Ta’ Pinu 2026 calendar features ex voto paintings
Each artwork represents someone grateful for miracles, graces received
The national shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu has published its calendar for 2026. In it one finds photographs of paintings known as ex voto – artworks offered in fulfilment of a vow. The paintings each convey a message: each has a story to tell, emotions to express and, above all, they are testimonies of faith.
Linked to every painting there is a narrative to recount – someone who is grateful to God and Our Lady for a miracle or a grace received. On many of these paintings appear the letters VFGR (voto fatto, grazia ricevuta) meaning “a vow made, a grace received”.
Ta’ Pinu shrine rector Carmelo Refalo says that for next year’s calendar, he wished to publish some of the principal ex voto paintings found at the sanctuary. He added: “Behind each painting lies the story of someone who prayed, made a vow, was granted grace and then offered thanks. I almost see them as icons – prayers that mostly express an act of faith and love!”
Among the paintings reproduced is one depicting the motorboat Gozo No.G6, whose crew and some 40 passengers were saved through the miraculous intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ta’ Pinu during a storm near St Paul’s Bay on the afternoon of February 17, 1933. The painting is an oil on canvas, and is still in very good condition.
The calendar also includes information about the various activities and events that take place at the shrine.
Copies of the calendar can be obtained from the sanctuary’s souvenir shop.