This year is set to be a momentous one for the Catholic Church, as Pope Francis has declared it a Jubilee Year. From December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026, the Church will celebrate this extraordinary time under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Jubilees, held every 25 years, are opportunities for spiritual renewal, prayer, and reflection, and this upcoming year promises to unite the faithful worldwide. At the heart of the Jubilee will be Rome, where ancient traditions and sacred rituals will guide the celebrations – but other significant Christian sites are also exceptional pilgrimage destinations to celebrate the Jubilee.
One of the most significant rituals is the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, which marks the formal beginning of the Jubilee. This tradition, dating back to 1500, symbolizes entering into a year of grace and renewal. The Pope’s ceremonial act of opening the door invites pilgrims into a sacred journey of faith and conversion. Another cherished event in Rome is the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, a spiritual journey across the city’s most revered basilicas and catacombs. This ancient tradition, initiated by St. Philip Neri in the 16th century, spans 25 kilometers, offering pilgrims a profound encounter with Rome’s Christian heritage. The Iter Europaeum pilgrimage, meanwhile, links 28 churches and basilicas associated with European nations, celebrating their shared faith and cultural bonds. Among these is the Church of St. Paul of the Three Fountains, believed to be the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom. Here, Malta’s significant connection to this sacred journey might be said to begin.
Malta’s unique contribution to the Jubilee
While Rome will serve as the spiritual hub, Malta has emerged as a key destination for Jubilee activities – and for religious and faith-based tourism in general. The Archdiocese of Malta is spearheading initiatives that combine liturgical celebrations with opportunities for pilgrimage, emphasizing the islands’ distinctive blend of faith, history, and culture. Central to these initiatives is the Melita Mariana Pilgrimage, a 60-kilometer journey across Malta and Gozo, designed to honor the islands’ profound Marian devotion. Taking place over three days, this pilgrimage highlights sacred sites that commemorate centuries of local Marian faith and traditions.
Malta’s connection to the Virgin Mary runs deep. Marian devotion is woven into the islands’ identity, dating back to the arrival of St. Paul in AD 60. The Gospel of Luke, written by Paul’s companion, is the most Marian of all the Gospels, and this influence surely helped establish a profound reverence for Mary that endures today. In Malta, Mary is venerated as Santa Marija Assunta, the Assumption, and her feast day on August 15 is the most celebrated event of the year. Shrines and chapels dedicated to Santa Marija can be found throughout Malta and Gozo, from grand cathedrals to small, miraculous chapels.
One of the most prominent Marian sites is the famed Madonna Ta’ Pinu National Shrine in Gozo, which is renowned for its miraculous origins and spiritual significance. Another beloved location is the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Hope in Mosta, a small yet powerful symbol of faith that embodies the Jubilar theme of hope. These sacred spaces are living testaments to Malta’s devotion to Mary, who has long been seen as a protector and intercessor in times of crisis – a bringer of, precisely, hope.
St. Paul’s transformative legacy
The story of St. Paul in Malta is another cornerstone of the islands’ spiritual heritage. As recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in AD 60 during a violent storm. What began as a catastrophe became a moment of divine providence, as Paul brought Christianity to the islands and performed miracles that would shape the history of the archipelago. Among these miracles was the healing of Publius’ father, the Roman governor, who was gravely ill. Paul’s faith and intervention not only saved lives but also established Malta as a land of hope and healing.
St. Paul’s influence is easily visible throughout Malta today. In Rabat, St. Paul’s Grotto is a revered site where pilgrims can visit the place where Paul lived during his three-month stay. The Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta houses important relics, including a bone from the saint’s wrist. These sites, along with the enduring Christian traditions tied to Paul, clearly show his profound impact on the islands. Indeed, pilgrims can walk a dedicated Pauline pilgrimage path, the famed Peregrinatio Sancti Pavli Apostoli AD 60.
Stories of hope
Malta’s faith is deeply intertwined with its history of overcoming adversity. During the Great Siege of 1565, when the Ottoman Empire sought to conquer the islands, the Maltese people invoked Mary’s protection and achieved a miraculous victory against overwhelming odds. Similarly, during World War II, Malta endured relentless bombings but emerged with its faith and courage intact. These moments of resilience, anchored in hope and prayer, remain defining aspects of the Maltese identity.
Recognizing this legacy, VisitMalta has embraced faith tourism as an integral part of its mission. The Jubilee Year provides a unique opportunity to share Malta’s spiritual and cultural treasures with the world. Special campaigns will highlight stories of hope, including those of the miraculous shipwreck of St. Paul and the victory during the Great Siege. These narratives aim to inspire visitors to see Malta as a living testament to the power of grace and faith.
Malta’s call to pilgrims
The Jubilee year invites the faithful to embark on a journey of hope, and Malta offers a singular backdrop for this sacred experience. Its basilicas, grottoes, and miraculous chapels tell stories of faith that have withstood the test of time. From St. Paul’s transformative stay to the enduring Marian devotion that defines the islands, Malta is a land where faith and resilience intersect. As the Jubilee unfolds, Malta calls pilgrims to walk its sacred paths, encounter its rich spiritual heritage, and embrace the timeless message of hope. In these islands, faith flourishes, miracles abound, and the promise of hope endures. As Archbishop Charles Scicluna said in his homily, quoting Pope Francis, at the opening Mass of this special year: “Let the Jubilee be a great feast of mercy.” Whether you’re seeking inspiration, renewal, or simply the chance to witness Malta’s unique Christian heritage, a pilgrimage to Malta promises to leave you transformed.
