Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore
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Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore Sanctuary of the Madonna of Divine Love Via Ardeatina km 12 Bus from the Lateran and from Porta San Paolo
Shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. History
After a miracle occurred at the gatehouse of the Castel di Leva in 1740 - a pilgrim was beset by angry dogs, and was saved through the Blessed Virgin's intercession - the site started drawing pilgrims. A chapel was built, and the Medieval fresco of the Madonna and Child before which the miracle occured was moved from the gatehouse.
During World War II, Pope Pius XII and many Romans came here to pray for Our Lady's intercession in order that the city be spared.
The shrine presently on the site is new, and was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II on July 4th 1999. Exterior
Behind the chapel is a staircase that leads down to the gate where the miracle occured in 1740. Interior
The miraculous painting is enshrined above the altar.
The mosaics in the apse are modern, and show Christ in the centre, and the miracle on the left. It's dark, but there is a lightswitch in the apse.
In the crypt you will find the tomb of the married couple Bl. Luigi (Aloysius) Beltrame Quattrocchi and Bl. Maria Corsini Beltrame Quattrocchi. He died in 1951, and she in 1965. After their deaths, a beatification process was started. They were beatified on 21 October 2001 by Pope John Paul II, and this was the first time that a married couple had been beatified together. Their relics were moved here on 28 October 2001. Special notes
Pope John Paul II decided to include the shrine in the pilgrim itinerary for the Holy Year 2000, letting it take the place of San Sebastiano fuori le mura. This means that the faithful who take part in certain pious act here obtain indulgences.
In summer, pilgrim walks are arranges from the obelish of Axum outside the FAO building, near the Circo Massimo Metro station. It starts late on Saturday evening, and reaches the shrine in time for Mass. The walks have traditionally been for men only, but this may have changed.
The feast of Bl. Luigi and Maria Corsini Beltrame Quattrocchi is now (since 2001) celebrated on 25 November, their wedding day.
The official website of the sanctuary can be found at http://www.santuariodivinoamore.it/.
