Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene: A Treasure of Faith and History in Genoa

Nestled in the heart of Castelletto, Genoa, the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene holds a centuries-old history of devotion, art, and spirituality. This sacred place, with its fascinating origins and rich papal indulgences, invites visitors to an experience of deep reflection and discovery.

Architecture and Sacred Art: A Meeting of Faith and Beauty

The sanctuary features a rectangular plan, elegantly rounded at one end, measuring 13.20 meters in length and 7.20 meters in width. The interior is divided into three naves by four columns supporting the vault, creating a harmonious and intimate space, ideal for prayer and contemplation.

The heart of the sanctuary is undoubtedly the canvas depicting Jesus Nazarene, a work of art of extraordinary emotional intensity. Painted on both sides, the canvas shows on the front Jesus scourged and crowned with thorns, his hands tied with a rope around his neck. On the reverse, the tormented back of Christ is revealed, marked by the wounds of the scourging. This poignant representation, enclosed in a protective frame, invites the faithful to a particularly heartfelt act of veneration: kissing the bloodied shoulders of Christ, in a gesture of compassion and sharing in His pain.

A Journey Through History: From Franciscan Tertiaries to Popular Devotion

The origins of the sanctuary date back to 1710, when Franciscan tertiary Nicoletta Levoli, with the support of the Duchess of Uzeda, founded a church and a conservatory with the intention of creating a shelter. The church was initially dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin Immaculate. In 1797, the institute was closed and the Tertiaries of St. Francis dispersed. However, in 1840, by decree of King Charles Albert, the institute was reopened under the title of Daughters of St. Jerome. The image of Jesus Nazarene was placed in the church at an unspecified time, likely during the 18th century.

The Legend of the Miraculous Canvas: A Divine Gift

The story of the Jesus Nazarene canvas is shrouded in an aura of mystery and miracle. It is said that in the 17th century, in a monastery in a Spanish coastal city, an infirm nun, renowned for her holiness, requested a canvas and secluded herself in her cell. The next day, she was found dead beside the canvas, miraculously painted on both sides with the effigy of Jesus Nazarene. The nuns of the monastery, as a token of gratitude for some received benefits, donated the canvas to a Genoese captain from Sturla named Marenco, who brought it to Genoa and entrusted it to the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters of Castelletto, who immediately displayed it for the veneration of the faithful.

Indulgences and Devotion: A Place of Grace and Forgiveness

The Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene has been the focus of special attention from ecclesiastical authorities, who have granted numerous indulgences to the faithful who visit and participate in its celebrations. Specifically:

• **February 4, 1896:** Pope Leo XIII granted a plenary indulgence to those who, having confessed and received communion, attended the Novena five times and visited the church on the second Sunday of Lent.
• **Every Friday of Lent:** Plenary indulgence to all faithful, confessed and communicated, who visited the church.
• **During the Novena and on other occasions:** Indulgence of 300 days to the faithful who visited the church during the Novena of the feast of Jesus Nazarene.
• **July 17, 1895:** The Sacred Congregation in charge of Sacred Relics granted an indulgence of 7 years to the faithful who participated in the Prayers to Jesus Nazarene and the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows, recited in the Sanctuary.

A Spiritual Adventure: In Search of the Sanctuary’s Secrets

Beyond its spiritual dimension, the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene also offers insights for an experience of research and discovery. Lovers of history and sacred art will appreciate the architectural details of the sanctuary, the beauty of the canvas, and the atmosphere of deep devotion that permeates the place. Enthusiasts of popular traditions can delve deeper into the devotional practices linked to the cult of Jesus Nazarene and the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows.
A more thorough investigation might reveal curiosities about the saints to whom the sanctuary is devoted, such as St. Francis of Assisi, whose spirituality inspired the founding of the first institute, or St. Jerome, to whom the subsequent institute was dedicated in 1840. Exploring the lives and works of these saints could further enrich the experience of visiting the sanctuary.

Visiting the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene means embarking on a journey through time, faith, and art, an experience that touches the heart and nourishes the soul. It is an opportunity to rediscover the roots of our spirituality, to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of sacredness, and to be inspired by the beauty and strength of faith.

The Role of the Congregation of Franciscan Tertiaries

The governance of the community linked to the Sanctuary was entrusted to the Congregation of Franciscan Tertiaries of San Nicolosio, who remained active until the closure of the institute and the church in 1797. Their presence testifies to the strong bond of the sanctuary with Franciscan spirituality and with the tradition of service and charity that characterizes this religious order.

Castelletto, Genoa, Italy