Ta'Pinu Basilica by Gozo Ceramics
Finely modelled and individually hand painted, glazed
wall mountable, ceramic miniature, 17cm high.
First in this series of collectables
€49.95
A history of Ta’Pinu Basilica
The Basilica of Ta’Pinu is situated
on the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, the church is one
the world’s most visited religious sites and is steeped in history. The
first record of its existence dates back to 1534, however by 1575 the chapel
was ordered to be demolished, but was spared when a workman who struck the
first blow with his pick, broke his arm, this was taken as an omen that the
chapel had to be preserved. In 1611 Pinu Gauchi financed further restoration
of the church and in 1619 commissioned the painting of Our Lady Ta’Pinu,
representing the assumption of The Blessed Virgin to Heaven.
On the morning of June
22nd 1883, Carmella Grima a 45 year old spinster, was on her way home to
nearby Gharb, as she passed the deserted chapel she heard a voice calling
her, but as she could not see anyone, she continued her journey, again she
heard the voice calling her: “Come come, because it will be another year
before you will be able to return” She decided to enter the chapel and
knelt down to pray, during these prayers, she heard the voice telling her:
“Recite three Hail Marys’ in memory of the three days my body laid in the
sepulcher, before assumption to heaven”
Carmella did as the
voice asked and went on her way. Shortly afterwards Carmella fell ill and
remained confined to her bed for one year. Carmella recounted her experience
to her friend, Franceso Portelli who in turn told her that he also had heard
a woman’s voice from within the chapel, asking him to pray. In 1886
Francesco’s mother fell desperately ill, but it is claimed that she was
miraculously healed by the intercession of our Lady of Ta’Pinu. Bishop
Pietru Pace was informed about these events and concluded that the voice was
of heavenly origins.
Devotion to our Lady of Ta’Pinu grew rapidly
and numerous pilgrims flocked to the chapel, it was therefore decided to
build a worthy sanctuary to accommodate the crowds. The building commenced
in 1920 and opened to the public in 1932. In 1935 Pope Pius XI raised it to
the dignity of Minor Basilica.Over the years numerous acts of grace as well
as many miracles of healing, have been attributed to the intercession of Our
Lady of Ta’Pinu. In May 1990 Pope John Paul II visited Ta’Pinu and
celebrated open air Mass in the grounds of the church.
The Churches Of Malta & Gozo
Gozo Ceramics c/o Gharb
LC, Triq il-Vizitazzjoni,
Gharb,
Malta
GRB 1044.
Tel: (00356) 27011273
For further information please follow these links:
tapinu.org/main.html
timesofmalta.com/new-range-of-church-miniatures
gozonews.com/item/gozo-company
hazle.com/index.shtml
Links to interesting Gozo & Malta web sites:
gozo.gov.mt/ta'pinu
gozo.gov.mt/gharb
search-gozo.com
gozo.com
malta.com
Copyright Gozo Ceramics © 2008 090106