History
The island of Gozo has a very eventful history and has been besieged, conquered, plundered and destroyed numerous times.
The knights of the Order of Saint John (Order of the Hospitallers) oppressed the population of Malta and Gozo between 1530 and 1798. During this period, the Ottomans attacked the island of Gozo several times. In 1540, the Ottoman Turk Turgut Reis (1485-1565) landed on the island of Gozo with his troops. Under the command of this admiral, the entire region was plundered and the Gozitans were taken as slaves. In 1551, Ottoman and Barbary pirates invaded Gozo again. They destroyed much and took almost the entire population as slaves. In 1584 and 1605, Barbary pirates returned to Gozo to raid.
In 1585, Pinu Filippo Gauci purchased a chapel, and the house of God was dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. This site would become the basilica in the 20th century.
Due to the incursions of Muslims, such as the Ottomans, buildings, including churches, were damaged. This disturbed Baldassare Cagliares (c.1575-1633), Bishop of Malta (1615-1633), when he visited Gozo. He arrived at the chapel near the village of Gharb, which is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, and saw that restoration was urgently needed. The church was restored in 1615 by Pinu Filippo Gauci. In 1619, Bartolomeo Amadeo Perugino painted the Assumption of Mary for the high altar. He was commissioned to do so by Pinu Filippo Gauci. This work is known as Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, and the painting became very famous. “Ta’ Pinu” means “of Philip”.”
In 1798, Malta was taken by France. The population was not charmed by the French and rebelled. Then, the British took control. In 1814, the Treaty of Paris was signed, making Malta officially a British colony.
The pilgrimage site became known because of two people who, independently of each other, heard a mysterious voice. These were Karmni (Carmela Grazia Guzeppa) Grima (1838-1922) and Frangisk (Paul Benjamin) Portelli (1850-1926). Both frequently visited the Ta’ Pinu church.
Karmni Grima is the youngest of 5 children of the family of Tumas Grima and Antonia Apap from Gharb. The parents work the land, usually from sunrise until dusk. They lead a simple, poor life and profess a deep faith. The family lives on the outskirts of the village on the road to Victoria. Karmni goes to church every morning and prays the Rosary frequently during the day. Karmni helps her parents with housework and assists them on the land. She is also a spinner. Until the age of 45, this unmarried woman spends her working life working the land, often living in seclusion and often in prayer. In 1883, one morning around 10 am, she arrives at the crossroads leading to the chapel of Ta’ Pinu. Karmni is called three times by a voice: “Come! Come! Come!” Karmni is astonished, as there is no one to be seen. The mysterious voice beckons her again: “Come, come, today, for a year will pass before you have the opportunity to visit this place again.” Karmni goes to the chapel with awe and fear. She believes she sees Mary. As she walks to the chapel and enters, she sees no one. Again, Karmni hears the voice: “Recite three Hail Marys in memory of the three days my body lay in the tomb.” In the following year, she does not return to the chapel, as the voice had told her. For 2 years, Karmni says nothing about the extraordinary event. Then she confides her secret to Frangisk Portelli, who also has great devotion to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
Frangisk (Paul Benjamin) Portelli (1850-1926) grew up in a family of 10 children. The devout Portelli family lived in Gharb, and his father was a lighthouse keeper as well as a blacksmith. He owned several lands, which were worked by the whole family. Frangisk loved raising animals and cultivating the land. He had a great devotion to Our Lady from his youth. With three brothers, he joined the Third Order of the Capuchins.
In 1866, Frangisk’s mother, Vincenza, fell seriously ill. The children feared their mother’s condition was hopeless. They made a promise to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu: if their mother recovered, they would keep a lamp burning in the church of Ta’ Pinu. Shortly thereafter, the woman recovered from her illness, and the children kept their promise. Their example led to many pilgrims, who showed their gratitude to Mary and offered ex-votos in the church. Frangisk also heard a mysterious voice in the chapel and shared this with Karmni as she spoke of her experiences. The voice instructed Fragisk to venerate the hidden wound of Christ on the shoulder. This wound was caused by carrying the cross on the way to Mount Calvary.
The events of Mary's voice also reach the ears of the parish priest of Gharb, who informs Pietru (Pietro) Pace (1831-1914), Bishop of Gozo (1877-1889). In 1887, Karmni and Frangisk are summoned separately by the bishop and questioned about the events that took place four years earlier at Ta’ Pinu. The bishop asks them for an explanation of what happened at the Ta’ Pinu pilgrimage site. First, Frangisk appears before the bishop and explains the miraculous healing of his mother. He also recounts hearing a voice at least 5 times, each time with the same instruction: “Keep your devotion alive to the holy wound on my Son’s shoulder, which was caused by carrying the cross on the way to Mount Calvary. Do your best to spread this devotion among others.” A few days later, Karmni appears before the bishop and tells her story. She is also asked to write down her experiences. In 1890, she has a second meeting with the bishop. Karmni remembers hearing the voice in June 1883. Further investigation reveals it was 22 June 1883.
On 16 September 1864, the church was elevated to a basilica by Pius IX, Pope from 1846 to 1878, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti (1792-1878).
From 1916, Guzepp Portelli (1880-1949) was the first rector of Ta’ Pinu Church. Under his rectorship, the new church was built, using part of the old church that stood there. Karmni Grima was Guzepp Portelli's godmother. The church's architect was Andrea Vassallo (1856-1928). The foundation stone was laid on 30 May 1920 by Giovanni Mari Camilleri (1843-1924), Bishop of Gozo (1889-1924). Karmni Grima was present at this ceremony. The church was consecrated on 8 May 1936 by Michael Gonzi (1885-1984), Bishop of Gozo (1924-1943), even though the building was not yet completely finished. The bishop appealed to the people of Gozo for contributions to complete the church.
When Karmni turns 80, she lies ill in bed, resigned to her shortcomings. In 1922, she dies at the age of 84. Later, Karmni Grima's remains are taken from Gharb to the Ta’ Pinu Basilica. She is buried there in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception beneath a marble slab. The large tombstone reads: “Here, under the protection of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, rests the revered mortal remains of Karmni Grima”.
Frangisk Portelli dies in 1926 in his home in Fgura, near Gharb. His body goes to the parish church in Gharb. On 19 March 1976, the feast day of Saint Joseph, the remains are transferred to the Sanctuary of Ta’ Pinu. The body is placed in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, next to that of Karmni Grima.
On 31 August 1932, the church is consecrated. In 1935, the church is granted the title of basilica. This is done by a decision of Pius XI, Pope from 1922 to 1939.
In 1934-1935, two marble side altars were added to the basilica: the altar of the Immaculate Conception and the altar of the Presentation. On 19 January 1941, both altars were consecrated by Michael Gonzi (1885-1984), Bishop of Gozo (1924-1943).
On 24 May 1935, Pius XI, Pope from 1922-1939, born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti (1857-1939), granted permission for the image on the painting of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu to be crowned. The open-air coronation took place on 20 June 1935, performed by Alessio Enrico Maria Lepicier (1863-1936), Cardinal (1927-1935). The crown is made of gold and jewels.
During the Second World War (1939-1940), Malta suffered greatly from hundreds of bombings by German and Italian armed forces, and the destruction was immense.
In 1955, Karin Grima's house becomes a museum. It is located near the sanctuary on the outskirts of Gharb. Karmni lived her entire life in this house.
In 1964, Malta gains its independence.
Emanuel Vincent (“Emvin”) Cremona (1919-1987) from Valletta restored paintings in the basilica. He is considered one of Malta’s finest 20th-century artists.
On the morning of 26 May 1990, John Paul II, Pope from 1978-2005 and born Karol Józef Wojtyla (1920-2005), visited the Sanctuary of Ta’ Pinu. The church leader affixed 5 gold stars to the painting of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. In the afternoon, the Pope visited Victoria on the island of Gozo and attended the cathedral.
In 1992, the shrine received a donation of adjacent land measuring almost 7,000 square metres for the further development of the pilgrimage site.
The basilica is being restored and will reopen on 4 June 2008 following the renovation work.
On 18 April 2010, Benedict XVI, Pope from 2005 to 2013, born Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger (1927-2022), presented a Golden Rose to the icon of grace.
In 2020, the iconic painting of the high altar was restored.
On 2 April 2022, Francis, Pope since 2013, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio (1936), visits the pilgrimage site.
Pilgrimage site
The pilgrimage church on Gozo is known as “Ta’ Pinu” and means “of Philip”. This name was given in honour of the active owner of the chapel at the pilgrimage site, Pinu Filippo Gauci, in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
The events at Ta’ Pinu are not apparitions of Mary. Neither Karmni nor Frangisk had a vision. They have repeatedly heard a mysterious voice that confirms their devotion to Our Lady. It is therefore more accurate to speak of “Our Lady's call”.
By a decree from Giuseppe Pace (1890-1972), Bishop of Gozo (1944-1972), the church bells in Gozo ring at 10:00 AM for 10 minutes on June 22nd; the anniversary of the events at Ta’ Pinu. The two “hearers of Mary” are buried in the basilica.
The basilica is captivating with its many statues and displays numerous ex-votos as thanks to Our Lady for graces received.
Opposite the basilica is a Way of the Cross, with marble statues, laid out on Ghammar Hill. The design of the effigies is by Alfred Camilleri Cauchi, born in Victoria (Gozo) in 1943.
The pilgrimage site of Ta’ Pinu is the most visited sanctuary in Malta. The basilica is open daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
The island of Gozo is easily accessible by boat from the northwest of Malta, and the crossing, from the bays near Mellieha, takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive in Mgarr Harbour, it’s another 23 kilometres to reach the pilgrimage site of Ta’ Pinu, which belongs to the village of Gharb.
The address is: Ta’ Pinu Shrine, Ta' Pinu Road, Gharb, Malta.
Current information can be found at www.tapinu.org.
Experience
Upon arriving by boat at Gozo, in the harbour named Mgarr Harbour, I see a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. It stands against a rock below a church. Next, it's time to take the bus to the pilgrimage site of Ta’ Pinu. It is the largest pilgrimage site in the Republic of Malta. Since the spread of the events where two people heard the voice of Mary multiple times, the place has attracted many pilgrims. After the visit of Pope John Paul II, it has become even busier here.
The sanctuary stands along the road from Gharb to San Lawrenz. It is situated on a plateau, and when I stand there, there is not only a beautiful view of the basilica but also of the surrounding area. The basilica stands alone and majestically on the island's plateau. This pilgrimage site is visited daily by many pilgrims, who arrive here on foot, by bus or car. It is also a place of prayer for the sick. I am told that most of the visitors to the island come from Gozo. Many pilgrims also come from the sister island of Malta and nearby Italy. In addition, there are quite a few British visitors here. Due to the colonial past of the current Republic of Malta, English is spoken frequently.
In the large square in front of the church stand the statues, two of which depict the founders of this pilgrimage site. First, I will go to the effigy of Madam Karmni Grima and then to that of the other witness of having heard the voice of Mary, namely Frangisk Portelli. There is also a statue of Frenc Mercieca (Francis Xavier Mercieca), who also goes by the name Frenc tal-Gharb (1892-1967). He is a farmer and healer from Gharb. Frenc is also called a servant apostle of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. In the basilica, he answered countless questions from pilgrims and gave guided tours. The effigy is a design by the sculptor Alfred Camilleri Cauchi (1943).
After that, admire the mosaics, which further accentuate the entrance to the basilica. The artistic representations of Mary caught my special attention. Her life is depicted in phases. Then proceed to the basilica...
I can't do a tour of the church because a service is underway. Then, I'll go to the small shop selling devotional items, which is set up in the left, rear part of the building. The lady on duty in the shop isn't in a good mood, which is far from customer-friendly. She barely answers questions. I'm buying a print of the altarpiece, which will have a place in my home.
Returning to the church space, I can now take a look around, as the celebration of the Eucharist has concluded. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception receives a lot of attention from visitors, and I understand why, as the image of Our Lady is magnificent. In front of the statue of Mary lie two marble slabs. They are the gravestones of the two people who have heard the voice of Mary.
Then I go to the main altar and see the painting of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, which is crowned and the head of the Virgin Mary is surrounded by five golden stars. The image is central in this part of the basilica. It is now the occasion to pray before this painting, and then much goes through my mind.
Later the service will continue in the church. What an experience it is to be here. Upon leaving the church, I thank Mary for this experience.
Environment
The island of Gozo, where the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary is located, offers a great deal of natural beauty. Near the sanctuary, you can visit the capital city, Victoria. The distance is only 4 km.
In Victoria stands a Baroque cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady. The architect is Lorenzo Gafà (c. 1638-1703), who was also a sculptor. Construction of the church began in 1697. The building, with its large dome, was completed in 1716. A few thousand years ago, a Roman temple is said to have stood here dedicated to the Roman goddess Juno (Greek goddess Hera), who is the sister and wife of Jupiter, the god of the heavens. Juno is the goddess of marriage. Inside the cathedral is a large statue of the Assumption of Mary from 1897. Mary is wearing a white dress and a blue mantle. Around her head is a golden halo with diamonds. The effigy stands on a silver pedestal from 1962. In the sanctuary, there is a large painting measuring approximately 4 metres by 2.5 metres depicting the Assumption of Mary. This is the first major artwork by Michele Busuttil (1762-1831) from 1791 and shows the apostles gathered around an empty tomb, looking up at the Assumption of Our Lady. The effigy of Mary was crowned on 15 August 1975. The solid silver canopy is from 2013.
In the south transept of the cathedral, the Virgin Mary of the Rosary is depicted with Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena. It is a work of art from circa 1716 by an anonymous master. From 1793, large paintings by Michele Busuttil can be seen, namely the Birth of Mary and the Immaculate Conception.
Posted: 25 March 2024
Last modified: 31 March 2025
~~~
