In 1885, the religious complex was inaugurated, consisting of a three-nave church with classicizing architecture and a small dome. A new restoration took place after World War II, and it was consecrated on July 2, 1954, when the sanctuary was canonically established as a Diocesan Sanctuary.

Description: A polychrome wooden statue, depicting the Virgin standing with the child, holding a scepter and wearing a crown. It dates back to the 14th-15th century, originating from the monastery of S. Angelo di Valleluce and was brought to Casalucense in 1443. Later, it was covered with clothes and gold, but after the war, the monks of Montecassino restored its original appearance.
First use: in the year 1443
Image: Statue
Original location of the Sanctuary: The ex-votos, which were remembered in large numbers, were unfortunately lost during periods of the sanctuary’s abandonment. Now, only a few silver hearts remain.

There is no formal collection of miracles, but many are recorded in the work of Lanni d. Marco, *Memoria dell’abate Marco Lanni intorno la chiesa di Santa Maria delle Indulgenze in Santelia*, Naples 1950.

The church of Casalucense is documented in 1411 in the inventory of the monastery of Sant’Angelo di Valleluce, which was dependent on Montecassino but had existed since at least the 10th century. With all its properties, it passed to the monastery of Montecassino in 1443 when the Valleluce monastery was closed. Without pastoral care, the small church and hermitage had nearly collapsed.

From 1807, the building underwent restorations by benefactors until 1840-41, when Canon Stefano Pirolli restored and expanded the church. A priest resided there until 1886. In 1885, the church was rebuilt.

It was proclaimed a diocesan sanctuary in 1954, though a tradition of miracles and pilgrimages dates back to at least the 15th century.

There is no true founding legend, but the church’s ancient role and the transfer of the Virgin’s statue ensured the continuity of worship and the increase in pilgrim numbers coming to Casalucense to receive indulgences.

After World War II, the monks of Montecassino took refuge in this sanctuary while the great monastic complex was being rebuilt.

With the suppression of the Valleluce monastery, the indulgences obtained there were transferred to this church. The sanctuary enjoys the privilege of perpetual plenary indulgences on the feast day (the 2nd Sunday after Easter), August 15, and during the Sundays of May.

The first church, no larger than a shrine, depended on the monastery of Sant’Angelo di Valleluce. From 1443, it passed to Montecassino, which maintained jurisdiction.

The convent attached to the sanctuary is the novitiate of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate.

The monks of Montecassino took refuge here after the abbey was destroyed by bombings.

During this time, the church was briefly abandoned.

It was the abbot of Montecassino who called the reformed friars of Abruzzo with P. Bartolomeo Cugnoli.

Though no exact date remains, it is believed that the abbot of Montecassino entrusted the care of the monastery to the clergy of Sant’Elia when he took possession of the church of Casalucense.

The monks of Montecassino ensured the continuous renewal of the church, though the contributions of lay benefactors are remembered for various restoration efforts.

03043 Cassino, Province of Frosinone, Italy