The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation has launched ‘Where Light Meets Legacy’, a landmark initiative that unites two major undertakings: the completion of a state-of-the-art LED lighting system and the launch of a €6 million restoration campaign for Mattia Preti’s Baroque ceiling.

Together, these projects embody the Foundation’s mission to both illuminate and preserve one of Malta’s most treasured monuments.

Recently completed, the new intelligent lighting system marks a transformative moment for the Co-Cathedral - 112 years after its first transition from candlelight to electricity. Over 350 museum-grade LED luminaires now reveal every intricate detail of the church’s ornate interior while cutting energy use by more than half. The project seamlessly blends art, architecture, and sustainability, enriching the visitor experience while protecting the environment.

Colonel Dr Mark Mallia, President of the Foundation, described the upgrade as ‘an act of reverence,’ explaining that the lighting ‘allows visitors to experience St John’s Co-Cathedral as Preti envisioned it - radiant, contemplative, and alive with divine light.’ He added that the initiative’s title, ‘Where Light Meets Legacy’, captures the Foundation’s dual mission: to ‘illuminate the past while preserving the future.’

Echoing this sentiment, Mgr Prof Emmanuel Agius said the lighting is ‘a vibrant symbol of illumination’ that not only enhances visual beauty but also ‘inspires devotion and deepens spiritual reflection.’

Alongside this milestone, the Foundation announced a six-year restoration campaign for Preti’s ceiling, which depicts the life of St John the Baptist. Painted between 1661 and 1666, the masterpiece now shows deterioration from humidity and age, underscoring the urgency of conservation.

Colonel Mallia noted that restoring the vault is ‘about safeguarding the soul of our nation’s heritage,’ while Mgr Agius called for collective generosity from the public, the business community, and philanthropic institutions.

Combining advanced research, diagnostic imaging, and expert craftsmanship, the project will ensure that Preti’s vision continues to inspire generations. Together, the lighting transformation and restoration campaign form a powerful union of light and legacy, reaffirming Malta’s enduring commitment to its spiritual and artistic heritage.

For more information or to donate, visit www.stjohnscocathedral.com/fundraising or email [email protected].