Wirt Ghawdex has inaugurated the restoration of a century old ex-voto niche in Mgarr during a ceremony attended by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Ghajnsielem mayor Francis Cauchi.

The painting, depicting two Gozitan fishermen on a boat invoking the help of the Blessed Virgin and Saints John the Baptist, Francis of Assisi and Peter the Apostle-fisherman, went missing in July 2005. The canvas was framed and displayed behind glass close to the berths of the fishing boats and portside restaurants, but had nothing to secure it other than a flimsy lock and the niche had been vandalised.

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 that form an important part of the popular cult of our local patrimony. Fr. Frankie Bajada, archpriest of Ghajnsielem blessed the niche.

The heritage society is currently involved in other restoration projects in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, including the Gunpowder Magazine on St John's Demi-Bastion within the Citadel, and Mgarr ix-Xini Tower. Another project to restore the only surviving dghajsa tal-Latini is being undertaken in collaboration with Gozo Channel Co. Ltd.

Ex-voto paintings are significant because they commemorate an event where human beings overcome some grave danger.