Pilgrimage sites in Italy – Genazzano

History

DE oude kerk van de Heilige Maria van Genazzano bestond al in 1277. Sinds 1356 zijn augustijnen in Genazzano.

Een legende ligt ten grondslag aan het bedevaartsoord. Het verhaal is dat op 25 april 1467 de fresco met de Maria-beeltenis op wonderbaarlijke wijze van Shkoder/Scutari Albanië naar Genazzano komt, want engelen vervoeren het kunstwerk. Albanië is dan bezet door Ottomanen. Sinds de 13e eeuw is de schildering vereerd in Albanië met de aanroeping van “Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Goede Raad”. De fresco is van een onbekende maker. Met de dood van de Albanese prins Scanderbeg, geboren als Gjergj Kastrioti (Skënderbeu, 1405-1468), is er niemand in staat moslims tegen te houden. Hij is een prins uit het geslacht Kastrioti, wordt gezien als een nationale held van Albanië. In 1444 wordt hij gekroond tot vorst van Albanië door de Liga van Lezhë te stichten, de Albanese Liga (1444-1479). Dit is een verbond tussen alle vorstendommen in Albanië, gesloten in de stad Lezhë in het noordwesten van Albanië. De Liga heeft ten doel strijden tegen het Ottomaanse Rijk. De Albanese prins trotseert met zijn troepen meermaals aanvallen van de Ottomanen tussen 1444 en 1468.

When the artwork depicting Mary arrives in Genazzano in 1467, there are an astonishing 161 miracles in the first 110 days!

Leo XIII, pope from 1878 to 1903, born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci (1810-1903), conferred the title of basilica upon the pilgrimage church.

On 10 May 2025, the Marian shrine will be visited by Leo XIV, Pope from 8 May 2025, born Robert Francis Prevost (*1955). He has a fondness for the icon and has been here many times before. On his third day in office as Holy Father, the Pope will come here to pray to Mary and seek Her good advice.

Sinds 2026 bevindt zich in de kapel van de Moeder van Goede Raad een nieuw, groot wandschilderij. Dit fresco toont paus Leo XIV knielend in gebed voor de beeltenis van Maria. Het kunstwerk is 7 september 2026 onthuld, hangt aan de wand van de Mariakapel en is van kunstschilder Marco Innocenzi (*1971). Andere afbeeldingen van pausen in de kapel zijn van Urbanus VIII, Pius IX, Johannes XXIII en Johannes-Paulus II.

Pilgrimage site

Genazzano is a medieval town, situated on a hill overlooking the valley of the Sacco River. The town also boasts a large 11th-century castle named Castello Colonna. The ascending, historic centre has many alleys, paved with cobblestones.

The Sanctuary of Genazzano is named “Santuario Madre del Buon Consiglio” (“Sanctuary Mother of Good Counsel”). The basilica has 3 naves and a spacious presbytery.

The miraculous painting depicts Mary with Child and has been venerated here since 1467. Pilgrims come to the pilgrimage site to entrust their faith, hope, and sorrow to Mary. Our Lady understands them and offers advice in any form. The painting brings believers into contact with Our Lady.

At the back of the basilica, there is a large image of Saint Nicholas.

The annual holiday is 26 April.

ACCESSIBILITY

Genazzano belongs to the province of Rome and is located in the region of Lazio.

Address: Corso Cardinali Vannutelli 2, 00030 Genazzano.

Up-to-date information can be found at: www.madredelbuonconsiglio.it.

Experience

On my trip to southern Italy, I'll be visiting the pilgrimage site of Genazzano. Visiting this holy place is today's objective, and then I'll come to the Mother of Good Counsel.

The basilica is situated in an ancient part of the city, high up on a steep cobbled road. I walk through an old gateway and feel as though I’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages.

When I enter the basilica, a Eucharist service has just begun and I take a seat at the back of this large building. After the service, I take a tour of the grand house of worship.

The new Pope Leo XIV has been here as Pope, and he has prayed to Mary here before, asking her for guidance. There is a photograph of him next to the miraculous statue. The image of Mary and Child has a powerful communicative force. I, too, could do with some guidance from Mary. I pray before the image and, a little later, I have an inspiration …

During the visit to the basilica, I note the regular opening hours of the pilgrimage site: 7.00 am - 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 7.30 pm.

Environment

In the region of Genazzano, there are cycling and walking opportunities.

From the Italian capital Rome to Genazzano is 62 km in a southeasterly direction.

Leaving L'Aquila to arrive in Genazzano requires travelling 102 km south-west.

Leaving Frosinone and getting to Genazzano is going 55 km to the northwest.

The distance from Avezzano to Genazzano is 90 km southeast.

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