In 1954 two garages were bought and served as a chapel. In those days, shepherds were still tending to their flocks and farmers tilled the harsh soil of most of Buġibba and Qawra.

Some years later a small church was constructed to serve mainly summer residents. In 1979 the new church of Buġibba was consecrated and dedicated to St Maximillian Kolbe. The Franciscan Conventual Friars of St Paul’s Bay were preparing themselves for the expansion of the community in Buġibba.

In the late 1960’s, the rocky peninsula of Buġibba and Qawra started to flourish with tourists. Hotels and holiday apartments sprung up around the coast. Plots of government land were given to young couples to build their homes. Young families started to grow in Qawra and in the 80’s, the friars had the foresight to build a large church and surrounding complex to cater for an ever-increasing community. Visionary architect Richard England was entrusted with the design of a church for a growing community.

On the 11 th August, 1999 Archbishop Mons. Ġużeppi Mercieca consecrated the new church of Qawra to God and it was dedicated St Francis of Assisi.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration of the church, the friars and the community have prepared four days of celebrations (see full programme below), the highlight of which will be on Friday 9th August. After the 6:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Mass, Prof. Richard England will deliver a talk on the creation of sacred spaces and his visual insight when he designed the Qawra church.

Throughout these twenty-five years, the Franciscan friars have maintained a strong Christian community. Proof of this is the faithful church attendance over the weekends, despite the fact that Qawra is now a cosmopolitan place.

The Qawra community is living the Franciscan spirit through the liturgy and the sacraments, and through the various church groups that enrich this community – Pre-youths, Altar servants, Diaconia feeding and supporting people in need, church choir, catechism classes and various other groups.

Programme of celebrations and thanksgiving to mark the 25th Anniversary from the consecration of the St Francis of Assisi Church, Qawra

Thursday 8th August – Benefactors Day
6:30pm Thanksgiving Mass for all our benefactors, living and those now deceased, who helped in the building of the church and of this Christian Community.

Friday 9th August – Celebration of the beauty of our Holy Temple
6:30pm Thanksgiving Mass Followed by Reflections on the beauty of being God’s temple by Fr. Peter Paul Sultana.

Talk by Prof. Richard England on the creation of sacred spaces.

Feature on the history of the temple.

Token of remembrance will be given to those attending. The Mass and evening will be animated by the St Joseph Choir of Kalkara.


Saturday 10 August – Mass and Adoration
6:30pm by Fr. Colin Sammut, Provincial of the Franciscan Conventual Friars

7:30pm Thanksgiving praise and adoration to God for all the blessings He has bestowed on our community throughout the years.

Sunday 11 August – Anniversary Day
8:45am Church Parade by the Qawra Scout Group

Morning Sunday Mass will be as usual.

6:30pm 25th Anniversary Mass by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, assisted by the church choir. Followed by refreshments on the church parvis.