The village of Montagnaga, also called Montagnaga di Pinè, is located in the Trentino region, in northern Italy, and belongs to the municipality of Baselga di Pinè. The place is situated at an altitude of approximately 900 metres. In total, there have been 5 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the shepherdess Domenica Targa (1699-1764) from Guarda. All the apparitions take place in and around Montagnaga. The apparition of Mary, “Madonna di Pinè”, is celebrated on 26 May.
In the early 18th century, a devout farmer from Montagnaga visited the Shrine of Our Lady near Treviglio on several occasions. He brought back a statue of Mary, which is subsequently displayed every year on 26 May on the altar of St Anne’s Church.
On 14 May 1729, the first apparition occurred to Domenica Targa. This happened near the valley “Prato Della Comparsa”, close to Guarda. Domenica was praying the rosary and suddenly saw the Apparition, who was barefoot and dressed in white with a white veil around her head. The Apparition told Domenica that she had much great suffering to expect and countless trials to endure. The Apparition also said that She wished to appear in St. Anne's Church on the Feast of the Ascension.
The second apparition took place on 26 May 1729. The Apparition entered the chapel of the church, near the Carmelite altar, bathed in bright light, whilst Domenica lay on the floor facing the altar. The Apparition is clothed in a golden robe studded with stars. On her head she wears a crown in the shape of a ring. The Infant Jesus sits on her left arm and in her right hand she holds a golden rosary. The Apparition states that She is the Most Holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven and of the whole world, and says She will return. Because the Apparition revealed Herself on that day, 26 May was later chosen as the feast day of the apparitions.
The third apparition took place on 8 September 1729. Domenica Targa testified that, during the church service, she heard an unusual singing drawing ever closer to the church, and then she saw Mary in a golden robe, holding the infant Jesus in her arms. However, the child is naked and has visible wounds from which blood is flowing. Mary says that the Child is covered in wounds and is losing blood because of the terrible sins committed by people. Standing before the painting of “Our Lady of Caravaggio”, painted by Elena Zambaiti, Mary weeps and blesses it. She tells Domenica that she must pray.
The fourth apparition took place on 10 September 1729. Mary appeared in the evening in a meadow whilst Domenica was praying there. She told the Mother of God that the priest and other people would not believe her if she spoke of the apparitions. Mary replied that she should not be afraid and should tell everything to her confessor, and then she would be believed.
The fifth and final apparition took place on 26 May 1730, exactly one year after the second apparition. Mary appeared to Domenica in a bright light, in all her beauty, whilst the Magnificat was being sung during Vespers. Mary was without the infant Jesus and, as a queen, was surrounded by saved souls and angels. In her right hand she holds the most powerful weapon, namely the rosary. Mary also holds a golden sceptre. Domenica hears the howling and wailing of the people possessed by the devil. Mary says she will grant mercy to the devout souls in the new sanctuary at Montagnaga.
In 1731, a commission from the Diocese of Trento investigated the nature of the apparitions.
Following the apparitions, popular devotion to Mary in Montagnaga continued to grow. As the Church of St Anne became too small to accommodate all the pilgrims, work began in 1730 on the construction of a larger church, a project that took over 10 years to complete. On 26 May 1751, exactly 22 years after the second apparition, the new church was consecrated by Leopoldo Ernesto Firmian (1708–1783), auxiliary bishop of Trento (1748–1758) and bishop of Seckau (1739–1763) and Prince-Bishop of Passau (1763–1783).
The church was extended between 1880 and 1887. The building then measured over 30 metres in length and 25 metres in width. These are also the church’s current dimensions. It was consecrated by Giovanni della Bona (1814–1885), Bishop of Trento (1880–1885).
On 11 August 1894, the statue of the Madonna di Pinè was crowned amid great interest. The coronation was performed by Eugenio Carlo Valussi (1837–1903), Bishop of Trento (1886–1903). The crown features diamonds and pearls, amongst other things. In total, some 1,300 stones have been set into the headdress. On this day, the bishop recognised the apparitions.
The 18th-century shrine is dedicated to the Madonna di Pinè. In the centre of the village stands the parish church of St Anne. The Baroque high altar is made of marble and is dedicated to St Anne. This altar is adorned with a painting by Francesco Unterberger (1706–1776) from Cavalese in Italy. The artwork dates from 1747, with the theme “Jesus Visits His Mother”. Also on display there is a reproduction of the famous painting “Our Lady of Caravaggio” from 1729. The church also houses other paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. One altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Another altar depicts Our Lady of Seven Sorrows. In an apse, there is a fresco by Duilio Corompai (1876–1952). This mural was created to mark the 200th anniversary of the apparitions.
In Montagnaga, a replica of the Holy Stairs (Santa Scala) in Rome has been constructed. It was here that the first apparition took place to Domenica Targa. There are 28 steps to be climbed on one’s knees. The monument was created by Emilio Paor (1863–1935). At the site of the apparition in the meadow stands a large memorial with two life-size statues, namely of Mary and the devout shepherdess Domenica Targa. This monument was consecrated on 14 May (the day of the first apparition) 1887 by Eugenio Carlo Valussie (1837–1903), Bishop of Trento (1886–1903).
Each year, a procession takes place on 26 May. On that day, the second apparition of 1729 is commemorated, as it is this encounter of Mary with Domenica Targa, where she reveals who she is.
Near Montagnaga lies the village of Guarda, where the seer Domenica Targa was born. She first saw the light of day there on 9 August 1699.
Montagnaga is located quite close to Trento. On the road from Trento to Belluno, take the exit at Pergine and follow the direction for Baselga di Pinè. Then it is a few more kilometres to Montagnaga.
You can find the latest news about the shrine at www.santuariodipine.it.
On the façade of St Anne’s Church, I notice the dates 1729–1929, which refer to 200 years of apparitions. Inside the church, I see many large paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries and pause for a long time at the high altar dedicated to St Anne and another altar dedicated to Our Lady of Caravaggio. At the base of the altar, I notice images of the apparitions.
After visiting the church, I follow the Stations of the Cross and reach a hilltop 900 metres high. I then go to the Santa Scala, and this Holy Staircase is a replica of the famous staircase in Rome. This building is a light cream colour and dates from 1900. On my knees, I ascend the stairs, and upon reaching the top, I light a candle as thanks for being able to experience this.
Next, I’m heading back to the church, as a service is due to start at 3 pm. After all, today, 26 May, is the day on which the second apparition of 1729 is commemorated. I estimate the number of people present at around 200, and with this number the space is well filled. During the gathering, the bishop presides and at the beginning hymns are sung in Italian. This is followed by prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Whilst praying the Rosary, the mysteries of Mary are recited, followed by the Litany of Loreto. On leaving the church, everyone receives a handshake from the bishop. At 4.00 pm, the procession begins in the Piazza del Santuario. More and more people gather in the square, carrying large banners. The procession passes through Via Domenica Targa. Along the way, the participants pass, among other things, a large nativity scene featuring Mary, Jesus and Joseph, dating from 1898. Upon reaching the plateau of the first apparition, a Eucharistic celebration begins there at 4.45 pm, attended by as many as 3,000 people.
In the “ricordi de santuario”, I buy some booklets, photos and prayer cards for close friends and myself. I am grateful to be here.
Posted: 4 February 2022
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