St Michael's Chapel, Mqabba

The Chapel of St Michael is a 17th century Roman Catholic church located in the southern village of Mqabba, Malta. The church is built adjacent to a 15th century chapel dedicated to St Basil.[1]

Chapel of St Michael
Kappella ta' San Mikiel
Chapel of St Michael
35°50′43.1″N 14°28′04.5″E
LocationMqabba
CountryMalta
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
StatusActive
Founded1550
DedicationSt Michael
Architecture
Functional statusChurch
Completed1669
Administration
ParishMqabba
ArchdioceseMalta

History

The original chapel was built in 1550. It s mentioned in the report written by Bishop Pietro Dusina when he visited Malta in 1575. He mentions that the church lacked all means necessary to celebrate the divine liturgy. However he mentions that a feast was held annually in honor of the saint and a lamp was kept lit in the chapel throughout the year.

The present church was built 1669 as commemorated in the plaque above the main door. The chapel was mentioned as being visited by the Bishop of Malta Paul Alphéran de Bussan on May 26, 1729. He ordered that the chapel contributes financially towards the construction of the quire of the parish church. In 1858 the confraternity of St Michael was established in this chapel. During the 20th century the chapel was abandoned and subsequently used as a storage facility. The chapel underwent extensive restoration in 2007. [2] [3]

Interior

The chapel's interior is quite simple. It's ceiling constitutes of a number of round arches. It has one stone altar and a painting depicting the Archangel Michael. The painting is surrounded with a number of stone carvings and sculptures.

References
  1. "The Chapel of St Basil and St Michael", Local Councils. Retrieved on 10 February 2017.
  2. "Mqabba", Malta-Canada. Retrieved on 10 February 2017.
  3. Farrugia, Jonathan. "Il-Knisja ta’ San Mikiel ~ Imqabba ~", Kappelli Maltin. Retrieved on 10 February 2017.
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