Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary & Basilica

Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary & Basilica

The sanctuary and basilica of ta’ Pinu is the Gozitan “Loca Sancta” of the Melitae Mariana Camino.

The church archives of Gozo contain a record of a chapel in this area being visited by Bishop Domenico Cubelles. The area was then known as “Ta’ Pagani” since the land was owned by a noble family known as “Ta’ Pagani”.

Fr. Filippino Gauci became the procurator of the church in 1598 and In 1611 Gauci offered money for its restoration. It was rebuilt, with a stone altar erected and investments for liturgical services provided. Gauci also commissioned the painting of the Assumption of Our Lady for the main altar. Hence the change in name from “ta’ Pagani” to “ta’ Pinu”. The church was dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

In 1883, Karmni Grima, who was walking past the church heard a voice asking her to recite three Hail Marys. This was also corraborated by Frenc tal-Gharb, Francis Portelli, reverred by many as a devout Catholic and a healer.

Works on the current church began in the early 20th century. The church has several ex-voto offerings from people who prayed through the intercession of Our Lady and received healing or miracles.

Pope John Paull II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis all visited the Sanctuary Basilica of ta’ Pinu on their apostolic visits to the Maltese islands.

This brings us to the end of our 3-day Melitae Mariana Camino. We hope that this signals not the end but the beginning of a much longer “inner” journey of hope and faith in the footsteps of mother Mary pointing us in the direction of our Lord and Saviour and redemption. Ultreya.