Chapel of The Birth of Our Lady

The origins of religious devotion in the area of Ħal Farruġ date back several centuries, with early records confirming the presence of a church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary as far back as the 15th century. This early structure stood in a prominent position overlooking what was known as the Great Valley, serving as a spiritual focal point for the rural community that once occupied the surrounding land.

During the important Pastoral Visit of 1575, Monsignor Pietro Dusina documented the existence of this church, noting both its dedication and its physical characteristics. The building featured a centrally positioned bell tower, flanked by statues of St Peter and St Paul, an architectural detail that reflected both artistic ambition and religious symbolism. Beneath the bell tower stood a clock crafted by the renowned Maltese clockmaker Mikelanġ Sapiano, adding both function and prestige to the structure.

At the time, the church was under the care of procurator Salvu Baldacchino, who is believed to have personally financed improvements, including the construction of a new façade. His contribution highlights the deep sense of personal responsibility and devotion that local patrons often showed towards their parish churches.

Over time, the church also became associated with the title Our Lady of Victory, a dedication deeply rooted in Maltese religious identity following the events of the Great Siege of 1565. For centuries, the church remained an active place of worship, quietly serving the local population.

However, the course of history brought significant change. The church continued to exist until the early 1940s, most likely around 1941–1942, during the period of rapid military expansion in Malta under British rule. With the development of what is now Malta International Airport, the area of Ħal Farruġ became strategically important. The planned construction of a runway directly affected the site of the church.

At the request of Governor Sir William Dobbie, and with the agreement of Archbishop Dom Mauro Caruana, the difficult decision was taken to demolish the historic building. This marked the end of a centuries-old place of worship, sacrificed in the context of wartime necessity and national defence.

For several decades afterwards, the area remained without a dedicated church. It was not until the late 20th century—particularly during the 1980s—that Ħal Farruġ began to experience residential growth. As new families settled in the area, the need for a local place of worship once again became evident.

Initially, a modest hall was constructed to serve the spiritual needs of the growing community. This temporary solution gradually evolved into something more permanent. On 25th September 1992, the Chaplain of Ħal Luqa, Rev. Alfred Vella, officially inaugurated and blessed the structural works of the new church complex. Significantly, it was once again dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, preserving the historical and spiritual continuity of the original chapel.

Inside the present chapel, the titular painting of the Virgin Mary is the work of Maltese artist Richard Caruana, adding a contemporary artistic contribution to the space while maintaining traditional devotional themes.

Further improvements were carried out in 2007 under the direction of rector Rev. David Farrugia. These works enhanced the chapel’s appearance and functionality, ensuring it remained a dignified place of worship. A new altar and tabernacle were installed, crafted by Twanny Zammit, reflecting both craftsmanship and reverence.

Today, the chapel continues to play an active role in the life of the community. It hosts regular Mass, formation meetings, and celebrations, including the annual feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in September. Though the original church no longer stands, its legacy lives on, rebuilt not in stone alone, but in the faith and continuity of the people it continues to serve.