The Maltese Islands are home to an ancient Christian tradition, a diverse and rich culture, and a strong and resolute faith. Malta’s Christian community dates back to the apostolic age, with the providential arrival of St. Paul in AD 60. This early establishment resulted in an enduring and fervent Marian devotion among the Maltese people. Malta boasts a remarkable number of churches and chapels, many of which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Among these, several stand out for the miraculous graces attributed to them.
The National Shrine of the Assumption
One of these shrines is the national shrine of Madonna Ta’ Pinu, a special testament to centuries of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary — and cultural Mediterranean splendor, offering pilgrims and visitors a chance to experience and enjoy the islands’ vibrant Catholic heritage.
The National Shrine of the Assumption (affectionately known simply as Ta’ Pinu,) is a remarkable tribute to popular faith on the tranquil island of Gozo. This impressive shrine has its roots in a small chapel called Tal-Ġentili, which was dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and existed since the very early fifteenth century. This once humble chapel adorning the countryside held deep significance for local worshipers long before it gained international renown.
Devotion to the Dormition and the Assumption of Mary in Gozo go hand in hand. Fundamental biblical theology understands death as the consequence of sin (Gn 3:11). Mary is the exception to this common human experience, being immaculate since her very conception. Mary would not die, but rather lay dormant until her bodily assumption into heaven. The Cathedral of Gozo is dedicated to the Assumption, but some signs indicate that the first devotion of the first church on the site of the Cathedral was the Dormition of Mary.
Historical records show that Tal-Ġentili was already rebuilt in the 16th century, which shows how important it already was to the local community. However, things took an interesting turn in 1575 when an apostolic visitor, Pietro Duzina, said the chapel was in a bad state and ordered it to be torn down. During the demolition attempt, a workman broke his arm when he struck the first blow. This was taken as an omen that the chapel should be preserved for future generations. Still standing today, it was the only chapel on the island to survive Duzina’s decree.
In 1587, the chapel was bought by Pinu Gauci, a local devotee who fixed it, and commissioned a painting of the Assumption of Mary put up on the altar. The chapel was thus renamed Ta’ Pinu — “of Pinu.” The place soon became a visited pilgrimage site.
Ta’ Pinu’s transformation into a grand sanctuary only began in earnest 1920, when plans were made for a larger church to accommodate the always-growing number of pilgrims, after the miraculous events of the late 19th century. On June 22, 1883, a local named Karmni Grima was walking near the chapel when she heard Mary’s voice saying “Ejja, ejja” (Come, come) Confused, she almost ran away. The voice called again, and this time Karmni realized it was coming from inside the chapel. She entered and said her usual prayers. The Blessed Mother instructed her to pray three Hail Marys, for the three days Mary’s body laid dormant in the tomb.
Karmni obeyed and then continued on her way. Soon after, she fell ill and was bedridden for over a year. As she recovered, she shared her experience with a neighbor, Francesco Portelli, who revealed that he too had heard a voice from the chapel asking him to pray. Following this call, Francesco’s mother was miraculously healed by the intercession of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. Numerous miraculous healings kept on happening, and the chapel received more and more pilgrims.
The new structure was built around the original chapel, keeping its original aura: although the basilica’s interior is finished to the highest standards, the chapel remains behind the main altar, virtually intact. This is where the miraculous painting of the Assumption is kept, drawing pilgrims in with its serene beauty.
Prayers answered
The significance of Ta’ Pinu goes beyond its impressive architecture. Here, countless pilgrims have had transformative spiritual experiences, and seen miracles happen. The walls of the shrine are covered with ex-votos and votive offerings proving prayers were answered and graces received. The shrine overabounds with stories about how people have been cured of illnesses, reconciled with others, and found peace because of the intercession of Our Lady.
Papal recognition made it clear that Ta’ Pinu is an important pilgrimage place for all Catholics. Three Popes have visited it: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. In 1932, Pope Pius XI made the shrine a Minor Basilica. Three years later, on June 20, 1935, the Holy Image of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu was crowned by the Pope’s Legate, solidifying the shrine’s status. More recently, in 2020, work was done by Atelier del Restauro to restore the image of the Assumption — in the 137th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance at Ta’ Pinu. Clearly, the spiritual heritage of Ta’ Pinu is and will remain alive for generations to come.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Cultural and religious life in Malta has also been shaped by devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel for centuries. The Carmelites arrived in Malta in 1418 and brought with them a strong devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel — along with the Brown Scapular. This scapular is an emblem of Mary’s maternal protection. The Carmelites set up shop in key spots across Malta, helping to keep the spiritual life of the archipelago strong through their priories and churches.
The Valletta Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a great example of Malta’s architectural splendor and religious fervor. It was built in 1586 by the renowned Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar. It soon became a main point of Marian devotion, housing a revered altarpiece depicting Mary presenting the scapular to St. Simon Stock. This painting is deemed miraculous, and in 1881, the Vatican Chapter confirmed its significance by crowning it.
After suffering damage during World War II, the Valletta Shrine was rebuilt, ensuring its historical and spiritual integrity. Today, it is a popular destination for those seeking solace and grace in Mary’s maternal embrace. Next to the shrine is an oratory belonging to the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, home to the oldest known statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Maltese Islands. This historic statue, stylistically attributed to the 17th-century artist Pietro Paolo Troisi, is a much-loved symbol of devotion, attracting pilgrims seeking Mary’s presence in their lives.
An archipelago shaped by Mary’s gaze
The shrines of Ta’ Pinu and Our Lady of Mount Carmel are enduring symbols of faith, prayers answered, graces granted, and architectural magnificence in the Maltese Islands. Ta’ Pinu in Gozo, with its fascinating history and reported miracles, attracts pilgrims from all over the world seeking healing and spiritual renewal. The basilica’s majestic serenity makes visitors feel welcome, while also inspiring reverence and awe.
Similarly, the Valletta Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with its historic altarpiece and ancient statue, offers visitors a glimpse into Malta’s deep-seated devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Its continued role in fostering faith made it a significant part of Maltese religious and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re exploring Ta’ Pinu’s basilica or venerating the crowned image of Our Lady at Valletta’s shrine, you will be embarking on a pilgrimage through Malta’s fascinating history and steadfast faith. Amidst the Mediterranean’s timeless allure, the shrines of Ta’ Pinu and Our Lady of Mount Carmel invite everyone to encounter the divine presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary — a presence that uplifts and transforms lives across generations.
This content has been brought to you in partnership with VisitMalta.
