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

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace – Corniglia

Nestled in the breathtaking scenery of the Cinque Terre, in the village of Corniglia, stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace, a place of faith and history enveloped in an atmosphere of deep devotion. This sanctuary houses an ancient sacred image and tells stories of miracles and centuries-old traditions.

History and Reconstruction

The sanctuary, as we see it today, is the result of a complete reconstruction in 1905. Its reopening for worship on September 8, 1907, marked a new beginning for the community of Corniglia and the many pilgrims who have since visited to pray and find spiritual solace. The structure features a longitudinal single-room layout, culminating in an apse and characterized by a barrel vault.

The Miraculous Icon: Madonna and Child

The heart of the sanctuary is the venerated image of the Madonna and Child, kept on the main altar. The artwork, predating 1677 and measuring 90×60 cm, depicts the Virgin with the Child Jesus, while two angels place a crown on her head. Originally, the sides of the Madonna featured Saint Bernard and Saint Bernardino in prayer. This sacred image is the focal point of popular devotion and the source of numerous graces, as evidenced by the ex-votos preserved in the sanctuary.

Ex-Votos: Testimonies of Faith and Gratitude

The collection of ex-votos in the sanctuary represents a treasure of popular faith, with modestly crafted artifacts that tell stories of life and the sea. The painted tablets and inscribed plaques offer a glimpse into the life of the local community and its deep devotion to Our Lady of Grace. Many of these ex-votos have been documented and described in the book “La Madonna delle Grazie” by Trofello, providing valuable insights into the history of the sanctuary and its devotion.

The Miracle of 1772 and the Legend

Devotion to Our Lady of Grace was further strengthened by a miraculous event in 1772. Legend has it that after deciding to replace the ancient painting of the Virgin with a new effigy, the people of Corniglia were struck by disasters and illnesses. Interpreting these events as a sign of the Virgin’s will to continue being honored through the ancient image, they decided to restore it. During the restoration, the painting miraculously revived, regaining new and vivid colors. Another story linked to Holy Saturday in 1772 tells of two people who testified to having attended a service in the sanctuary, although no Mass had actually been celebrated. This episode was interpreted as a heavenly sign and further solidified the site’s reputation for holiness.

Saint Bernardino of Siena: A Historical Connection

Tradition holds that the construction of the church is linked to the passage of Saint Bernardino of Siena in 1485. Although there are no definitive documents to support this claim, the presence of the Franciscan saint in the sanctuary’s history is significant. The first documented evidence of the church dates back to the pastoral visit of 1584, when the oratory of Saint Bernardino was visited and described as a place of little importance due to the limited number of faithful. In 1617, the chapel, originally dedicated to Saint Bernardino, came under the administration of the Priors of the Company of the Holy Rosary.

Feast of September 8th and Novena

Every year, starting in 1874, the feast of Our Lady of Grace is celebrated on September 8th. This occasion is preceded by a solemn Novena, during which a plenary indulgence, renewed by the Popes, is granted to all the faithful who participate devoutly in the celebrations.

Ideas for an Adventurous Research

For the more curious visitors and history enthusiasts, the sanctuary also offers ideas for an adventurous research:

• Investigate local archives to find documents attesting to Saint Bernardino’s passage.
• Explore the history of the ex-votos, trying to decipher the stories behind each artifact.
• Study the different interpretations of the 1772 miracle, comparing historical sources and popular legends.

19018 Vernazza, Province of La Spezia, Italy