Pilgrims thronged behind the titular painting of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu yesterday as it started its journey back to its spiritual home in Gozo, having been brought to Malta for last Sunday's Papal Mass.

It left the Mosta parish, where it was venerated, in the afternoon, stopping at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa before boarding the ferry to cross over to the sister island.

The stop at Mellieħa symbolised the coming together of the two most important Marian shrines in the Maltese islands.

In Gozo to welcome the pilgrimage, led by Archbishop Paul Cremona, was Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

The pilgrimage then made its way through the towns of Għajnsielem, Xewkija, Victoria and Għasri, followed by a procession from St Publius chapel to Ta' Pinu sanctuary.

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