New oratory at national shrine honors patroness of Malta

Published: 2006-07-07

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington has a new oratory honoring Our Lady of Ta' Pinu of Gozo, Malta. "The Oratory of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu is a beautiful addition to the Crypt Church of the shrine," said Msgr. Walter R. Rossi, shrine rector. "This oratory is tribute to the dedication of the Maltese people and their determination that the patroness of Malta would have a place in this national shrine, the United States' national tribute to Mary Immaculate." In addition to Msgr. Rossi, those attending the May 28 dedication of the oratory included Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo; Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington; and the former rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Ta'Pinu, Msgr. Benedict Camilleri. There were 100 people, including priests, from Malta. In addition, three people of Maltese descent living in the U.S. were present. In an interview with Catholic News Service, Msgr. Rossi said that the idea for the oratory began in 1999, when Msgr. Camilleri thought it was important to have an image of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu in the national shrine for the people who immigrated to the U.S. from Malta.

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