The cordial relationship between the Jesuits and the Order of St John was consolidated with formation of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception within the College. This was merely a decade after the Jesuits’ establishment on the island. The Congregation was formed of Knights from all Langues who engaged in an institutional communion under the dedication of the Birth of the Virgin. This allegiance was changed ‘per giusti motivi’ to the Immaculate Conception sometime in the first half of the 17th Century.
Initially, the Jesuits were reluctant to recognise the establishment of the Knights’ Congregation and this caused years of neglect inside the college between the two institutions. The absence of documentation on the earliest Oratory – which probably existed alongside the earliest Oratory of the Onorati – further confuses the scenario of the founding of the Congregation. Notwithstanding this, the cordial relationship between the Order of St John and
the Jesuits ultimately led to the official institution of the Congregation in 1600.
From an architectural point of view, the period of the Oratory’s establishment was remarkable. Indeed, the first half of the 17th century was marked by significant projects which revitalized the status of the Jesuit complex. It was within this milieu that the Oratory was produced. The authorship of the Oratory is so far an unresolved issue. Its erection is riddled by uncertainty but the presumed era and strategic position of the structure indicate architects like Buonamici, who was in high demand at that time in Malta.
The Immacolata and the Onorati cycles are the work of artists like the mature Filippino Dingli (born e. 17th century and died in 1677), Stefano Erardi (1630-1716), and Alessio Erardi (c.1671-1727).
The Oratories are open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 16:00 (Sundays till 12:00).
Kindly note that no roaming is allowed during liturgical services and events.
The Church is currently closed due to restoration projects underway. We apologise for the inconvenience.
