Cospicua became a parish in 1586 and the parish church, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was elevated to the dignity of collegiate church in 1822. The image of the Blessed Virgin above the high altar was crowned by Cardinal Ferrata in 1905 and, fifty years later, Cardinal Tedeschini adorned it with a halo of twelve stars.
Parish Population: 5, 657
Families: 1,600
Collegiate Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception
Dedication date: 25 May, 1732
Archpriest
Rev. Can. Anton Cassar
Parish Office
65, Triq il-Gendus, Bormla BML 1025
Office Hours
Tuesdays: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Thursdays: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Telephone
21828 413
Holy Masses
Sundays and Feast Days: 6:45, 9:15, 11:45 am and 5:00 pm
Saturday Evenings: 4:45 and 6:00 pm
Weekdays: 6:45, 8:30 am and 6:00 pm
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As you may well know, on the 26th of February, the church celebrates Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lent period. During all Masses held, ash is poured on the heads of the faithful. In those churches where are statutes of Good Friday, each week one is taken out of the Oratory and placed in the church starting with the statue of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. Later on the church will be shrouded in black damask with passion symbols, unique in Malta.
75th Anniversary of the Pilgrimage 1944-2019
Collegiate Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception
The Collegiate Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Cospicua captivates its visitors with its grandeur, and features elegant bell towers and majestic staircases. This large and impressive building is full of statues and paintings, most of which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Prior to the existing church building, constructed in 1586, was a small chapel situated on the hill known as “the Hill of the Gardens”, which at the time served as the town’s parish. However, the growing population meant that this chapel needed to be enlarged, thus in the mid-17th century, works were carried out. After several enlargements, it was finally decided to erect a new building to accommodate the town’s population, with construction starting in the late 17th century. Due to delays associated with the plague of 1676 and numerous drought seasons, construction lasted for about 50 years. The church was enlarged again in the 19th century, and gained its current collegiate status.
The designs of the church are attributed to Vincenzo Casanova, a renowned Maltese sculptor, while its bell towers are attributed to Lorenzo Gafà. Even though the church has an imposing wide façade divided into five bays with a Doric entablature running continuously along its entire length, it has a relatively simple design, devoid of any elaborate architectural features.
The feast in honour of the Immaculate Conception is held there on the 8th of December, and it attracts many locals and tourists alike, to admire the church’s magnificent interior and impressive size, its various sculptures and paintings, and the beautiful gem-encrusted statue of the Virgin Mary.