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7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 11 APRIL 2025 CULTURE Mary Help of Christians, Mary Refuge of Sinners, Mary Health of the Sick, Mary Queen of the Family and Mary Queen of Peace. Once at Ta' Pinu, the mosa- ics at the sanctuary's entrance serve as another moment of prayer or reflection, inviting visitors to pause and contem- plate the biblical scenes depict- ed in vibrant colours before en- tering the sacred space. Another path from here is the walk up to Għammar Hill, where pilgrims can contem- plate the stations of the cross through the life-size Carrara marble statues. Every year dur- ing Lent, the Gozitan commu- nity organises a pilgrimage up the hill at dusk. The walk, which is meant to be an act of penance, illuminat- ed by the glow of candles and possibly fire torches, is a par- ticularly profoundly reflective experience. However, even during the day, walking up the mountain is a balmy, soul-searching experi- ence, where the silence is only broken by the birds chirping. Gozo has often been consid- ered a destination for retreats or spiritual gateways. Gozo's peaceful countryside and coastal charm are beneficial for regeneration and refocus. One can organise a retreat at the various religious houses. Places like the Manresa Re- treat House and St Augustine Convent in Victoria, Dar Stella Maris in Żebbuġ, and Lourdes Home in Mġarr provide an ex- cellent setting as an oasis of peace. Gozo has also been described as the Christmas Island. The joyful season has a distinct place in Gozo's calendar when many secular and sacred events mark the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, living the Easter experi- ence in Gozo is another oppor- tunity that can tie well with a delightful spring break. Spring is one of the ideal times to visit the island. If you plan to visit the island during Holy Week and Paschal tide, you're in for a profound- ly moving experience, where sombre, reenactments, candle- lit vigils and exhibitions are all geared to remember the sor- rowful passion of Jesus Christ culminating in the resurrection on Easter Sunday. Visiting Gozo is a chance to witness authentic faith and de- votion in a unique island set- ting. Whether you're a curious cul- tural traveller, a history lover, or a spiritual pilgrim, the island welcomes all. In Gozo, you'll find a mystic spirituality infused by a myste- rious blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospi- tality. heritage: churches, feasts and pilgrimages San Dimitri Chapel (top), Ta' Pinu mosaics at the sanctuary's entrance (above left) and the top of Ghammar Hill in front of Ta' Pinu (above right) The churches are not just places of worship but testify to the resilience and hard-working islanders, often rural communities of farmers and fishermen who scraped hard to build these edifices in times gone by