The Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in Pompeii is one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites. Situated at the foot of the volcano Vesuvius, its beauty and spiritual significance draws over 3 million pilgrims every year. They come from all over the world to encounter the Virgin Mary and Her Son by praying the Rosary.
The Rosary: A Gospel-Based Prayer
Speaking of the Rosary, Mons. Tommaso Caputo, Archbishop of Pompeii, explains, “It is a prayer rooted in the Gospel, in the Word of God. It is entirely composed of God’s Word: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, which includes part of the Angel’s announcement and the words of Elizabeth. Then there is the doxology, the Glory Be. Every ten Hail Marys, we contemplate a different passage from the Gospel.”
The Sanctuary of Pompeii was founded by Bartolo Longo at the end of the 19th century. Originally a Satanic priest, Bartolo abandoned his former path and embraced the Virgin Mary and the Rosary through the guidance of a Dominican priest. With the support of Countess Mariana di Fusco, he began restoring the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and established a confraternity of the Rosary.
A Place of Conversion and Pilgrimage for Saints
Loredana Ciancio of Catholic Action of Pompeii shares, “Pompeii is also a place of profound spiritual conversion. Many saintly pilgrims have visited Pompeii. Just think of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of migrants, who came here, as well as St. Maximilian Kolbe, and Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be canonized.” Over the years, various popes have also made pilgrimages to this holy site, including Pope Benedict XVI, who offered a golden rose in 2008, and Pope Francis, who gifted a golden rosary in 2015.
Bartolo Longo: A Legacy of Marian Devotion
In their footsteps, millions of faithful travel to Pompeii, praying at the feet of Our Lady of the Rosary and hoping for Bartolo Longo’s canonization. Declared blessed by Pope St. John Paul II in 1980, Longo is honored indirectly by many churches dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii worldwide. Mons. Caputo notes, “Now, Bartolo Longo is known worldwide, as there are many churches dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and even Africa and the Middle East – and indirectly, these churches also honor Bartolo Longo.”
The Sanctuary of Pompeii remains an essential symbol of Marian devotion, where many seek spiritual solace, healing, and inspiration. Pilgrims are encouraged to recite the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompei, a powerful prayer composed by Bartolo Longo that invokes Mary’s intercession in a special way.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
