World Day of The Order – Ta’ Pinu National Pilgrimage
The Maltese Association’s 32nd National Pilgrimage to the most revered Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu at Gharb, Gozo, a major and much cherished hospitaller event, was held on Saturday 14th October 2023, once again coinciding with the National Day of the Order of Malta,
The pilgrimage, held in glorious weather, was led by the President of the Maltese Association, Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata.
This year’s event witnessed the participation of over 120 malades, always our most distinguished guests. The entire contingent including carers, drivers, Members and Volunteers, totalling 233 persons.
Our Lords the Sick coming from Malta hailed from St. Vincent de Paule Residence, Dar tal-Providenza and Mt. Carmel Hospital, whilst those joining from Gozo hailed from the Gozo General Hospital and from Dar Arka.
A collision involving one of the vans from the St. Vincent de Paule Residence on the Mellieha bypass en route to Cirkewwa threatened to cast a black cloud over the event. Thankfully only very slight injuries were caused to the driver, and the passengers were fine, allowing them to catch up with the contingent at the Ta’ Pinu Shrine.
In keeping with traditional dress code for the Pilgrimage, Knights were attired in grey trousers, blue shirts and tie of the Order, whilst Dames donned black skirts and white blouses. Volunteers from the Association’s various peripheral organisations being Members of the Volunteers of the Order, the Order of Malta Volunteers in Gozo and the Canine Search and Rescue Unit were kitted out in white T-Shirts and blue jeans.
A 15-strong contingent from the Ordine di Malta Corpo Italiano di Soccorso, which was based in Gozo where it ran a 2 day Civil Protection Course, once again participated in the Pilgrimage, under the leadership of Dott. Graziano Cascone, Capo Gruppo Ragusa, looking very distinguished in their red jackets and berets.
Participants hailing from Malta gathered at Cirkewwa at 8.15 a.m., boarding a special Gozo Channel ferry service at 9.00 a.m. Once berthed at Mgarr, the contingent proceeded to the Sanctuary grounds, where Our Lords the Sick were assisted in disembarking outside the Sanctuary parvis. Occasion was also taken by some to admire Marko Rupnik’s beautiful mosaic works adorning the parvis and to reflect upon the mysteries of the Holy Rosary depicted by them.
Holy Mass was then celebrated at 11.00 a.m. by Archbishop Emeritus of Tiranë-Durrës in Albania George Anthony Frendo O.P., with Monsignor Brendan Gatt and Fr. Geoffrey George Attard concelebrating. Bishop Frendo, drawing from his own personal experience, delivered a beautiful homily on the value of suffering, reminding one and all of the deep suffering which the Blessed Virgin Mary herself underwent during her own lifetime on earth.
The Reading was delivered by our confrere and President of the Order of Malta Volunteers in Gozo Chris Galea, whilst the Hospitaller Dr. Kevin Dingli who directed the Pilgrimage read the bidding prayers. The offerings were taken up to the altar by representatives of CISOM, VOTO and the Canine SAR Team.
The laudate pueri choir under the direction of Monsignor George Frendo lead the congregation in singing the various Church hymns which were sung throughout the liturgical celebration.
The President Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata thanked all concerned in a brief address prior to reciting the Prayer of the Order, and this was reciprocated after the Blessing by Dott. Graziano Cascone, Capo Gruppo Ragusa, CISOM.
A group photograph was then taken outside in front of the Shrine’s façade.
Next was a 3 course lunch at Villa Fiorita Hall, where Members and Volunteers donned the Association’s smart red tabards and were of service to our special guests throughout. Pianist Peter Thomas provided the entertainment, at times accompanied vocally by members and volunteers and even some of our guests who joined in the singing.
Leaflets marking the World Day of the Order were distributed at the venue, where a stand was set up, giving information about the local and international activities of the Order.
First-Aid service was also available, kindly provided by the Ordine di Malta Corpo Italiano di Soccorso.
All good things unfortunately come to an end, so that shortly after 3.00 p.m. Our Lords the Sick were assisted in boarding their respective transport vehicles which then headed back to Mgarr harbour in time for the dedicated 4.30 p.m. return ferry to Cirkewwa.
More photos of the event are available at:
KFD
