Pope Francis prayed this April 2 at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu located on the island of Gozo and encouraged “to return to the heart and rediscover the center of faith” which is ” the relationship with Jesus and the proclamation of his Gospel to the whole world”. It was on the occasion of his visit to Malta.
The Holy Father traveled by boat (a “catamaran” called “Maria Dolores”) from Malta to the port of Mgarr in Gozo accompanied by his entourage.
Upon his arrival at the Marian sanctuary of Ta ’Pinu, the Pope was received by the rector, Fr. Gerald Buhagiar, the rector of Marian Sanctuary along with the Archbishop of Malta, Bishop Charles Scicluna; by the Bishop of Gozo, Mons. Anthony Teuma, and was accompanied by the Secretary-General of the Synod and Bishop Emeritus of Gozo, Cardinal Mario Grech. received the Pope.
Around 200 people were there inside the church including the sick and disabled people, whom the Holy Father greeted and blessed.
In addition, in the atrium, there were more than 2 thousand people seated and others who remained standing in the surroundings.
Pope Francis prayed privately in the chapel that houses the painting of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, which represents the Assumption of the Virgin Mary