This was constructed at the request of Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri, on land given by Grand Master Gregorio Carafa,[3] with the aid of some Sicilians.

[6] Xagħra's population continued to grow, and by the early 19th century the church had become too small to cater for the village.

The church was designed by the canon Salv Bondin, Cauchi's nephew, who made the plans for free.

Construction was suspended due to the outbreak of the plague in 1814, which killed 104 people in Xagħra, including Cauchi.

[1] When Michael Franciscus Buttigieg became Xagħra's parish priest, he contributed 2100 scudi for construction of the church.

The old church was demolished on 20 November 1850, and part of the building began to be used for religious functions, being blessed on 10 August 1851.

They were supervised by the architect Saviour Micallef, and they included work on the bell towers and adding waterproofing to the roof and cupola.

[3] The church's façade includes a high plinth, and it is divided into three bays, with the central one projecting outwards.

A roundel with a relief of the Virgin Mary, topped by a triangular pediment, is found above the central doorway.