In his address as Pope, Leo XIV said, “Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our blessed Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church and for peace in the world.”
Our Lady of Pompeii?
Mary is revered under that Marian title and image of the Blessed Virgin Mary enshrined in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii, Italy. The image is a painting depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary enthroned with Jesus in her arms, attended by Saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena. The image is said to have been miraculously preserved from the destruction of Pompeii by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
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Origin:
The title and image arose from a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was brought to Pompeii and enshrined in a church.
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Location:
The image is located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii, Italy, a major pilgrimage site.
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Miraculous Preservation:
The image is said to have miraculously survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, a significant event in the history of Pompeii.
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Devotion:
The image is a focus of devotion for Catholics, and the sanctuary attracts many pilgrims from around the world.
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Feast Day:
The Feast of Our Lady of Pompeii is celebrated on May 8th.
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Founding and Restoration:
The Sanctuary was founded by Bartolo Longo and underwent restoration efforts, with ground breaking for the Pompeii Rising Restoration Project taking place on May 8, 2025.
- Following the enshrining of the image, many miracles were reported to have occurred through the Virgin Mary’s intercession.
- The devotion to Our Lady of Pompeii continued to grow, leading to the construction of a church and then a basilica.
- The sanctuary became a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Mary’s power and intercession.
- The painting depicts the Virgin Mary enthroned with Jesus in her arms, surrounded by Saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena, according to Wikipedia.
- The painting is framed by a bronze gilt frame and is presented to pilgrims on the high altar.