National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu
The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu is a revered Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine located on the island of Gozo, Malta. It gained prominence in the late 19th century due to reported miracles and apparitions attributed to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, leading to its rebuilding and eventual designation. The shrine is a significant pilgrimage site and a testament to Marian devotion in Malta.
Key Facts
- ›The shrine's origins are unknown, but it was first recorded in the 16th century as a chapel belonging to the 'the Gentile' family.
- ›An apostolic visitor in 1575 ordered the chapel demolished, but work was halted by an omen, and it became the only chapel on the island to survive the decree.
- ›In 1598, the chapel's name changed to 'Ta' Pinu', meaning 'of Philip', after Pinu Gauci became its procurator.
- ›Miracles and apparitions were reported starting in 1883, attributed to our Lady of Ta' Pinu, leading to increased devotion and a new church construction.
- ›The current neo-romantic basilica was built starting in 1920 and consecrated in 1932.
- ›Pope Pius XI granted a Pontifical decree of coronation for the Marian image in 1935, which took place on June 24th of that year.
Neo-Romantic
Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
About National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu
The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu
The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, known in Maltese as Santwarju Bażilika tal-Madonna ta' Pinu, is a significant Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine situated on the island of Gozo, Malta. It is located approximately 700 meters from the village of Għarb. The shrine's venerated Marian image, the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, received a Pontifical decree of coronation from Pope Pius XI in 1935.
History and Development
The precise origins of the Shrine of Our Lady of ta' Pinu are not definitively known. Historical records from the Gozo Curia indicate its existence, noting that a chapel, then known as 'Chapel of The Gentile', had been rebuilt. A pivotal moment occurred in 1575 when apostolic visitor Pietro Dusina found the chapel in poor condition and ordered its demolition. However, an omen during the demolition process, when a workman broke his arm, was interpreted as a sign to preserve the chapel. This event allowed the church to become the sole chapel on the island to escape Dusina's decree.
In 1598, Pinu Gauci became the procurator of the church, and its name was altered to 'Ta' Pinu', signifying 'Of Philip'. Gauci was instrumental in its restoration, commissioning a new stone altar and providing for liturgical services. He also commissioned the painting of the Assumption of Our Lady for the main altar in 1619, created by Amadeo Perugino.
The modern era of the shrine began in 1883 when Karmni Grima reported hearing a voice from the painting, which asked her to recite three 'Hail Marys'. Over subsequent years, numerous miracles were attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of The Assumption, to whom the church is dedicated. Francis Portelli also reported hearing the voice from the painting, and Frenċ tal-Għarb became a notable devotee, known for healing in the name of Our Lady of ta' Pinu.
The Current Basilica
The initiative for constructing the present church was undertaken by Monsignor Ġużepp Portelli, the church's rector. Construction commenced on May 30, 1920, and the neo-romantic basilica was consecrated on August 31, 1932. The interior is adorned with 6 mosaics and 76 colored windows, alongside many ex-voto offerings. The basilica features a prominent bell tower that stands 61 meters high.
Papal Visits and Recognition
The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu has been honored by visits from several Popes. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass on its parvise during his visit to Gozo on May 26, 1990. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited Malta and presented a Golden Rose to the devotional image of Our Lady Of Ta' Pinu. More recently, Pope Francis presided at a Prayer Meeting on the church's parvis in April 2022.
The church building is officially recognized and listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu located?
The shrine is situated on the island of Gozo, the sister island of Malta. It is located approximately 700 meters (2,300 ft) from the village of Għarb.
What is the history behind the name 'Ta' Pinu'?
The name 'Ta' Pinu' means 'Of Philip' and was adopted in 1598 when Pinu Gauci became the procurator of the church. Previously, it was known as the Chapel 'Of the Gentile'.
Why is the shrine significant?
The shrine is significant due to reported miracles and apparitions attributed to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, which began in 1883. This led to a surge in devotion and pilgrimages, establishing it as a major national shrine.
When was the current basilica built?
Construction of the new basilica began on May 30, 1920, and it was consecrated on August 31, 1932. It was built in a neo-romantic style.
Has the shrine been visited by Popes?
Yes, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at the shrine in 1990. Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2010 and placed a Golden Rose before the devotional image, and Pope Francis presided at a prayer meeting on the parvis in 2022.
What is housed inside the basilica?
Inside the church, visitors can find 6 mosaics, 76 colored windows, and numerous ex-voto offerings. The main altar features a painting of the Assumption of Our Lady.
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