📍 Location
Location Map Coordinates 36.051058, 14.274777
The Church of Jesus of Nazareth, commonly known in Maltese as Il-Knisja ta’ Ġesù Nazzarenu or simply In-Nazzarenu, is a Roman Catholic church located in the village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo. Built in the early twentieth century, this church represents an important centre of religious devotion for residents living in the eastern outskirts of the village. The church stands in the area known as Ta’ Ġnien Xibla, approximately two kilometres east of the Xagħra parish basilica.
This historic church is particularly notable because it is the only church in Gozo dedicated specifically to Jesus of Nazareth. Over the past century it has served not only as a place of worship but also as a focal point for community life in the surrounding rural districts.
Location
The Church of Jesus of Nazareth is situated on the outskirts of Xagħra near the roads leading toward Marsalforn and the coastal countryside. The geographical coordinates of the church are:
Latitude: 36.051058
Longitude: 14.274777
The surrounding neighbourhood gradually developed around the church during the twentieth century and eventually became popularly known as “In-Nazzarenu”, a name derived from the church dedication itself.
Origins and Construction (1902–1910)
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the population of Xagħra had expanded significantly beyond the historic village core. Many residents lived in the surrounding countryside, making it difficult to attend religious services regularly at the parish church in the centre of the village.
To address this need, the idea emerged to construct a new church that would serve the eastern communities of Xagħra. The project was promoted by the local clergy and supported enthusiastically by parishioners who recognised the importance of providing a nearby place of worship.
Construction work began in 1902 following architectural plans drawn by Rev. Canon Joseph Diacono, the Archpriest of Xagħra. Although not formally trained as an architect, Diacono designed several important buildings in Gozo and was deeply involved in the development of the parish.
The foundation stone of the church was laid on 20 September 1903 by Bishop Giovanni Maria Camilleri O.S.A. during a solemn ceremony attended by clergy and villagers. From that moment onward the area surrounding the church began to be identified as In-Nazzarenu.
The construction work itself was carried out by local craftsmen including the builder Ġużepp Azzopardi from Xagħra and Luigi Vella from Żebbuġ. The project was largely funded through donations from the local population, many of whom contributed labour, building materials or financial assistance. In some cases families even sold land to help finance the construction of the church.
Despite financial difficulties that slowed the building process, the church structure was eventually completed after several years of work. The building was finally blessed in November 1910, marking the beginning of regular religious services in the new church.
Dedication and Consecration
Although the church had been in use for many years, preparations for its formal dedication began only later. During the rectorship of Rev. Canon Lawrence Attard in 1930, several improvements were carried out including the installation of a marble high altar produced by Galea Marble Works of Rabat in Malta.
The solemn consecration ceremony took place on 15 November 1931, when the Bishop of Gozo officially dedicated the church to Jesus of Nazareth. From that point onward the church became firmly established as a recognised place of worship within the diocese.
Architecture and Layout
The Church of Jesus of Nazareth displays architectural elements characteristic of early twentieth-century Maltese ecclesiastical architecture, combining traditional Baroque influences with simpler structural forms.
The building consists primarily of a central nave or hall leading toward the presbytery and main altar. On either side of the nave are two side altars dedicated to important saints. The façade of the church features decorative mouldings and architectural details that reflect the stylistic preferences of Maltese church architecture during this period.
Although modest in scale compared with the nearby Xagħra parish basilica, the church is considered a refined example of rural ecclesiastical architecture in Gozo. Architectural historian Paul Grech described the building as “an essay in Baroque architecture”, highlighting the influence of the island’s traditional church design.
Artworks and Interior Decoration
The church houses a number of valuable works of religious art created by some of Malta’s most respected artists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
The principal altarpiece is the work of the renowned Maltese painter Lazzaro Pisani. Painted in 1908, the artwork depicts Jesus of Nazareth presented before Pontius Pilate, surrounded by angelic figures holding symbols associated with the Passion of Christ.
Pisani’s painting was inspired by a famous image of Christ in the Roman church of Santa Maria in Monticelli, which had gained attention in the nineteenth century for an alleged miracle involving the movement of the eyes in the painting. The Xagħra artwork incorporates similar iconographic elements adapted to the Maltese artistic tradition.
Other important paintings inside the church include:
- A depiction of the Holy Family also painted by Lazzaro Pisani.
- A painting of Saint Anne teaching the Virgin Mary by the Maltese artist Ġanni Vella.
- Ten paintings representing the Apostles created by the Italian artist Virginio Monti.
- Images of Saint Peter and Saint Paul by the renowned Maltese painter Giuseppe Calì.
Together these artworks form a rich decorative program that reflects both Maltese and Italian artistic influences present in the islands during the early twentieth century.
Sculpture and Decorative Elements
In addition to its paintings, the church also contains several statues created by the distinguished Gozitan sculptor Agostino Camilleri. His papier-mâché statues have decorated the church interior since the 1940s and contribute significantly to the devotional atmosphere of the building.
These sculptures represent various saints and biblical figures associated with Catholic devotion and are displayed within niches and side chapels around the interior.
Religious Life and Traditions
The Church of Jesus of Nazareth quickly became a centre of religious life for the surrounding districts after its completion. The first known celebration of the church’s titular feast took place in 1911, when liturgical music was conducted by Maestro Agostino Masini.
In its early decades the feast celebrations were relatively modest and were held mainly within the church itself. Over time, however, the celebrations gradually expanded to include fireworks displays, illuminated decorations and community gatherings in the church square.
By 1948 the festivities had evolved to include outdoor religious processions, including a solemn procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets surrounding the church.
Today the feast connected with the church is celebrated annually in October and continues to form an important cultural event within the community.
Pastoral and Community Activities
The church has long served not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for pastoral activities and education. In 1930 a community of Franciscan Sisters established a residence adjacent to the church. The sisters played an important role in teaching catechism and operating a kindergarten for local children.
Their presence helped strengthen the church’s role within the community and contributed to the development of social and educational services in the area.
Modern Restoration and Renovation
Over the decades several restoration projects have been undertaken to preserve the church and adapt it to modern liturgical requirements.
A major refurbishment project was launched during the early twenty-first century with the aim of improving the interior and updating the presbytery area according to the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council.
Further restoration work included the cleaning and conservation of the church’s artworks and the structural maintenance of the building to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Historical and Cultural Importance
Today the Church of Jesus of Nazareth remains a significant element of the religious and cultural heritage of Xagħra. Although smaller than the village’s parish basilica, it plays an important role in the spiritual life of residents living in the surrounding districts.
Its artistic treasures, community traditions and distinctive dedication make it a unique site within Gozo’s rich ecclesiastical landscape. Visitors exploring the island’s historic churches will find the Church of Jesus of Nazareth an interesting example of early twentieth-century religious architecture combined with notable Maltese artistic heritage.
For more historic churches across Malta and Gozo visit our main directory: Churches of Malta and Gozo.