Pope Francis gave a heartfelt prayer with a message of faith at the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary in Gozo, during his two-day Apostolic visit to the Maltese Islands.

The prayer recalled the biblical story of Mary and John, who stood beneath the Cross of Jesus after he was crucified. The Pope spoke about how Jesus’ “hour,” does not represent the end, but rather signals the beginning of a new life.

He spoke about the Ta’ Pinu sanctuary, which used to be a tiny chapel in a state of disrepair, with its demolition being decreed.

“That little church became the national shrine, a destination for pilgrims and a source of new life,” Pope Francis said, describing Ta’ Pinu as a place which revitalizes faith and hope within the people of God.

He said that the essentials to the Christian community and rediscovering faith is the relationship between people and Jesus, and the preaching of his Gospel to the world.

Pope Francis spoke about the Maltese Church, which has a rich history from which great spiritual and pastoral treasures can be drawn. He reminded the audience on how faith is constantly renewed in the personal encounter with Christ, and in active participation in the life of the Church.

In his prayer, Pope Francis described Malta and Gozo as, “two beautiful communities.” He spoke about the Maltese ancestors, who welcomed Apostle Paul after his shipwreck.

“A small island, but one with a great heart. You are a treasure in the Church and for the Church,” the Pope said, encouraging people to return to the essence of Christianity, in times of suffering. 

Bishop of Gozo Anthony Teuma earlier asked Pope Francis for prayers so that Malta may have more courage to welcome those fleeing from wars and plagues, as they seek refuge in Malta.

Teuma expressed gratitude towards the Pope for visiting the country, as well as the Ta’ Pinu shrine, a place of pilgrimage for the Christian community.

He said that many come to the shrine with broken hearts and pray for faith in difficult times. Teuma asked Pope Francis to help the public pray for more courage, and for more responsibility for the country’s nature, which he said is slowly disappearing.

“Support us in our request that we view material wealth as a gift from God to share with our brothers and sisters, and not as an occasion for corruption, discrimination or conflict and division,” Teuma said, adding that the joy of sharing is more important than personal gain.

Teuma said that after the pandemic, hearing the Word of God should be a joyful celebration. 

Around 3,000 people gathered at the Sanctuary. Pope Francis was accompanied by Gozo Bishop Anton Theuma on the popemobile.

Upon his arrival, Pope Francis entered the Sanctuary and prayed in silence in the Chapel of Our Lady where he said three Hail Marys. He then paid homage to Our Lady by giving the Golden Rose (Il-Warda tad-Deheb). This is usually given by popes when they visit Marian niches.

Pope Francis was accompanied by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma, Cardinal Mario Grech and Fr Gerard Buhagiar who is the Rector of the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary.

Pope Francis greeted and blessed the young as well as the elderly within the church. He then went outside and led a prayer meeting in Italian. 

Following, representatives of the church of Gozo spoke to Pope Francis about their experience of suffering in their life.

After the prayer meeting, Pope Francis was then taken back to the Mġarr Harbour so that he would board the ship and return to Malta. 

Once in Ċirkewwa, Pope Francis passed from Mellieħa hill, Xemxija, St Paul’s Bay bypass, Burmarrad, Mosta and then to Rabat again towards the Nunciature.

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Photos AP

 

Earlier

Pope Francis has arrived in Gozo, where he will lead prayers at the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary.

Pope Francis left the Grand Habour for Gozo on Saturday at around 4.30pm on the Maria Dolores catamaran.

Once the catamaran left the Grand Harbour, it cruised around allowing the public who gathered around the port, at the Upper Barrakka and in the areas of Senglea and Vittoriosa. 

21 shots were fired from the Upper Barrakka as a salute to the pope.

The catamaran is to pass along the coast of Sliema and St Paul’s Bay. It will then head to Gozo, where the Pope will lead prayers at the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary.

Although the catamaran will not cruise close to land, Pope Francis will be seated in a chair at the top of the catamaran for the public to see.

The duration of the trip will take around an hour and 10 minutes until Pope Francis arrives in Mġarr, Gozo. A total of around 12 dinghies as well as two patrol boats are surveilling the areas around the catamaran. Aviation security is also present as helicopters are surveilling the area.

Gozo has been preparing for the arrival of Pope Francis as part of his 36th Apostolic Journey. A temporary ramp was built near the fast ferry terminal in Gozo to enable an easier access for the Pope from the ferry to the terminal. 

Once Pope Francis arrives at the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, he will deliver a liturgy and welcome prayers.

The Grand Harbour has been closed since 14:00pm but was reopened once Pope Francis left the Harbour.

 

Once in Gozo, Pope Francis was taken to Rabat to his popemobile and then to Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary where he was welcomed and cheered by thousands of people who have been waiting for the Pope to arrive for about two hours, if not more.

Among the people waiting for the pope’s arrival are Magistrate Joe Mifsud,  a personal friend of the pontiff, and former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

This is just the second time that the pope visited the island of Gozo as the first visit dates back to May 25, 1990 by Pope John Paul II who had similarly visited Gozo and celebrated mass at the Ta’ Pinu sanctuary.