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Sanctuary of the Most Holy Annunciation of Belangero: A Treasure of Faith and History in Monferrato

Nestled in the quiet hills of Monferrato, the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Annunciation of Belangero represents a place of profound spirituality, steeped in history and enveloped in an aura of mystery. This sanctuary, dedicated to the Annunciation, houses sacred artworks and testimonies of centuries-old devotion.

A Bit of History: From Origins to Rebirth

The origins of the Sanctuary are rooted in the distant past. As early as 1585, during a pastoral visit, a mention was made of a small, rather dilapidated chapel dedicated to the Madonna, likely already bearing the title of Most Holy Annunciation. The current building, however, is a later construction, erected not far from the original chapel, which was abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century.

The care of the sanctuary was always entrusted to a priest designated by the parish priests of Revigliasco, a custom that lasted until 1968. Maintenance, on the other hand, was the responsibility of a custodian who resided in the rectory, built next to the church in 1910.

The history of the sanctuary is also marked by vicissitudes related to noble patronage. In 1817, Count Giovanni Luigi Douchet des Angers, the new owner of the fiefdom and castle of Belangero, established a patronage under the title of the Annunciation. However, over the years, changes in ownership and defaults occurred, leading to the sanctuary being seized by the royal treasury. It was not until 1909, thanks to the intervention of Father Navone, that the sanctuary was repurchased at auction, paving the way for the construction of the new building and the restoration of the chaplaincy.

Art and Devotion: Treasures to Discover

Inside the Sanctuary, one can admire several works of art of considerable value, testifying to faith and popular devotion:

• Wooden Group of the Annunciation: Created by the sculptor Cristiano De Lago of Ortisei in 1928, this sculptural group depicts the Angel offering the lily to the Madonna, kneeling in prayer. The dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, hovers above the head of the Virgin.



• Fresco of the Annunciation: Dating back to 1585, this fresco represents an important artistic testimony of the era, depicting the biblical scene of the Annunciation.

The Sanctuary does not house a collection of ex-votos, but its very existence is an ex-voto, a kept promise of faith and devotion.

Saints and Key Figures: The Spiritual Heart of the Sanctuary

Although dedicated to the Annunciation, the Sanctuary is inevitably linked to the figure of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Her humility, her faith, and her “yes” to the angel Gabriel make her a model for all Christians. Meditating on the figure of Mary, in this place of prayer, can help rediscover the profound meaning of the mystery of the Incarnation.

Other important figures in the history of the Sanctuary are the parish priests of Revigliasco who cared for the place, the members of noble families who exercised patronage, and, above all, the faithful who, through their devotion and offerings, allowed its survival and rebirth.

A Spiritual Adventure: What to Seek in the Sanctuary

Visiting the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Annunciation of Belangero is not only a cultural experience but also an opportunity for a spiritual adventure. Here are some ideas for your visit:

• The search for silence: Find a moment of tranquility to sit in the church and let yourself be enveloped by the silence. Listen to your inner self and open your heart to prayer.
• Observing the art: Admire the artworks present in the Sanctuary carefully. Try to understand their meaning and grasp the message the artists wanted to convey.
• Discovering the history: Delve into the history of the Sanctuary and the surrounding area. Discover the figures who contributed to its existence and the events that marked it.
• The inner journey: Use the visit to the Sanctuary as an opportunity to reflect on your life, your values, and your faith. Let yourself be inspired by the spirituality of the place to embark on a journey of personal growth.
• Investigate why the first small church was abandoned: Try to find information regarding the abandonment of the initial small church, what led to this abandonment, what events occurred during that historical period; perhaps you will find a small mystery to unravel.

The Sanctuary of the Most Holy Annunciation of Belangero is a place that invites discovery, reflection, and prayer. A hidden treasure in Monferrato, ready to welcome anyone wishing to undertake a journey into the heart of faith and history.

Useful Information

For information on opening hours and celebrations, it is advisable to contact the parish of Revigliasco d’Asti.