the Madonna of Philermos on 10 December.

The post Renewed Reverence: The Madonna of Carafa Emerges After Restoration appeared first on St John's Co-Cathedral.