Chapel

Chapel

On the 8th December 1997, work commenced on the foundation of the chapel which dominates the hilltop. The chapel is a replica of the original chapel at Ta Pinu Basilica on the island of Gozo, off Malta.

This beautiful chapel, with an area of 8m x 7m replicates the chapel in Gozo, along with the 18th century altar and painting of Our Lady of Ta Pinu. A royal blue velvet pelmet hangs above Our Lady. The ceiling, in baroque style, forms three circular formations. Hanging from the ceiling are six oil lanterns, which create a heavenly presence within the chapel. Upon entering, the chapel is guarded by an iron gate, and outside the main entrance, a veranda creates shelter for outside functions. Adjacent to the chapel, a small sacristy was built for the needs of the congregation. A bunch of white lilies featured in a small stained glass window above the main entrance, symbolises the purity of Our Lady.

The foundation stone for this chapel was cut from the same stone quarry in which the old chapel in Malta was built. This limestone was blessed by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in the Vatican City in Rome, Italy, on the 18th June 1997. On the 10th July 1997, the stone was presented to His Grace, the Archbishop of Melbourne, George Pell, during his visit to Ta Pinu Basilica in Malta. In accepting this cornerstone, Archbishop George Pell expressed his delight that the devotion the Maltese people have for the Blessed Virgin will have a new home in Melbourne. he looked forward to the day when the church at Bacchus Marsh will be completed.

Saturday 28th February 1998 was a major milestone in the history of Ta Pinu Marian Centre at Bacchus Marsh. It was the official opening and blessing of the chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Ta Pinu. At 2:00pm, a crowd of an estimated 5000 people gathered at the Monument of Our Lady at the foothills of the mountain for the first pilgrimage to the chapel, led by His Grace, the Archbishop of Melbourne, George Pell, rector of Ta Pinu Shrine in Gozo, Monsignor Benedict Camilleri, and Father Victor Bonello, OFM Conv. The Holy Picture of Our Lady was carried up the hill while the Holy Rosary was being recited in an array of languages.

Upon arrival, Archbishop George Pell blessed the chapel with Holy Water. This marked the official opening. The concelebrated Mass was accompanied by a multicultural choir. During the Homily, Archbishop George Pell praised Monsignor Benedict Camilleri and associates for their time and effort towards the building.

Here is an extract from Archbishop George Pell's Homily during the Blessing:

"Today we are continuing to build on that wonderful legacy which is ours as Australian Catholics. I was able to visit the original shrine in Gozo and see there the great devotion that the Maltese people's commitment to carry on one of their most beloved religious traditions. Monsignor Benedict and his associates should be congratulated on their enormous energy to both plan and build on such a scale. It was once said, by an unwise Italian, that the Maltese are a little people. They come from three very small islands. They have few resources, materially at least. The answer to this came from a Maltese man, who was probably a Gozitan, that while all this is true, the Maltese think very big. In thanking Monsignor Benedict for his work so far, I also look forward to the day when his ambition will be realised.

He has often said that this shrine is not just for the Maltese. it is to be a home for Mary built on the faith and love that all people have for her. I am pleased to see that already there is an image of the patroness of Australia, Mary, Help of Christians here. My prayer is that she will continue to guide those who come here and all Australians to a deeper faith in the Gospel of Christ her Son, and that they will leave here refreshed and renewed as they continue on the pilgrimages of their lives."

The ceremony was concluded with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Long after the chapel was built, it became increasingly apparent that there was a need for some kind of shelter to keep the many devotees out of the sun and the rain during functions and celebrations held at Ta Pinu Marian Centre. Subsequently, planning commenced on the construction of a verandah. This verandah was to be approximately 25 square metres in size, to be adjoined to the chapel, and be fully concreted. It was also planned that the sides of the verandah would be fixed with 12 roller doors, so the area can be an open space when sunny, or closed off when its cold, wet and windy.

On the 4th June 2005, plans were approved by council for the verandah. On the 2nd July 2005, the project was commissioned, and Sistu Mintoff, a devotee from New South Wales, funded the construction of the verandah, by supplying and transporting all structural and roofing materials required. Construction subsequently commenced on the 18th September 2005. On the 29th September 2005, the 12 roller doors were fixed to the verandah, at a cost of $800 each. These roller doors were funded by a small number of devotees. On the 5th November 2005, construction was finally complete. The Blessing of the verandah followed, celebrated on the 18th December 2005 by the Most Rev. Archbishop Em. of Melbourne Dr. Frank T. Little. Sistu Mintoff, who was present for this celebration, was presented with a silver icon of Our Lady of Ta Pinu, in appreciation of his generosity.

This page was last updated in January 2008