Our Lady of Ta' Pinu
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Summary
On June 22, the Blessed Mother directed a woman on the island of Gozo to pray in the Chapel of Ta’Pinu. As word spread of Mary’s manifestation at Ta’Pinu, many turned to her for help and healing. |
Timeline
| 16th c. |
In the countryside of Gozo, Malta, a chapel to Mary was built. |
| 1585 |
After purchasing the chapel in 1585, Filippo “Pinu” Gauci began to restore it in 1615. The chapel became known as “Ta’Pinu,” meaning “of Philip.” |
| 1619 |
Filippo also commissioned an oil painting of the Assumption for the altarpiece called Madonna Ta’Pinu, which was completed in 1619. |
June 22, 1883 |
Two centuries later, Mary appeared to a 45-year old farmhand named Carmela Grima near the chapel. Carmela was walking home from her work in the fields when the voice of Mary saying "Come, Come". She was confused and frightened, and began to run away from the place. The voice called again, and this timeCarmela realised that the voice was coming from within the chapel, she went inside and said her usual prayers. Once she was inside, the Blessed Mother instructed her to pray three Hail Marys. |
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Carmela did as the voice asked and went on her way. Shortly afterwards Carmela fell ill and remained confined to her bed for more than a year. After this time, Carmela revealed her secret to a friend, Francesco Portelli, who in turn told her that about the same time he also heard a woman's voice asking him to pray from within the chapel. Shortly after this mysterious call Francesco's mother was miraculously healed by the intercession of Our Lady of Ta` Pinu. Miraculous healings followed in the area, and the chapel became a pilgrimage destination. |
| 1920 |
As pilgrimages increased, there was a need for a larger church. Construction began on a new church at the site in 1920 and it was completed in 1931. |
| 1932 |
Pope Pius XI designated the church as a minor basilica in 1932. |
| May 26, 1990 |
Pope John Paul II visits the shrine in Malta in 1990. |
Miracles, Cures, and Signs
Francesco's mother was miraculously healed by the intercession of Our Lady of Ta` Pinu. Miraculous healings followed in the area, and the chapel became a pilgrimage destination.
Approval
As pilgrimages increased, there was a need for a larger church. Construction began on a new church at the site in 1920 and it was completed in 1931. Pope Pius XI designated the church as a minor basilica in 1932.
She was confused and frightened, and began to run away from the place. The voice called again, and this time Karmela realised that the voice was coming from within the chapel, she went inside and said her usual prayers. The voice which had come from the image of the Blessed Virgin asked her to recite three Ave Maria in honour of the three days Her body remained in the tomb before Assumption to Heaven.
Bishop Pietru Pace was informed about these events and after speaking to Karmela and Francesco he concluded that the voice was of heavenly origins. Devotion to Our Lady of Ta` Pinu grew rapidly, and numerous pilgrimages flocked to the chapel.
Pope John Paul II stated during his visit to Malta in 1990:
In a very special way, Mary has been the patroness of the Christian families of Malta and Gozo as they have sought to fulfill their unique role in God’s plan for the salvation of the human race. We may be confident that with a mother’s love Mary has not failed to intercede for generations of parents and children, inspiring in them that fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom and accompanying them on their pilgrimage of faith.
In God’s plan, the family is where children learn what it means to be responsible individuals and members of a larger community, where they first encounter the virtues of unselfish love and self-sacrifice, and where they first come to understand the mystery of God’s love as it is expressed in the love of their parents.
Prayer
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, who recommended your servant Carmela Grima to recite “Three Hail Mary’s” in honor of the three days your body remained in the sepulchre, look pitifully at the upset world and deliver humanity from the threatening spiritual and social calamities. Make all men love each other, protect our families that they may live a happy, honest and holy life in the bond of marriage. Have pity on me and if it is not God’s will that I obtain this grace……. help me to accept it willingly that I may ensure that it will lead me to eternal happiness. Amen.
Source: National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Links
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Tapinu.org
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