Sojourners in Austria

We drove off the ferry out to Xlendi Bay, where we had rented a little apartment. As it was Sunday and the feast of the Sacred Heart, the day we arrived in Gozo, I had planned for us to attend evening Mass in Fontana, especially as this town is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. I recently learned that in 2010, all families in Malta dedicated themselves to the Sacred Heart; how beautiful! We arrived a bit early, so watched the final preparations for the evening Mass and procession. Michael was developing a fever during Mass so unfortunately we couldn't stay for the nighttime festivities (procession, music, fireworks and food) but we were happy to see a bit of the famous Maltese festa in action!

Morning overlooking the cliffs at Xlendi Bay. It was a perfect ground base for exploring Gozo.

One of the limestone quarries that exist on Malta. The limestone on the islands is the second oldest rock on the island, covering 70% of its area, and has been used for building purposes since antiquity.

Morning excursion to the Azure Window! We had a great time poking around and watching the divers and checking out the sea-salt residue.

Yes, we're still working on getting family "selfies".

We visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. In 1888 there was only a small chapel standing here, and Kramela Grima, a pious village woman with a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, was passing by and heard the words, "Come, come." The first time, she was frightened and ran away, but when it happened a second time, she realized it was coming from inside the chapel. Kramela entered and begin to pray when she heard the voice asking that she recite 3 Hail Mary's daily in honor of the 3 days that Mary's body remained in tomb before being assumed into heaven. Another villager, Francesco, also heard the call, and through the Blessed Virgin's intercession, his mother was swiftly cured of a terrible disease, thus marking this site as a place of healing pilgrimage since. In 1935 this church was built and Pope Pius XI raised it to the dignity of Minor Basilica. Both St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have visited this shrine.

This is just one example, but I was struck by how prominent statues of Old Testament characters are in Maltese churches and even outdoors. It shows that the whole journey of mankind's salvation is remembered and reflected upon, and that the Gospel continues to shed light on the teachings and occurrences of the Old Testament to teach us of the mercy, justice, and love of God.

Inside the original chapel behind the main altar hangs the very painting that emitted the call for prayer. This picture does not do its beauty justice!

The graves of Karmela and Francesco lie in a side chapel.

Across the street, a beautiful Stations of the Cross winds up the hill - what a lovely end to the day, hiking to the top, praying and reflecting on our Lord's passion and the part His Blessed Mother played in our salvation. This was one of our most favorite places in Malta.

We are the people of the Resurrection! Deo Gratias!

There was also a place for outdoor Mass - here is Dominic kissing the altar, as he and Michael never forget to do.

We came across these plants covered with small snails and the boys found it quite fascinating.

Another neat excursion was to the Ggantija Temples, one of the important archeological sites on the Maltese islands dating back to between 3600-3000 B.C. - the Neolithic Age. These are free-standing monuments older than Stonehenge and the pyramids! Due to the images and medallions found on the site, it is believed these temples belonged to a cult of fertility, and many animal bones signified animal sacrifices. It was quite cool to see something so old!

Holes carved into stone posts at the entrances were probably for barricading.

While Papa was finishing up his touring, we built our own little temple to Jesus.

Andrew and I really enjoyed driving around exploring and taking turns popping into churches especially when the boys were napping. Here is the church of St. John the Baptist.

Qbajjar Bay at the northern part of Gozo which features a spread of sea-salt pans which are filled with sea water, and the salt is harvested after a dying period. We really liked the atmosphere here; very unique and peaceful, with barely any sea-goers.

Then someone woke up from his nap.

We stopped in at the Cathedral of St. George in Victoria one evening and caught the end of the Rosary and Benediction.

A bone of St. George!

We liked Qbajjar Bay so much that we took the boys back there another evening to wade in the water.

Morning hike up Tas-Salvatur's Hill (the Savior's Hill). Michael and Dominic had been asking for days when we were going to climb up to Jesus, as we had passed this hill a few times and I told them we would hike it.

Michael made sure we climbed to the very very top so he could touch Jesus.

Descending.

Near ir-Ramla Bay on the east side, is a large rock cave formation which set the scene written by Homer in the Odyssey where Calypso, the beautiful nymph, sings and lures Odyssesus away from his mission, imprisoning him by love for seven years. We walked out on the viewing platform, and sure enough, the wind whistles through the rock tunnels producing mournful cooing sounds. Then we went down to the beach to enjoy the very fine red sand and waves.