Malta, an island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to a rich Christian history and culture. Being one of the earliest cradles of Christianity, and boasting an interrupted 2000 years-long Christian tradition, the archipelago played a pivotal role in medieval and early modern history. Indeed, saying it greatly helped shape the world we know today is not an exaggeration: its strategic location made it a coveted prize for various powers -who were defeated time and again by the Maltese, known for their resilience and unwavering faith. Since the very early days of Christianity, the Maltese were (and still are) deeply devout Catholics, and their faith gave them strength and comfort amid the turmoil of their times. This is the very same faith that has attracted pilgrims there for centuries, seeking solace and spiritual guidance on the archipelago’s pristine shores, drawn by a profound Marian devotion that has shaped the islands’ history, identity, and landscape. Indeed, there are enough chapels and churches in the archipelago for you to attend Mass in a different one, almost every day, for a whole year: a whooping 359 in total. Even the smallest of the islands of the Maltese archipelago, Comino (known for its remarkable crystal blue lagoons) has a chapel — for its less than five residents!
Since the very early days of Christianity, the Maltese were (and still are) deeply devout Catholics, and their faith gave them strength and comfort amid the turmoil of their times. This is the very same faith that has attracted pilgrims there for centuries, seeking solace and spiritual guidance on the archipelago’s pristine shores, drawn by a profound Marian devotion that has shaped the islands’ history, identity, and landscape. Indeed, there are enough chapels and churches in the archipelago for you to attend Mass in a different one, almost every day, for a whole year: a whooping 359 in total. Even the smallest of the islands of the Maltese archipelago, Comino (known for its remarkable crystal blue lagoons) has a chapel –for its less than five residents! Most of these churches are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and some of them are known for being places where countless special, miraculous graces have been granted to many throughout the centuries. Clearly, Malta’s connection to the Virgin Mary runs deep. It is a thread woven through tradition and time, since the very early days of Christianity. According to the Book of Acts, St. Paul and St. Luke shipwrecked in AD 60 in the Maltese shores on their way to Rome. [Acts 27; 28]
Luke’s Gospel is considered the most Marian of them all, and theologians widely agree that it contains the seeds for later Mariological, theological, and devotional developments. Maltese traditions suggest that Luke may have spoken to the islanders about the Mother of the Savior, contributing to the deep-rooted Marian devotion. Local tradition also claims that Paul and Luke were among the first to pay homage at a sacred cave, now enshrined as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, a National Marian Shrine. This enduring site holds immense significance in Maltese Catholicism, serving as a beacon of faith during the many trials Malta would face in the centuries to come.
The Camino Mariæ Melitensis AD 1432
Again, the island’s strategic location made it a frequent target of conquest. And always, in the face of oppression, danger, and conflict, the Maltese people’s devotion to Mary provided a wellspring of strength and resilience. This unyielding faith is exemplified in the events of 1432.
Revolting against their Aragonese oppressors, the Maltese forced the Aragonese nobleman Gustavo Monroy and his wife to seek refuge within the walls of the Castrum Maris. King Alfonso V of Aragon, enraged by this defiance, sent an army to put down the rebellion. But the Maltese, united in their resolve, raised 30,000 guilders to buy their freedom from Monroy’s oppressive rule.
In 1428, King Alfonso had no choice but to recognize the indomitable spirit of the Maltese people, granting them self-government and enshrining their right to rebel in perpetuity.
Attacks continued, however. In 1429, the Hafsids besieged Malta, causing severe damage. King Alfonso V countered with military campaigns and finally visited Malta in 1432. He honored his faith with a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mellieħa.
Today, pilgrims can retrace the footsteps of history on the Camino Mariæ Melitensis AD 1432, a 60-kilometer route born from the collaborative efforts of the XirCammini project and the Malta Tourism Authority. This pilgrimage not only highlights Malta’s Marian devotion but also leads travelers through significant sites like the Castrum Maris, the legendary medieval fortress that stands as a physical and spiritual testament to Malta’s resilience.
The Melita Mariana Pilgrimage
For those seeking a more extensive exploration of the archipelago’s rich Marian heritage, the Melita Mariana pilgrimage offers a 100-kilometer journey that delves into the heart of Malta and Gozo. It uncovers centuries of religious and cultural traditions that intertwine with the veneration of the Virgin Mary.
Across Malta, countless shrines and churches stand as testimonies of this profound devotion. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, with its legendary associations and revered Byzantine fresco, continues to draw pilgrims seeking Mary’s blessing. In the ancient city of Mdina, tradition marks the spot where St. Paul met the Roman governor Publius, a gathering immortalized in the Mdina Cathedral. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles in Lija is renowned for its prayers answered, and its centuries-old history speaks of countless pilgrims who have turned to Mary for help and guidance.
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Interested in Camino Mariæ Melitensis AD 1432 or Melita Mariana? XirCammini [https://xircammini.org]helps individuals or groups walk the Caminos. Contact us on information@XirCammini.org or via WhatsApp on +35679046942. XirCammini is registered as a Voluntary Organization (VO1646) with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations, Malta. Interested in The Pilgrim’s Way kindly visit the offical Madonna Ta’ Pinu website: https://www.tapinu.org/index.php/contact |
The island of Gozo is home to the remarkable Madonna Ta’ Pinu National Marian Shrine, a focal point (if not the focal point) of Maltese devotion. The shrine’s history is intertwined with numerous miraculous events, including a divine calling and apparition experienced by Karmni Grima in 1883. The Pilgrim’s Way, a meditative path leading to the sanctuary, features five beautiful frescoes depicting Mary’s unwavering protective love in her various roles: Help of Christians, Comfort of Sinners, Strength of the Sick, Queen of the Family, and Queen of Peace.
Malta offers a unique opportunity for those undertaking a physical journey or embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage from afar to connect with the profound power of Marian devotion. These holy routes, steeped in history and tradition, invite pilgrims to walk a path of faith, transformation, and a deeper understanding of Mary’s enduring place in the hearts of the Maltese people -and of humanity, in general.
The Pilgrim’s Way: A Journey to the Madonna of Ta’ Pinu
In 1883, Karmni Grima of Għarb experienced a profound calling. A mysterious voice beckoned her to the chapel of Ta’ Pinu. It was Our Lady. She instructed Karmni to recite three Hail Marys in honor of the three days her body lay in the tomb. Although she initially kept her encounter secret, Karmni eventually shared it with the devout Franġisk Portelli, who had also heard a mysterious voice. Amazingly, at about the same time, he had heard a voice asking him to say prayers in honor of Christ’s hidden shoulder wound, caused by the weight of the heavy cross along the torturous path to Calvary.
Shortly thereafter, Franġisk’s mother was miraculously healed through the intercession of the Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. Word of these divine events spread, and Ta’ Pinu became known as “The Church of Miracles,” attracting countless pilgrims seeking healing and blessings.
The Pilgrim’s Way, inaugurated in 2015, offers a meditative path leading to the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary. Along the last kilometer, five niches house beautiful frescoes by Sergio Favotto. Pilgrims can pause at each niche to reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s abiding love and guidance. At the crossroads before this last stretch is the Pilgrim’s Monument, where the Virgin Mary herself seems to show the way to her Shrine. This monument symbolizes Christ’s triumph over death, Mary’s role as the first disciple and perfect pilgrim, and our own spiritual journey toward our eternal destination.
Whether you experience this pilgrimage from your own home, in a church, or are inspired to visit the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary in person, the Pilgrim’s Way offers a profound opportunity to connect with the Blessed Virgin and her unwavering love. At the end of the pilgrimage, you will return transformed by grace, ready to serve the Lord and your fellow human beings with Mary’s gentle guidance.
This content has been brought to you in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority. Visit their website at mta.com.mt.
