Old St Joseph's in the Citadel

Old St Joseph's in the Citadel is a Roman Catholic Church located in the medieval walled Cittadella in Victoria, Gozo, Malta.

Old St Joseph's in the Citadel
The Church of St Joseph
Knisja ta' San Ġużepp
Old St Joseph's in the Citadel
Location within Malta
36°02′48.4″N 14°14′23.0″E
LocationVictoria, Gozo
CountryMalta
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
Former name(s)St Nicholas
StatusChurch
DedicationSaint Joseph
Dedicated15 August 1976
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architect(s)Vittorio Cassar
Architectural typeChurch
Administration
ParishSt Mary's parish Victoria
DioceseGozo
ProvinceMalta
Clergy
Bishop(s)Mario Grech
RectorJoe Bezzina

History

Records show that a chapel already existed on the site during the mid 16th century. In fact, when Bishop Dusina visited the Citadel he recalled that there were four churches dedicated to St Lawrence, St Nicholas, St John the Baptist's and Our Saviour's, respectively. The original St Joseph's was the one dedicated to St Nicholas. Its congregation grew when Bishop Dusina deconsecrated it Lawrence's in 1575 and the faithful turned to St Nicholas' which was described as the church which was best kept and equipped.

The church plan was altered by orders of Bishop Baldassare Cagliares on plans by Vittorio Cassar. Works concluded by 1625. Consequently, the dedication of the church was changed from that of St Nicholas to St Joseph, the first church on the island to bear the name of St Joseph. A palace was also built adjacent to the church as a residence to Bishop Cagliares. On St Joseph's day, the Chapter of St Mary's Collegiate Church used to celebrate vespers every year from 1672.[1]

The church was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1693. Consequently, services no longer were held in the church and it was abandoned. It was only in 1930 that interest was awaken to restore the chapel. The lieutenant Governor of Malta, Sir Harry Luke expressed interest in restoring buildings which had historic value. Restoration works were at a halt when Sir Luke was transferred somewhere else. In 1973 restoration works commenced once more and works were completed by 19 March 1975. The church was blessed by Bishop Nikol Joseph Cauchi on August 15, 1976.[2]

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References
  1. Spiteri, M. (2000). A Hundred Wayside Chapels of Malta & Gozo, p. 81-83. Heritage Books, Valletta. ISBN 9789990993059.
  2. Busuttil, R. "Il-Knisja ta’ San Ġużepp “Il-Qadim” ~ Ċittadella, Għawdex ~", Kappelli Maltin. Retrieved on 27 May 2017.
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