The arrival of the Order in 1530 triggered exponential increases in the headcount of Bormla, and the then flourishing community had its spiritual needs catered for by Our Lady of Succours Church on the same site of the present parish church. The Great Siege of 1565 created havoc and extensive destruction in the neighbourhood, but its aftermat was characterised by a quick return to normality and by a faster population growth rate. Indeed, it reached 1,200 souls by 1575. Their spiritual needs increased pro-rata, and the Bormliżi lost no time to plead for the full deployment of a priest. On his part, the Apostolic Delegate Pietro Dusina entertained their request, provided that baptisms were only held at St Lawrence Parish Church in Birgu. In 1584, then, the evergrowing community of Bormla made a formal request for the establishment of a dedicated parish. This wish came true in 1587.
The Construction of the Church
The church sits on top of a small promontory popularly known as Gardens’ Hillock. The earliest church on this spot seems to have been built towards the end of the 15th century. This was enlarged in 1627, but the present building started taking shape during the 1670s. Works progressed for several decades. Eventually, Bishop Paolo Alpheran de Bussan consecrated and rededicated the new church to the Immaculate Conception on 17 May 1732. The side chapels were enlarged during the course of the 19th century.
The Façade
The façade is fronted by a stepped parvis and is divided in five bays. The central node is defined by double pillars, a prominent pediment, and by a pedimented cental door. The flanking bays re-punctured by secondary doors, also crowned by a pediment, whereas the outer bays act as plinths for massive belltowers. The latter are topped by elegant pyramids, which add considerably to the serene dignity of the composition. The bell towers host a total of six bells, the biggest of which was manufactured by Giulio Cauchi in 1895. Also of note are the 1893 clock by Michelangelo Sapiano and the fronting statue of the Immaculate Conception. The latter was designed by Abraham Gatt and crafted in Carrara, Italy.
The Interior
Taking the shape of a Latin cross, the church comprises a central aisle, two transepts and a choir. The aisle is divided into three bays and is roofed over by quadripartite vaults. Corresponding vaults close off the transepts and the choir. These meet and form the base of a dome rising above the cross interception. The Immaculate Conception Collegiate features four side chapels on each flank, namely three along the main aisle and one at the inner side of the transepts respectively. Extensive sections of the exposed surfaces are clad with marble. These include the pavement and one of the smaller domes. Other marble works include the respective altars and the baptism font.
Works of Art
The Collegiate treasures an impressive hoard of artworks. Chief among these are the titular statue and its pedestal, base, and plinth. Equally outstanding is the titular painting. Produced by Pietro Paolo Caruana, the large canvas is embellished by a golden crown and golden stars. These were installed by Cardinals Domenico Ferrata and Federico Tedeschini in 1905 and 1955, respectively.
Milestones
15th century: building of Our Lady of Soccours church atop Gardens’ Hillock
1587: establishment of Bormla Parish
1627: enlargement of Our Lady of Soccours Church
17th century: building of present church
1732: consecration of new church
1822: foundation of Collegiate
1905: modification of titular statue by Antonio Ghezzi e Figlio, Milan and incoronation of titular painting
1944: national pilgrimage with the titular statue and painting, relocated to Birkirkara for safekeeping from enemy bombing
1955: embellishment of titular painting with gold stars
2022: embellishment of titular painting with golden flower
