The Church of Santa Caterina d'Italia in Merchants Street has been for these last six years closed for restoration. The Italian government sponsored its total restoration through the Fourth Financial Protocol and on July 27, 2000 the exterior of the church was covered all around with brand new scaffolding.

In less than two years the exterior was finished and the minister responsible celebrated the event promising naturally to continue with the restoration of the church.

However, not only did the scaffolding fail to enter the church for the restoration of the interior but the portico remained unfinished - the gates do not lock, the steps had to be changed, etc.

Many attempts were made to resume restoration work in Santa Caterina but the government's reply was always: "There is no money" and that "the Fourth Protocol was only for the restoration of the exterior." This is completely false because the document reads "per il restauro e la re-abilitazione di Santa Caterina d'Italia".

A year ago a meeting with possible future sponsors was organised but with no success. Some months ago St James Cavalier began organising concerts inside the church to collect funds for its restoration but while the response is encouraging what has been collected are dewdrops considering the sum needed to complete the work.

Among others, Michael Laus, who specialised in Italy assisted by the Italian government, will be giving a piano recital today at 7 p.m. in the historic church itself.

Moreover, in order to awaken public opinion, the Italian community is organising a petition which will be handed to the mayor of Valletta after the 11 a.m. Mass in Santa Caterina on Sunday.