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Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Most Holy Name of Mary: An Oasis of Faith in Masone

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Most Holy Name of Mary, affectionately known as “della Cappelletta,” is located in Masone, Liguria, and is a place steeped in history, faith, and popular devotion. Its story is deeply tied to a miraculous event that marked the local community, making it a destination for pilgrimage and a place of profound spirituality.

The Origins of the Sanctuary: A Vow for Salvation from the Plague

The birth of the sanctuary is closely linked to the plague epidemic that struck the region in the 17th century. Tradition tells of an apparition of the Virgin to a woman from Voltri, at the time ravaged by the pestilence. According to popular accounts, the Madonna said: “Stop, woman, for I wish to save the people of Masone.” The woman, obeying the message, turned back and died shortly after. The people of Masone, grateful for divine intercession, erected a votive pillar called “Madunin” at the site of the apparition, placing a small marble statue of the Madonna and Child there.

The original chapel, absent in documents from 1526 and 1577, first appears officially in records from 1633 and 1638, referred to as the “Chapel of the Madonna above the Giovi,” a church dependent on the Parish of Masone where Holy Mass was celebrated. Further mentions appear during pastoral visits in 1640 and 1652. However, it was during the terrible plague epidemic of 1656-57 that the chapel truly became a sanctuary, a beacon of hope and a place of prayer for the community.

Architectural and Artistic Evolution of the Sanctuary

The structure of the sanctuary has undergone several transformations over the centuries, reflecting the growth of devotion and the needs of the community.

Expansions and Renovations

• 1838: Proposal to expand with the addition of two naves. Work began in 1847 and was completed in 1848.
• 1850-1855: Construction of the bell tower, initially shorter than the current one.
• 1889-1892: Expansion of the church with the addition of the choir and sacristy, as well as the raising of the central nave’s vault.
• 1907-1908: Raising of the current bell tower and completion of additional finishing work.
• 1926-1927: Relocation of the church facade toward the square, with the creation of porticoes.
• 1946: Replacement of the old altar with the current marble one.
• 1950: Installation of the ceramic Stations of the Cross.
• Second half of the 20th century: Further raising of the bell tower, replacement of the flooring, new altar, opening of two arches on either side of the altar, and rearrangement of the walls and vault.

Inside the sanctuary, the heart of devotion is represented by the marble statue of the Madonna and Child, dating back to the period between 1633 and 1638. This sacred image is the object of great veneration and a witness to countless received graces.

Celebrations and Commemorations: A Calendar of Faith and Tradition

The life of the sanctuary is marked by celebrations and feast days that draw faithful and pilgrims from far and wide:

• Sunday following July 2 (St. Elizabeth): Solemn procession in thanksgiving for the end of the cholera epidemic of 1854.
• 1857: Second centenary of Masone’s preservation from the plague.
• 1907: Solemn celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the sanctuary.
• 1957: Third centenary of the sanctuary’s founding, with the coronation of the statue of the Virgin.

An Experience of Faith and Discovery: Itineraries in the Heart of Liguria

A visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Most Holy Name of Mary can be enriched by an exploration of the surrounding area. After nourishing the spirit with prayer, one can set out to discover traces of the ancient votive pillar, the “Madunin,” which marked the origin of the sanctuary. Although the Canellona road, once an important communication route, fell into disuse after the construction of the Turchino road (1845-72), enthusiasts of local history and adventurous hikers can try to retrace the original path, immersing themselves in untouched nature and rediscovering hidden corners of this fascinating part of Liguria. The ancient mule tracks and forest trails offer a unique opportunity to combine spirituality with territorial exploration, following in the footsteps of faith and tradition.

The Saints of the Sanctuary

In addition to the Madonna, the sanctuary is linked to the memory of numerous saints venerated in Christian tradition, figures of example and intercessors before God. Among them:

• St. Elizabeth. Whose feast day falls on July 2, also connected to the solemn procession for the end of the cholera epidemic.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Masone is thus much more than a simple place of worship. It is a symbol of faith, resilience, and popular devotion, a treasure of history and sacred art that invites prayer and reflection.

Via S. Pietro, 16010 Masone GE, Italy