Madonna di Loreto Sanctuary: A Jewel of Faith and History in Lanzo Torinese
Nestled in the heart of the Lanzo Valleys, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Loreto is a place of profound spirituality and rich history. Built as a shrine mimicking the Holy House of Loreto, this sanctuary invites visitors on an introspective journey to discover the events that have shaped it over the centuries.
The Sacred Image: Black Madonna with Child
The centerpiece of the sanctuary is the statue of the Black Madonna with Child, a work presumably dating back to the 17th century. The crowned and robed Virgin tenderly holds the Baby Jesus to her left. Her depiction, rich in symbolism, evokes maternal protection and the sacredness of family.
Ex Votos: Testimonies of Faith and Devotion
In the past, the sanctuary was adorned with numerous ex votos, tangible testimonies of the faithful’s gratitude for received graces. Today, the surviving ex votos, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, are mostly painted tablets. Some of these sacred objects have been placed on the pilasters inside the building, offering a moving glimpse into the popular devotion of a bygone era.
Origins and Foundation: An Act of Devotion and Resilience
Unlike many sanctuaries that arise following miraculous events, the foundation of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Loreto was the result of a deliberate decision. In 1618, the Jesuits, present in Lanzo on a mission, decided to import the Marian devotion of Loreto, likely in response to the great natural disasters and epidemics afflicting the surrounding valleys. This coincided with the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Holy House of Loreto sanctuary.
Two commemorative inscriptions testify to its foundation: one external, of a more general nature, and another internal that recalls the laying of the first stone by Margherita of Savoy, Duchess of Este and daughter of Charles Emmanuel I. Margherita of Savoy was a key figure, financing the endeavor and offering the statue of the Madonna.
Historical Events: A Journey Between Faith and Ownership
The sanctuary’s history is marked by significant events. In 1630, the Jesuits abandoned their residence in Borgo di Lanzo to settle near the church until 1633. However, in 1652, a bull by Innocent X suppressed small convents, including the Jesuit mission in Lanzo, forcing them to relinquish direct management of the church. At that point, the church was officiated by a hermit.
In the 1680s, the parish priest of Lanzo, Giuseppe Carroccio, initiated a plan to appropriate the church, culminating in a long legal battle. Only on March 13, 1695, did the church pass to the priest, while the land and house remained Jesuit property. Later, the Company of St. Joseph took over the sanctuary’s administration. In the early 19th century, Don Luigi Guala, the sanctuary’s rector, held summer courses of spiritual exercises there, transferring activities also conducted at the Sanctuary of St. Ignatius.
On September 8, 1863, management passed to a Loreto abbey, founded primarily to organize local festivities and composed of 28 Lanzo citizens. Finally, on September 5, 1954, the city of Lanzo signed an act of consecration to the Madonna di Loreto.
Papal Indulgences: A Sign of Grace and Forgiveness
Over the centuries, the sanctuary has benefited from the granting of papal indulgences. Pope Innocent XI granted a plenary indulgence for September 8 in 1684, while Pius VII granted the same indulgence for the feast of September 8 in the early 19th century. These acts testify to the sanctuary’s importance as a place of grace and forgiveness.
Curiosities and Avenues for Adventurous Research
The sanctuary’s history, with its changes in ownership and the figures who animated it, offers numerous avenues for in-depth research. Among the most curious events are the figure of the hermit who spiritually cared for the sanctuary after 1653 and the possible patronage role of Duchess Margherita of Savoy. Delving into these figures and their stories could reveal untold anecdotes and details about the sanctuary’s life.
Additionally, further analysis of the ex votos, whose forms and materials can shed light on the society and popular devotions of the Lanzo Valleys during the 19th and 20th centuries, is possible.
A Treasure to Protect and Enhance
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Loreto represents a precious heritage for the community of Lanzo Torinese and for all who wish to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of faith, history, and art. Its centuries-old history, the beauty of its architecture, and the deep spirituality it emanates make it a unique and evocative place, worthy of preservation and enhancement.
10074 Lanzo Torinese, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy
