Paul Vella, between 1877–1881, and six months after its completion in November 1881 it was handed over to the Maltese Province of the Friars Minor.

The dome is decorated with paintings of different Franciscan saints, and the ceiling depicts joyful episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary.

The altar has five paintings by the Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì, one of which is his masterpiece representing St Gerome half naked in the grotto in Bethlehem.

During World War II, the church was heavily damaged and the Franciscan friary was completely destroyed.

The feast day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July, with liturgical services, a procession of the statue around the decorated streets of the parish, outdoor festivities and fireworks.