In 1699, Laurica Agius founded a Conservatorio delle Zitelle (orphanage for poor girls) in the environs of Santa Margherita under the protection of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. The French rulers closed it down 99 years later, on 13 June 1798. Fortunately, however, their tenure was short-lived and the Conservatory opened its doors again soon after the start of the 19th century. Furthermore, it was reconstructed in 1810.
The 19th century witnessed another momentous development in its history when the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition opened a house and school in Birgu during the mid-19th century. Shortly after, they relocated their activity to this Conservatorio with the aim of offering good civic and moral education to the poor inquilines. By default, this pious institution became to be known as St Joseph’s Conservatory.
In 1980, then, St Joseph’s Conservatory was transferred to the more modern and adequate premises of the Sacred Family Home in Żabbar. Likewise, the Bormla premises was transformed into a home for the elderly during the early years of the 21st century.
Church Façade
St Joseph’s Church occupies the central segment of the compound’s front elevation, and is organised in three bays. The central section is set on two tiers and comprises an ornate door surmounted by a largish window and a pediment carrying the coats of arms of Bishops Vincenzo Labini and Ferdinando Mattei, two great benefactors of this charitable institution. Originally, the fronting parvis was enclosed by decorative ironworks.
Church Interior
The church has an oval plan and is adorned by three altars. The main altarpiece was produced by Sebastiano Conca, and is complemented by fine sculptural elements comprising adoring angels, the Holy Spirit in the shape of a dove, and symbols of St Joseph. The lateral altars are dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows and the Assumption of Our Lady, and are the work of Guercino and Rocco Buhagiar respectively. Also of note are the allegory the Holy Eucharist, namely a pelican feeding its chicks, in the upper part of the apse, and the paintings by Ä anni Vella hanging on the pillars.
Milestones
1699: foundation of the Conservatorio delle Zitelle
1810: reconstruction
mid-19th century: entrusted to the Sistes of St Joseph of the Apparition
1980: transfer of the orphanage to the Sacred Family Home, Żabbar
early 21st century: repurposing as home for the elderly
