Exploring Malta’s Sacred Sites: The Sanctuary of Mensija
In the visitation report of Monsignor Pietro Duzina in 1575, we read that he visited the church dedicated to St Leonard.
The Feast of St Leonard was celebrated in the underground chapel known as tal-Mensija, by Fr Joe Buttigieg OFM Cap., who takes care of the pastoral needs of the people in the area of San Ġwann.
In the visitation report of Monsignor Pietro Duzina in 1575, we read that he visited the church dedicated to St Leonard. This chapel is today known as the Sanctuary of Mensija. A certain farmer named Indri was digging when he found an image of Our Lady placed in a cave, with a lit lamp in front of it. It is said that this farmer took the image to the parish priest of Birkirkara, but the next day he found it again in the same place. He took it back again, but the following day he once more found it where it had been before. The parish priest planned to take it to the Bishop, but for the third time Indri found it back in the cave where it had originally been.
In a short time, the image became a centre of devotion to Our Lady. This image, in the form of a triptych icon on wood, is still on display to this day and depicts the Angel Gabriel announcing to Our Lady, together with St Leonard.
Mass in this Sanctuary is held:
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5pm.
First Thursday of the month: adoration after Mass.
Anyone wishing to organise a pilgrimage should contact Fr Joe Buttigieg on 99398455.
