Seminar marks first centenary of Franġisk Portelli’s death
Portelli was a pious man from Għarb who reported receiving messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary
A seminar marking the first centenary of the death of Franġisk Portelli (October 6, 1850-February 4, 1926) will be held at the shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu on February 7.
Portelli was a pious man from Għarb, who reported receiving messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ta’ Pinu around 1883. The core of these messages was a recommendation for a special devotion to the Hidden Wound of Jesus.
The seminar, entitled 'The Hidden Wounds of Our Time', will be held in the hall beneath the sanctuary at 3.30pm. Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma will introduce the seminar, followed by contributions by Sr Magdalene Cauchi and Mgr Carmelo Refalo, rector of the shrine. Mgr Teuma will preside over a concelebrated mass in remembrance of Portelli at around 6.30pm.
Mgr Refalo said that according to Christian tradition the Hidden Wound of Jesus referred to the wound on Christ’s shoulder, inflicted while He carried the Cross to Calvary. According to an ancient tradition linked to St Bernard of Clairvaux, this wound caused Christ great suffering but was never publicly venerated like the wounds of his hands, feet and side.
Mgr Refalo said the Hidden Wound symbolises silent suffering and pain. He noted that the shrine continued to welcome individuals who carry personal burdens in silence and seek spiritual healing. He added that the devotion also reflected burdens carried with love and acceptance of God’s will. He encouraged the faithful to unite their hidden sufferings with the Passion of Christ, drawing hope from the Resurrection. The devotion to the Wound of the Shoulder was closely linked with perseverance in trials, humility and sacrifices made in secret, Mgr Refalo said.
Holy pictures featuring a traditional prayer to the Most Holy Wound of the Shoulder of Jesus are available from Ta’ Pinu.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the first centenary of Portelli’s death, Għarb archpriest Trevor Sultana will celebrate mass on Thursday, February 5, at 6.30pm.