Jubilee pilgrimage to mark feast of Christ the King in Gozo
Cortege to start from mosaic of Our Lady all the way to Ta’ Pinu sanctuary
On the occasion of the solemnity of the feast of Christ the King, the Gozo diocese will be holding a jubilee pilgrimage on Sunday, starting from near the mosaic icon of Our Lady at the start of the road, leading to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu sanctuary, at 4pm. Bishop Anton Teuma will celebrate mass at the sanctuary’s parvis at 5pm.
The cortege is being referred to as a special jubilee pilgrimage, hence taking place during a Jubilee Year – a year of grace and forgiveness, declared by the pope every 25 years or on extraordinary occasions. The jubilee pilgrimage involves visiting sacred places, such as major basilicas, shrines or specially designated churches. It calls for a moment of prayer, confession and participation in mass. It may include the granting of a plenary indulgence – a full remission of the temporal punishment for sin, if the person meets the conditions of the rite.
The primary aim of a jubilee pilgrimage is the renewal of one’s relationship with Jesus’ reconciliation and forgiveness. It is a spiritual journey, a personal reflection and an experience of faith within the community.
Mgr Carmelo Refalo, rector of Ta’ Pinu shrine, said: “The feast of Christ the King celebrates Jesus’ sovereign authority over all creation, affirming faith, unity and the triumph of love and justice, marking the liturgical year’s culmination with devotion and hope. A jubilee pilgrimage is not just a journey to a holy site, but a journey of conversion and grace, made with an open heart towards God throughout the Jubilee Year.”