When driving to the Malta International Airport, chances are you spotted this little chapel in Gudja that is dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto but did you know the rich history behind it?

According to Kappellimaltin.com, the chapel was built sometime around 1548 by Knight Imberto de Morines of the Knights of St John after a promise he made with Our Lady. At the time he was in charge of the area but there was a lot of anxiety surrounding the frequent attacks from the Turks.

As he won the battle against the Turks and managed to save the area, he built the chapel as a way to give thanks to Our Lady for keeping him safe. He also took care of decorating the chapel with all that was necessary and even commissioned a painting depicting Our Lady holding baby Jesus as they rest at the Sanctuary of Loreto. On top of her head there’s even a crown being held by angels.

Pilgrimages and popularity to the church soon started growing as both locals as well as Knights started visiting to pray at this chapel of miracles.

In 1676, Malta was hit with a huge plague that took the lives of 11,000 people. A new promise was needed.

The people of Gudja promised Our Lady of Loreto that if their village does not suffer immensely from the plague, they would enlarge her church. Thankfully their prayers were answered, and thus a bigger church was built some time around 1679. Grand Master Nikola Cottoner, as well as other beneficiaries paid for the majority of the expenses.

The chapel is also home to a statue of Our Lady with Baby Jesus. It was likely made in 1535 as there is “Anno 35” written on it. The statue was crafted by an unknown Sicilian artist and was donated by Captain Warsbergh, who was the Captain of Bir Miftuh (Gudja) at the time. It spent many years lost but was found in the 19^th century hidden in a nearby well.  

During World War II, the church was often a target from air raids since it was near the airfield. Thankfully it was only hit from the side and it suffered minor damages.

Even though the church survived through many periods of Maltese history and suffering it was about to be thorn down to make way for the enlargement of the airport. Thankfully the church was saved and is still standing there to this very day.

Have you ever visited?

Facebook/David Michael Schembri