From pirates to pilgrims! Did you know the enduring story of Comino’s Sacred Family Chapel?

Comino’s small but historic chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Family Upon its Return from Egypt, stands as a quiet witness to centuries of devotion and resilience.

While the exact date of its original construction remains a mystery, its roots are believed to stretch deep into the island’s past.

Evidence suggests the chapel existed before 1618, though not necessarily on the exact site we see today. Remarkably, it is marked on a 13th-century nautical map, now preserved at the Greenwich Maritime Museum in England, hinting at its significance to seafarers navigating the Mediterranean.

Comino, known locally as Kemmuna, endured long periods of abandonment due to relentless pirate raids. During these turbulent years, the church likely suffered looting and neglect. Yet its memory endured among the island’s scattered community.

A turning point came in 1618, when the Knights of St John constructed the imposing Santa Maria Tower as a defensive stronghold. This newfound security encouraged people to return to the island. Among their first acts was the rebuilding of their cherished chapel, restoring it as a spiritual heart for the small but determined population.

Over the centuries, the chapel has been rebuilt multiple times, each restoration preserving its sacred dedication.

Today, it remains part of the Gozo diocese, quietly connecting modern visitors and worshippers to Comino’s layered history.

Far more than just a religious site, the Sacred Family Chapel embodies the endurance of faith in the face of hardship.