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Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe in Santo Stefano d’Aveto

Nestled in the heart of Liguria, in Santo Stefano d’Aveto, stands a place of deep spirituality and history: the Sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. This sanctuary, set among the mountains, represents a focal point for Marian devotion and a treasure of art and faith.

History and Architecture

The history of the sanctuary is closely tied to the parish church of S. Stefano. The current building, in neo-Gothic style, was constructed to replace the previous 18th-century church, which had become unstable due to the terrain. Work began in 1925 based on a design by architect Lorenzo Basso and was completed in 1928. The majestic stone bell tower, dating back to the original 18th-century structure, dominates the square in front of the church, bearing witness to the historical continuity of the site. It was restored in 1931.

Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe

The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santo Stefano d’Aveto has ancient and fascinating origins. In 1802, a young man from the village, Antonio Domenico Rossi, a future scholar and artist from Piacenza, encountered the devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe among the Jesuits in Piacenza, where he was studying. This devotion had been introduced to Mexico by the Jesuits. Captivated by the figure of the Virgin, Rossi brought back to his hometown a small painted copper image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and donated it to the parish priest, asking him to display it in the church.

The response was immediate and heartfelt: devotion to the Virgin from afar spread quickly among the population, turning the parish church into a true Marian sanctuary.

Sacred Images

The sanctuary houses several images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, each with its own history and significance:

• The copper image (1802): The first image, donated by Antonio Domenico Rossi, depicts the Virgin standing on a crescent moon, in a prayerful stance with hands clasped, wrapped in a blue mantle adorned with stars and wearing a pink dress. This precious icon is kept at the parish headquarters.
• The canvas by Cardinal Doria (1811): In 1811, Cardinal Giuseppe Doria, secretary of state to Pius VII, donated to the parish a canvas depicting the same Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had belonged to his family. This canvas replaced the copper image on the main altar, becoming the focal point of devotion.

Treasures and Ex-Votos

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe holds a rich collection of precious objects, the result of popular devotion. In the past, silver ex-votos were melted down to create monstrances, while gold was used to craft crowns for the Virgin. For security reasons, the current location of these treasures is not disclosed.

Plenary Indulgence

A significant event in the sanctuary’s history was the granting of a Plenary Indulgence by Pope Pius VII in June 1806, on the occasion of the feast of the Virgin. The original document is preserved in the Sanctuary’s Archive, a tangible testament to papal recognition and the spiritual importance of the site.

Research and Spiritual Adventure

Visiting the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is not only an act of faith but also an opportunity to delve into local history and discover hidden treasures of the region. Here are some ideas for a richer experience:

• The Sanctuary Archive: Consult the archive to uncover original documents and written records related to the sanctuary’s history and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• Paths of Faith: Explore the trails leading to the sanctuary, immersing yourself in nature and the surrounding landscape.
• Sacred Art: Admire the artworks housed in the sanctuary, paying attention to details and religious symbolism.
• The Story of Antonio Domenico Rossi: Learn more about the life and works of Antonio Domenico Rossi, the man who brought devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe to Santo Stefano d’Aveto.

Useful Information

The Sanctuary is open to visitors and pilgrims. It is advisable to contact the parish for information on service times and visiting arrangements.

Come and discover the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, a place where faith, history, and art merge into an unforgettable experience.

16049 Santo Stefano d’Aveto GE, Italy