If one has to take a visit to nearby areas of spiritual significance to communities from Tripoli, then the Ta-Pinu sanctuary of Gozo immediately comes to mind.
How communities are organized around these parishes threading through various aspects of their life is a lesson for all.
In Tripoli region, I found many expatriate workers who say that if it had not been for the church, they would have not had any sense of community and left the place. Volunteers do work in hospitals, prisons, educational institutions.
Exploring Mediterranean Spiritual Traditions
This sanctuary is a place of interest for anyone interested in exploring daily lives of persons in communities. The relative calm of Gozo, untouched by many of the distractions of Malta adds to the experience.
A bit of history
In 1575 the apostolic visitor Pietro Duzina was delegated by Pope Gregory XII to visit the Maltese Islands. In his pastoral visit to the church, he found that it was in a very bad state. He ordered the church to be closed and demolished and its duties passed to the parish church, now the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Gozo. When demolition began the workman broke his arm while striking the first blow. This was taken as an omen that the chapel should not be demolished. The church was the only chapel on the island to survive Duzina’s decree ordering the demolition of other similar chapels.
Pinu Gauci became the procurator of the church in 1598 and its name was changed from “Of the Gentile” to “Ta` Pinu”, meaning “Of Philip”. In 1611 Gauci offered money for its restoration. It was rebuilt, with a stone altar erected and investments for liturgical services provided. Gauci also commissioned the painting of the Assumption of Our Lady for the main altar. This was done in 1619 by Amadeo Perugino.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta’_Pinu
The interiors are of interest too
Other blog of interest-In exploring spiritual traditions in this region
Remembering St.Augustine of Hippo
https://prashantbhatt.com/2012/04/29/musings-around-easter-remembering-st-augustine-of-hippo/
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