The tiny chapel housed within the giant basilica of Ta’ Pinu on the diminutive island of Gozo, near Malta, was built in the late 16th century. Filipo Gauci—called “Pinu”—paid for its construction and commissioned a painting of the Blessed Mother’s TaAssumption to be placed above the altar. For two hundred years, the chapel was simply a wayside shrine, quietly inviting passing farmhands to pause within and pray.
On a June morning in 1883, however, the chapel’s reputation was forever changed.
According to accounts, a farmhand named Carmela Grima was passing by—all alone—when she heard an inexplicable voice urging her to enter the chapel. Carmela quickly obeyed and then heard the voice again, this time bidding her to pray three Hail Marys in honor of the three days the Blessed Mother spent in her tomb. Carmela then knew that it was the Blessed Mother herself who had spoken, and she fell on her knees and prayed.
This manifestation of the Blessed Mother’s presence in the tiny chapel was followed by miraculous healings. Soon, not only the people of Gozo, but pilgrims from Malta and countries across the Mediterranean Sea hurried to Ta’ Pinu with their prayers, worries, and sorrows.
Before long, it was evident that such a small shrine could not sustain the number of pilgrims, so ground was broken for the massive church which stands over Ta’ Pinu today. Its construction was finished in 1931 and it was elevated to the status of a basilica a year later.
Throughout various apparitions to saints across the centuries, the theme of Our Blessed Mother’s message is always consistent: pray. Pray every day. Pray every spare moment. Our Miracles Rosary Wrap Bracelet will help you fulfill the Blessed Mother’s request. The lovely grey and white beads wrap around your wrist as constant and convenient invitations to prayer. Pick it up today at The Catholic Company!
