For many years, Balzan used to be part of the parochial territory of Birkirkara. However, on 19th March 1655, the parishioners put forward a petition asking the bishop to separate Balzan from Birkirkara, making Balzan an autonomous parish.
The petition also highlighted the need for a new church which would tend to the religious needs of the community which was growing steadily. That same year, in August, the Bishop accepted the petition, and on 14th August Balzan become an autonomous parish.
