Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy and Succor in San Lorenzo: A Treasure of Genoese Faith and History

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy and Succor, located within the majestic Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa, represents an important center of Marian devotion and a crossroads of history, art, and spirituality. Its history, intertwined with the events of the city and the noble families of Genoa, offers a fascinating journey through centuries of faith and tradition.

Origins and the Madonna of Mercy (14th Century)

The roots of the sanctuary date back to 1390, when the canon Lanfranco di Ottone allocated a substantial sum of money for the erection of an altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary inside the Cathedral. However, it was only in 1399, thanks to the initiative of the canon Giovanni di S. Stefano, that an image of the Virgin, depicting the Madonna of Mercy, was displayed for the veneration of the faithful. This event marked the beginning of a popular devotion that has been passed down to the present day.

(Example image of the Madonna of Mercy. The original image may not be available)

The original image of the Madonna of Mercy, initially placed at the head of the left nave on the altar dedicated to the Assumption, has unfortunately been lost. In 1559, the Lercari family, owners of the chapel, replaced it with another work of art—a painting by Luca Cambiaso depicting the Virgin and Child with Saints John the Baptist and Lawrence. This latter painting, later moved in 1817 when the chapel was dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, testifies to the continuous artistic and devotional evolution of the sanctuary.

The Arrival of the Image of Our Lady of Succor (16th Century)

Another pivotal moment in the sanctuary’s history was the arrival, between 1590 and 1600, of the image of Our Lady of Succor. This painting, by an unknown artist from the 15th century and depicting the Virgin and Child (approximately 100×50 cm), was transferred from the church of the eponymous convent (Our Lady of Succor in S. Lorenzo) and placed on the fifth altar on the right side of the Cathedral, under the patronage of the Saporiti family. In 1808, the image was moved to a chapel owned by the Senarega family since 1579, later the Balbi family.

(Example image of Our Lady of Succor. The original image may not be available)

The presence of this second Marian image further expanded the devotion and importance of the sanctuary, which became a point of reference for the faithful seeking comfort and protection.

The Company of Our Lady of Succor Against the Infidels (18th Century)

A particularly interesting aspect of the sanctuary’s history is linked to the establishment, in 1741, of the Company of Our Lady of Succor Against the Infidels. This congregation, founded in the chapel of Beatae Mariae Virginis Subsidii et Italice del Soccorso, aimed to promote arming against Muslim pirates who plagued the Ligurian coast. The Company’s statutes were approved on February 4, 1742, by the Archbishop of Genoa, Nicolò De Franchi.

The Company, which lasted until the early 19th century, testifies to the strong connection between faith, Marian devotion, and the defense of the Christian community in an era of great danger and uncertainty. Membership in the Company was encouraged by the granting of numerous indulgences to its members.

A Treasury of Ex-Votos and Testimonies of Faith

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy and Succor is a true treasure trove of ex-votos, tangible testimonies of the gratitude and devotion of the faithful. Over the centuries, devotees have offered the sanctuary a wide range of objects, including votive lights, painted tablets, goldsmith works, and other votive gifts, as evidence of the graces received and trust in the Virgin’s protection.

Exploring these ex-votos offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and concerns of the people who frequented the sanctuary over the centuries and represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and spirituality of the place.

Adventurous Research Ideas

For the most curious visitors eager to delve deeper into the sanctuary’s history, here are some adventurous research ideas:

• Archive Research: Explore the archives of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Archdiocese of Genoa in search of original documents related to the sanctuary’s foundation, the Company of Our Lady of Succor, and the events of the noble families that contributed to its history.
• Iconographic Investigation: Deepen the study of the images of Our Lady of Mercy and Succor, attempting to reconstruct their history and evolution through various works of art and documentary evidence.
• Ex-Voto Study: Analyze the ex-votos in the sanctuary to reconstruct the stories and experiences of the people who offered them and to better understand the dynamics of popular devotion.

Conclusions

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy and Succor in San Lorenzo represents a place of faith and history of great importance for the city of Genoa and its Christian community. Its centuries-old history, intertwined with the city’s events and popular devotions, offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors, inviting them to rediscover the roots of Genoese faith and tradition.

Genoa, Italy