TA’ PINU SANCTUARY

The square in front of this venerated sanctuary and basilica has been given a beautiful facelift. Cars are no longer allowed to park in here and a parking area has been created close by. Mosaics with pictures of the stations of the rosary have been erected around the perimeter of the round square.
Shot taken in the late afternoon before we went in for prayers and for Sunday mass. When I say Sunday mass I smile because it was Saturday evening. Up to some decades ago we were expected to attending mass on Sunday mornings but for the convenience of catholics Saturday evening was included with Sunday for this purpose. We visit this church every time we come to Gozo.
It is said that The Holy Virgin appeared to a certain Karmni Grima (a farmer whose statue of her is in the middle of the square) as she was returning home from work through fields belonging to Pinu Gauci (Pinu is short for Philip). This happened in 1883. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI visited the shrine and gave gifts to the titular painting of Our Lady. Pope Benedict XVI invited everybody to "Pray to Her Under the Title Queen of the Family"
Thank you so much for looking and for the comments and fav’s on yesterday’s picture.

[alia_801]

Nice capture of the square - it looks an interesting place for a visit.

[Sapphire]

i like the way you have off-set the basilica in the photo. It looks like a relaxing place to walk around.

[Connie Little]

You are a mine of information Dione. Thanks for sharing the history of this wonderful square and church. Must be amazing to walk around here.

[Beryl Lloyd]

A lovely and well composed scene - the white figure against the basilica stands out so well !

[sally agnew]

Nicely captured and thank you for sharing the interesting info :)

[Babs]

Lovely shot and really interesting information.

[Ivan]

Elegant building and commentary, Dione.

[Kerri]

Awesome shot

[Diana]

Stunning capture.

[Richard Hickey]

Awesome picture.

[Casablanca]

Enjoyed reading your narrative, how very interesting! Lovely mesmerising patterns on the roadway there on the approach to the church.

[Chris H]

Its a beautiful building and love the patterns on the pathway.

[gloria jones]

Super photo with great composition to see the square and the church...great information too

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Wonderful candid capture and such a beautiful looking sanctuary. Fav!

[Tremerryn]

What a lovely place - super detail and perspective,

[Call me Joe]

💕💕💕

[carol white]

Beautifully captured, a lovely building and mosaic floor. Fav!! 😀

[Margaret Brown]

Lovely architecture and focus

[Jane Morley]

So interesting. Thank you. A truly beautiful facelift!

[Pyrrhula]

A beautiful view all over and capture of this nice church. Fav.

[Suzanne]

Very interesting information and a beautiful shot.

[KWind]

Lovely image! Great architecture!

[Diane]

Beautiful church!

[Harry J Benson]

good composition and tonality

[Gayle]

Beautiful shot and very interesting information! I can remember back when I was young and they started allowing the Saturday evening Mass to fulfill Sunday obligations. :-)