body {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
margin: 20px;
}
h1, h2 {
color: #333;
}
img {
max-width: 100%;
height: auto;
}

Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows of Coronella: A Treasure of Faith and History in Galliera

Nestled in the Bolognese countryside, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows of Coronella in Galliera represents a place of deep spirituality, steeped in history and art. This sacred site, witness to centuries of devotion, invites visitors on a journey of faith and discovery.

The Origins: Hermits, Saint Anthony Abbot, and the Birth of Marian Devotion

The history of the sanctuary dates back to 1289, when a group of Augustinian hermits settled in this area, dedicating themselves to prayer and contemplative life. Later, these hermits joined the Order of the Servites of Mary. Prior to the current sanctuary, there was a chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot, a prominent figure in Christian monasticism and invoked as the protector of animals and fields.

The turning point came in 1660, when the Prior of the convent decided to commission an image of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows. This painting marked the beginning of a profound Marian devotion, fueled by miraculous events that attracted faithful from far and wide.

Example image of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows

From Chapel to Sanctuary: A Journey of Faith and Reconstruction

Frequent floods from the river put the original chapel to the test. However, the growing veneration for the miraculous image prompted the Servite Friars to undertake the construction of a new sanctuary between 1776 and 1777. The small pre-existing oratory was thus rebuilt in the form we can still admire today, testifying to the strength of faith and the determination of the local community.

Architecture and Art: A Sanctuary Revealed

The sacred building features simple and elegant lines, typical of 18th-century architecture. Inside, the central element is the image of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows, the focal point of popular devotion. Although precise information on the collection of ex-votos is not available, it is plausible to imagine that the sanctuary holds testimonies of received graces and miracles attributed to the intercession of the Virgin.

Historical Events: Napoleonic Suppressions and Return to Worship

Like many other places of worship, the Sanctuary of Coronella also suffered the consequences of the Napoleonic suppressions. At the end of 1798, the convent was put up for sale and became private property, passing from the Pirani family to the Bonora family. Despite this change, the families kept the devotion alive, ensuring the festive officiation and the celebration of Marian feasts. After a period of abandonment, the sanctuary was finally restored and reopened for worship in 1988, thanks to the efforts of the Parish of Galliera.

Ideas for an “Adventurous Research” in the Sanctuary

In addition to its spiritual dimension, the Sanctuary of Coronella offers interesting ideas for an “adventurous research” from a historical and artistic perspective:

• Investigate the Miraculous Image: Delve into the history of the painting of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows, seeking information about the author, the artistic techniques used, and any transformations it underwent over time. Attempt, through local archives, to discover the origins of the painting and the miracles associated with it.
• Reconstruct the History of the Convent: Dig into local archives to reconstruct the history of the Augustinian and then Servite convent, seeking information about the life of the hermits and friars, their activities, and their relationship with the local community.
• Explore the Ex-Votos (if present): Analyze the ex-votos present in the sanctuary (if any), trying to interpret the stories of faith and suffering they tell. Details about the daily lives of the people who turned to the Virgin of Sorrows might emerge.
• Verify the Restoration Works: Analyze the works carried out during the 1988 restoration, checking if any historically valuable artistic artifacts were found.

The Saints and Popular Devotion

In addition to the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows and Saint Anthony Abbot, it is important to remember that the history of the sanctuary is also linked to the Order of the Servites of Mary, founded by seven Florentine saints in the 13th century. These saints, known for their deep Marian devotion, helped spread the cult of the Virgin of Sorrows and promote Marian spirituality. Among the saints linked to Bolognese popular devotion, one can recall Saint Petronius, the city’s patron, whose figure is often associated with the protection of the community and the defense of faith.

Bibliographical References

To delve deeper into the history and importance of the Sanctuary of Coronella, it is recommended to consult the following texts:

• Cassoli, mons. Ivaldo, Santuari della Provincia di Bologna, Bologna 1972 (p.40).
• Facchini Orfeo – Bentivogli Imelde, Andar per santuari. 50 santuari mariani bolognesi, Bologna 1995, (pp. 258-263).
• Bortolotti Luigi, I Comuni della Provincia di Bologna, nella storia e nell’arte, Bologna 1964 (p. 201).
• Pezzoli S., Repertorio generale dei santuari in Emilia Romagna, in Arte e Santuari in Emilia Romagna, Bologna 1987 (p. 35).
• Anonymous, Le Chiese Parrocchiali della Diocesi di Bologna ritratte e ridescritte, Bologna 1997 (facsimile reprint of the 1844 edition) (volume IV, p. 85).
• Lodi Enzo (ed.), I santi della Chiesa Bolognese nella liturgia e pietà popolare, Bologna 1987 (p. 303).

40015 Galliera BO, Italy