History
The apparitions of Mary in Montichiari (Mount of Light) began in 1947 and ended in 1976. The seer is Pierina Gilli (1911-1991), who was born in Montichiari on 3rd August and baptised on 5th August; the feast day of Our Lady of the Snows. She spent her life in her birthplace and died there too. Pierina was born with poor health and grew up in a poor, Catholic, simple family. The family ran a farm, which yielded little. In 1915, during the First World War (1914-1918), her father was called up to the front. Subsequently, her mother and children moved in with relatives. Pierina contracted pneumonia and pleurisy and was seriously ill for a long time. Her father returned home seriously ill in 1918; he was exhausted by his suffering in a prison during the war and died. In 1922, her mother remarried, partly in the interest of the children. The stepfather harassed Pierina. The family experienced financial difficulties and there was no more money to pay for Pierina's schooling. Pierina worked outside the home between 1931 and 1937 for a priest, where she also looked after his elderly, blind mother. After that, she became a nurse in the hospital of Desenzano del Garda. In 1936, Pierina Gilli made a vow of eternal chastity to her confessor.
On 14 August 1944, Pierina became a postulant at the Mother House of the Sisters of the Servants in Brescia. Her poor health prevented her from wearing the habit.
On 1 December 1944, Pierina contracts meningitis. She is seriously ill with encephalitis, as the neck cramp caused by the meningococcus bacterium drastically affects her health.
Before the apparitions of Mary to Pierina Gilli, a miraculous visit takes place. On 17 December 1944, the ill Pierina sees the then-blessed Sister Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa, born Paola Francesca Di Rosa (1813-1855) and later canonised (12 June 1954). Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa is the foundress of the Sisters of the Handmaids of Charity. She hands Pierina an ointment that the Virgin Mary has prepared for her, as she is seriously ill. This is the first celestial revelation to Pierina Gilli. In a vision, Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa explains to Pierina that her future and task lie outside the convent. On the night of 23 to 24 November 1946, the first vision of Our Lady of Sorrows occurs. On 24 January 1947, Pierina Gilli has a dream about roses.
The core of Mary's messages, appearing as “Rosa Mystica”, is the renewal of the behaviour of priests, monastics, and other consecrated persons.
Pierina Gilli works in the local hospital. On the night of 31 May to 1 June 1947, Pierina Gilli awakens to a soft sound, and the Virgin Mary appears. Like the three seers in Fatima in 1917, she sees the vision of hell. Pierina endures this with fear and pain. She is confronted with the gravity of mortal sins. This occurs at 3:00 AM. It is the first apparition of Our Lady in a hospital room. She reveals herself as Rosa Mystica. Sister Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa also appears. Mary is wearing a purple dress and a white veil on her head. She is sad, her eyes are tearful, and tears fall to the ground. Her chest is pierced by three swords, and she says to Pierina: “prayer, penance, sacrifice”. The first sword represents the betrayal of priests and religious, and the second represents priests and other clerics who live in sin. The third sword signifies priests and religious who lose their vocation and usually also their faith by committing Judas's betrayal. On 12 March 1947, Pierina falls into a coma, receives the Last Rites, and Sister Maria Crofissa Di Rosa appears again. The apparition asks Pierina if she is willing to postpone her entry into heaven to save more souls on earth. Afterwards, she recovers from her coma.
In May 1947, Pierina Gilli experienced great, restless periods that lasted for hours, involving visits from the devil. Sisters from the convent kept vigil with her all day. Pierina underwent dramatic experiences through visions of hell and saw damned souls suffering.
The second apparition again takes place in the hospital on 13 July 1947. However, the three swords have been replaced by three roses: a white, a red, and a yellow rose. Mary wishes for the 13th of each month to be celebrated as Marian Day. The Virgin Mary also wishes that the “Rosa Mystica”, the “Mystical Rose”, be celebrated annually on 13 July. She then explains the meaning of the roses. The white rose represents spirit, prayer, and purity. Prayer is needed to assuage the insults done to Jesus by religious who betray their vocation. The red rose signifies the spirit of reconciliation, mercy, and sacrifice. This rose relates to rectifying the transgressions of religious who live in mortal sin. The yellow or golden rose means the spirit of penance and fidelity. It concerns rectifying transgressions committed by clerics towards Jesus. This rose is also the symbol for the sacrifice for the improvement of priests. Mary asks Pierina to offer this in the spirit of penance as a sign of reparation for the sins and misdeeds committed by clerics. Mary instructs Pierina Gilli to tell the Mother Superior about the three roses. Mary also says that She is to be honoured with roses and that the sisters are the living roses. From this apparition, it is clear that Mary desires the renewal of religious institutes and also the revival of vocations. Pierina Gilli is mocked and humiliated when she recounts her experiences.
Not only politicians, but also prominent clergymen are not impressed with Pierina Gilli's experiences. She receives support from Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa, who frequently appears to her. The mother superior does not want to make an exception for Pierina, and she is treated indifferently, essentially being condemned to a solitary life. Pierina suffers because of this.
The third apparition is in October 1947 in the chapel of Montichiari, during a service. Mary says that her Son is tired of incessant offenses. He wants to assert his justice, and to this end, She has been placed as Mediatrix between people, God, and consecrated souls.
The fourth apparition is in the Cathedral of Montichiari and Mary says that her Son is tired of the grave offenses against Him.
In the subsequent apparitions, Mary repeatedly asks Pierina Gilli to trace four crosses on the ground with her tongue, for instance in the centre of the cathedral, directly beneath the dome. The apparition states that great conversions will take place at this spot during the Hour of Grace. On this occasion, Mary merely announces her next apparition, stating that she will come on 8 December for the “Hour of Grace”. The day before, 7 December 1947, Mary appears in a white mantle and says that tomorrow she will show her Immaculate Heart. The Mother of God also tells us that in 1917 at Fátima, she spread the devotion to her Immaculate Heart, and that in 1944 at Ghiaie di Bonate, near Bergamo, during the Second World War, she asked for her Heart to be welcomed into Christian families. In Montichiari, Mary wishes for the devotion as “Rosa Mystica”, specifically linked to her Immaculate Heart. On this day, Mary is accompanied by two children, namely Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the three little visionaries of Fatima. These children are Pierina Gilli’s companions in all her needs. They suffered as young children, and what Mary desires of Pierina is simplicity and goodness, as Jacinta and Francisco demonstrated.
In 1947, Mary asked that every 13th of the month be a Marian Day, preceded by a 12-day period of prayer in preparation. The 13th day is dedicated to making reparation for the offences committed against her Son. On the 13th day of the month, there are special prayers, such as the Eucharist, Holy Communion, the Rosary and an hour of adoration.
It is 8th December 1947, the day of the announced apparition. It is the last of the first series of apparitions. The church is packed, but it is deathly silent. The Madonna appears to Pierina Gilli on a white staircase, adorned on both sides with white, red, and yellow roses. Mary says that She is the Immaculate Conception and the Gracious Mother. She wishes to be invoked and venerated in Montichiari as “Rosa Mystica”. Mary desires that on 8th December every year, around midday, the “hour of grace for the whole world” be celebrated.
Following these apparitions, miraculous healings took place in Montichiari, causing quite a stir. The Marian apparitions and healings led Pope Pius XII (1939–1958), born Eugenio (Maria Giuseppe Giovanni) Pacelli (1876–1958), to receive Pierina Gilli in private audience at Castel Gandolfo.
It was not until 1966 that a second series of apparitions of Mary took place. These encounters occurred in Fontanelle, a hamlet near Montichiari, where Pierina Gilli had spent her childhood. Mary appeared on 17 April 1966 and said that her Son is full of love and that He had sent Her here to bestow miraculous healing powers upon the spring where the apparition takes place. She pointed to the spot where a crucifix was to be placed. Sins in the hearts of her children are cleansed by washing with the water of grace. Through this, souls are purified anew and become worthy of grace once more.
On 13 May 1966, the anniversary of the first apparition at Fatima in 1917, the Mother of God again comes to Pierina Gilli and says that the world is heading for ruin and to prevent this, prayer, penance, and sacrifice are needed. She wishes for an easy bath to be set up for sick people to be immersed in. Another part of the spring will then be for drinking, which will be named “The Spring of Grace”. This time too, Mary says that She is the “Rosa Mystica”.
In a subsequent apparition, Mary says a great deal, such as that she wishes the people of Montichiari to consecrate themselves to her Immaculate Heart and that on October 13th, a day of reparation and reconciliation with communion will be held.
During the apparition on 19 May 1970, Maria Fontanelle, which lies near Montichiari, is compared to a second Lourdes, where spiritual and physical healing are the fruit of reconciliation between people and the Creator. Maria also says that She, as Mother of the Church, will always be present in Fontanelle.
On 20 April 1976, Mary said to Pierina Gilli: “Come, children! Here I have opened the Fountain of Forgiveness and Love.”
The commotion surrounding the reports of the apparitions grows, and on the bishop’s orders, Pierina Gilli is forbidden from visiting Fontanelle. Pierina obeys. However, Mary continues to visit Pierina Gilli at home and repeatedly says, “Pray the Rosary”. The Madonna always appears wearing a white cloak and with a heart adorned with three roses: a white, a red and a yellow rose. She wears a rosary, not with a cross but with a round medal. Mary shows this medal to Pierina and asks her to have a medal struck with the inscription “Rosa Mystica” on the front and “Mary, Mother of the Church” on the back.
Many apparitions to Pierina follow. Furthermore, striking events take place which are visible to many, such as a dancing sun, the tearing open of the cloud masses, the changing of the midday light into darkness, and a shining cross in the sky. The spinning sun also changes colour to red, white and yellow, followed by rays of light. Particularly noteworthy is the sight of light signals of three short, three long, and three short flashes. This is repeated three times and gives the Morse code distress signal S.O.S., Save Our Souls, again. The distress call concerns the salvation of souls.
On the advice of her spiritual father, Father Giustino Carpin of the Franciscan monastery in Brescia, Pierina kept a diary. It contains, among other things, accounts of her childhood and her extraordinary experiences with Our Lady.
Abbot Francesco Rossi served as parish priest in Montichiari from 1949 to 1971. He was absolutely convinced of the authenticity of the apparitions. He had kneelers installed in the cathedral, specifically in the centre beneath the dome, where Mary had set foot on the ground on 8 December 1947. This spot is kissed by many. Following Pierina Gilli’s instructions, a statue bearing a strong resemblance to Mary was commissioned. This took place in Sankt Ulrich, in the Grödnertal valley, where many renowned sculptors worked. In 1950, the Madonna was carved from wood by the gifted artist Cajo Perathoner (+1965). This statue stands in the front right-hand side chapel of the Cathedral in Montichiari. Cajo Perathoner was assisted by his son in the creation of the statue. They also created the statue for placement in Fontanelle and other statues of Mary, which have travelled to many countries as pilgrimage images.
Pierina Gilli reported on the events in Montichiari to the then Pope Pius XII, but priests prevented her account of the facts from reaching the Holy See.
In 1947 and between 1966 and 1976, numerous apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place in Montichiari Cathedral, at Pierina Gilli’s home and in Fontanelle. On many occasions, the messages—calls to action, requests and warnings—were harsh towards priests and other consecrated persons. The apparitions focused primarily on priests and consecrated persons.
During the final years of her life on earth, Pierina Gilli lived a life of humility. Despite the restrictive rules imposed by the church authorities, she continued to receive people in her home. This became more difficult from 1990 onwards when she was confined to a wheelchair. It was only then that she stopped visiting and comforting the sick. Pierina Gilli is buried in the cemetery at Montichiari.
There are similarities between the apparitions in Portuguese Fatima in 1917 and those in Montichiari. Mary draws parallels between the two apparition sites. During the apparition on 7 December 1947, She appeared in a white mantle, as in Fatima, and the Mother of God was accompanied by two of the three visionaries in Fatima. In Fatima too, Mary asked for a simple life. In both places, Our Lady asked for consecration to her Immaculate Heart. During the apparition on 8 December 1947, a radiant heart was visible on her chest, which Mary also showed in Fatima. In Montichiari, Fatima and other places, Mary asked for prayer, penance, and sacrifices. In both Fatima and Montichiari, the sun showed itself in miraculous movements. Mary gave warnings of threats in Fatima and Montichiari and called for the devil to be defeated through prayer, penance, and sacrifices. By being good and showing remorse, peace will come to the world, people will live out of love, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph.
The apparitions at Montichiari are not recognised by the Vatican, but this does not deter hundreds of thousands from visiting this apparition site annually. The unwillingness to recognise the apparitions may also be related to Mary's criticism of priests and other consecrated individuals. In fact, this is a disagreement with the Vatican's direction in Rome concerning priests and other consecrated individuals.
The Diocesan Shrine of Maria Rosa Mystica was established on 7 December 2019. From that date onwards, it has been a diocesan shrine. The Church of Brescia recognises in Pierina Gilli the authenticity of a life characterised by a deep and vibrant spirituality, which remained constant and rich in variety over many years. It is of a special order and manifests itself in a humble life full of prayer and service to others.
On 8 July 2024, the “Nihil Obstat” will be granted by Rome, and prayers to Mary may then be included in the publication.
The First International Pink Mystica Conference will take place in Montichiari on 11 and 12 October 2025.
Studies are currently being carried out into the nature of the events reported by Pierina Gilli. Research is continuing into Pierina’s experiences.
Pilgrimage site
Fontanelle di Montichiari is the place where the Rosa Mystica appeared, and it is also home to a spring with miraculous water. There is also a statue of Padre Pio, surrounded by many burning candles. An image of Mary is displayed by the spring, and numerous ex-votos have been affixed to the walls as a token of gratitude. It was at this spot that Mary appeared to Pierina Gilli.
There is also a Holy Staircase here, “La Scala Santa”, which has 12 marble steps. Many a pilgrim goes up this on their knees.
The altar table of the “Rosa Mystica” rests on four golden statues of angels. Next to it stands a large statue of the Virgin Mary, illuminated by numerous candles.
A small shop selling religious items always attracts many customers, who mainly buy rosaries and candles.
The Way of the Cross, “Via Crucis”, comprises 14 stations, each made from mosaic tiles.
In the centre of Montichiari stands the basilica. Our Lady also appeared here. For this reason, the spot beneath the dome is significant, and many a pilgrim kisses the ground here.
13 July is the feast day of the Rosa Mystica.
ACCESSIBILITY
Montichiari is located in northern Italy, about 20 kilometres from Brescia. On the Milan–Verona motorway, take the Brescia-Est exit.
Information is available on the website www.rosamisticafontanelle.it.
Experience
A visit to the pilgrimage site of Montichiari is about to happen. On the motorway between Milan and Verona, I take the Brescia-Est exit, follow the signs, and after a few kilometres, I see the dome of the large Cathedral to my left. However, I drive on because my plan is to go to Fontanelle di Montichiari first, a hamlet belonging to the municipality of Montichiari. From a great distance, I see a large, covered crucifix. I head towards it, arriving at the impressive cross, in front of which is a smaller image of Mary, the Rosa Mystica, about two metres high. Behind Mary and Jesus, candles were burning. What a heartfelt welcome this is. Nearby, Mary appeared to Pierina Gilli.
Next, I head to the spot where the Rosa Mystica appeared and where the spring is located. I arrive at the “Sanctuaria Madonna Rosa Mistica”. Inside the church, which is open on the right-hand side, I first come to the statue of Padre Pio. Many candles are lit before this much-revered Italian saint. A great many flowers adorn his statue.
A few metres further, I reach the spring, seeing flowing water and a statue of Mary. On the back, I discern an old memorial stone with, among other words, “Fonte S. Giorgio” and the year 1836. Beside the spring stands a statue of Joseph and Jesus, which is surrounded by many flowers and blooming plants.
Next I sit on a bench, take off my shoes and socks, and step to the place for bathing. I make the circuit in the water, about 10 metres. Many people do a circuit in the “Vasca dell'acqua, San Battesimo’. I stand in the water, approach the statue of Mary and think of Her. Standing in flowing water before Mary, seeing white flowers and ex-votos on the walls, makes a deep impression on me. After making the sign of the cross, feeling mentally with Mary, I step further into the water of the spring.
Sitting on the bench, I see an unbroken line of people who also want to go into the bath. An elderly woman draws attention; she can barely take steps. Slowly she goes through the water, makes the sign of the cross at Mary and when she comes out of the water, I see tears. A limping man goes into the water, as does a woman with wounds on her face. Then I notice a young, beautiful woman. She is sad and holds her hands clasped. Many have visible wounds, undoubtedly there are more with painful places in their hearts. Now I understand that this sanctuary is seen as a “Little Lourdes” in Italy.
Suddenly I notice that my feet are already dry, and my socks and shoes go back on. I want to make an offering, because I am not here just for myself. For this, I go to the Holy Stairs, “La Scala Santa”. The ascent consists of twelve marble steps, which my knees will get to know. The pace is slow, because with each step I pray an Ave Maria for a special friend who is having health problems.
I then take my seat again on a church pew, where apparitions of Mary have occurred. The altar of the “Rosa Mystica” rests on four golden angels. Many candles burn at the altar area, by the large statue of Mary. I also light two candles myself, one with intentions for my friend and one for an elderly woman, whom I have known for several decades and who suffers from many physical ailments. Afterwards, I take my seat on a pew again and pray to Mary.
Suddenly I hear bells ringing. It's noon, and the bells are treating pilgrims to the Ave Maria. Then another action follows, as I have phials of spring water to fill. For a friend, I buy two canisters in the souvenir shop and make sure they are filled with water from the spring. After the water activity, I visit the Way of the Cross, the “Via Crucis”. The images of the 14 stations are made of mosaic tiles. At one station, I notice the year 2008.
The splendour of the roses in the sanctuary is impressive. Wherever I look, I see flowers and plants blooming. Mostly they are white roses, standing by the spring, the taps, and the statues. I let this beauty sink in and store these images in my memories. At home, I can then have lovely reminiscences in my mind. I also want to take something tangible with me, and for that purpose, I go to the little shop again. I buy three statues of Mary as “Rosa Mystica”, two of which I will give as gifts to others. I take fifteen medallions with an image of the ‘Rosa Mystica”; they are little gifts for the devout Mary fans I know. On the front of the small devotional shop, I see the periodical for this apparition site. Besides the Italian version, there is also an English edition, and I take the latter with me. I look at “The Voice Of Rosa Mystica, mother of the universal Church Fontanelle di Montichiari”. In this magazine, I see an article about a miracle after a visit to Fontanelle. A Dutch woman is on a pilgrimage there; she is overweight and physically unwell. Upon returning home, she becomes very frail; she is gravely ill and falls into a coma. Operating is too dangerous, given her condition, and her advanced age also plays a role in the specialist's decision. After some time, the woman comes out of the coma, drinks water from Fontanelle, prays to the “Rosa Mystica”, and a few months later, she can speak again, walk without a walking frame, and attend Mass in church. She has lost a lot of weight and is completely cured.
After visiting Fontanelle, I will go to the centre of Montichiari to visit the Cathedral. It is only a few kilometres' drive. The dome of the tall church is my landmark, and after a few minutes, I am standing in front of the large church. However, the building does not open for another hour and a half, which gives me the opportunity to take a stroll in the centre. A visit to a café follows. Suddenly, the heavy doors of the church open, much earlier than the indicated time. Upon entering, the house of God is even more magnificent! This is also the place where Mary appeared to Pierina Gilli. How much of an impact the many Marian apparitions have on me, considering their history. It leaves me speechless. A large, magnificent statue of Mary invites me to come closer and light a few candles. The statue was made by a woodcarver from Sankt Ulrich in Val Gardena in the Italian South Tyrol. I thank Mary for this beautiful, unforgettable day. With a host of impressions and a good feeling, I head home.
~~~
Nederlands 
English (UK) 
Deutsch 
Français