## Sanctuary of the Most Holy Name of Mary: Faith, History, and Miracles in Pornassio

Nestled in the heart of Pornassio, in the province of Imperia, stands the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Name of Mary, a place of profound spirituality and a testament to popular faith. This building encapsulates centuries of history, miracles, and Marian devotion, inviting visitors to an introspective experience—and perhaps even a small adventure to uncover its hidden treasures.

**Architecture and Sacred Art:**

The current sanctuary, consecrated in 1775, stands out for its elegant elliptical floor plan, adorned with a luminous presbytery and two welcoming side chapels. A lowered arched portico greets pilgrims, inviting them to cross the threshold of this sacred space.

Originally, the focal point of devotion was a unique sacred image: a Madonna della Salute, a 17th-century painting depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus reaching toward the Cross. Tradition holds that this cross is the very one discovered in Jerusalem by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. At the bottom of the painting, the inscription “S. Maria de Plagia” could be seen, a testament to the ancient oratory upon which the sanctuary was built. Today, the original Madonna della Salute is preserved in the parish church of San Dalmazzo, in the hamlet of Villa, while a recent copy is displayed on the sanctuary’s main altar, commemorating its history and significance.

**The Miracle and the Origin of the Sanctuary:**

The construction of the sanctuary is tied to a miraculous event in the first half of the 18th century. On Christmas night, a young man named Carlo de Carolis fell asleep in the church during Mass and was inadvertently locked inside. Upon waking, frightened and disoriented, he called for help with all his might. Finally, the sacristan heard his cries and freed him.

As Carlo made his way home, near the ancient oratory of Santa Maria de Plagia, he suddenly came face to face with a hungry wolf, ready to attack. In desperation, the boy invoked the Most Holy Name of Mary. Suddenly, an intense light emanated from the oratory, and inside, Carlo saw the Virgin Mary, whose mere presence drove the fierce beast away.

As a sign of gratitude for this extraordinary divine intervention, a devotional pillar was erected at the site of the apparition. Years later, as an adult, Carlo de Carolis sought to further honor the Virgin Mary by building the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Name of Mary atop the ancient oratory.

**Saints and Devotion:**

Beyond the central figure of the Madonna della Salute, the sanctuary preserves the memory of other saints who have shaped the history of Christian faith. Among them stands out Saint Helena, whose purported relic of the Cross is linked to the iconography of the Virgin Mary depicted in the original painting. Other saints can be venerated through images or relics housed within the sanctuary, a testament to the richness of Catholic tradition.

**An Adventure of Faith and Art:**

A visit to the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Name of Mary can become an immersive experience—an adventure to uncover the hidden treasures of this sacred place.

• **The Votive Pillar:** Once, in front of the sanctuary, stood a devotional pillar housing three votive paintings depicting the miracle of Carlo de Carolis. Unfortunately, these works were stolen but have been replaced by three naïve canvases that keep the memory alive. Seek them out and compare the two versions of the story!
• **The Ex-Votos:** The sanctuary preserves a collection of ex-votos, painted tablets expressing the gratitude of the faithful for graces received. Observe these testimonies of popular faith closely, trying to interpret the stories and hopes hidden behind each image. Where are they kept now?
• **The Church of San Dalmazzo:** Don’t forget to visit the parish church of San Dalmazzo in the hamlet of Villa, where the original Madonna della Salute is kept. Viewing this 17th-century painting up close will allow you to appreciate its beauty and grasp its historical and spiritual significance for the local community.

The Sanctuary of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Pornassio is much more than a religious building: it is a meeting point of faith, history, art, and popular devotion. Visiting this sanctuary means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of spirituality and discovering a treasure trove of traditions and memories that belong to Italy’s cultural heritage. And who knows—perhaps you, too, might experience something unexpected in this place steeped in faith and history.