Madonna Del Ghisallo

What is the devotion to Madonna Del Ghisallo?

Devotion to Madonna del Ghisallo is a form of Marian devotion that centers on the Marian shrine located in the small village of Magreglio in Lombardy, Italy. The shrine, which is located at the top of a hill, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is associated with the patron saint of cyclists, with many cyclists visiting it especially before or after a competition or a challenging route. The devotion of Madonna del Ghisallo is often practiced by cyclists, and the shrine is considered a pilgrimage site for cyclists from around the world.

The origins of the devotion to Madonna del Ghisallo can be traced back to the 9th century, when it is said that a local peasant had a vision of the Virgin Mary while he was out tending to his cattle. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary asked him to build a chapel on that spot, and the peasant did so, dedicating it to her. Over time, the shrine grew in popularity and eventually became a pilgrimage site for people from all over the region.

The devotion to Madonna del Ghisallo gained its special association with cycling in the 1940s. A local priest, Don Ermelindo Vigano, was a cycling enthusiast and saw the steep climbs and winding roads of the nearby mountains as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of life. He began to promote the idea of the shrine as a destination for cyclists, and it soon became a popular place for cyclists to visit.

The cycling connection with the shrine was further strengthened in the 1950s, when Gino Bartali, one of Italy’s most famous cyclist, visited the shrine before the Giro d’Italia, a famous cycling race, he went on to win it. Bartali became a great devotee of the shrine, and his devotion encouraged many other cyclists to visit it as well.

The shrine features an outdoor altar and a small chapel, which contains a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus, and a votive offering of cycling jerseys and other cycling memorabilia from famous racers, donated in gratitude for their victories, as well as for their personal protections during the race.

The most important celebration at Madonna del Ghisallo is held on October 8, the Feast of the Virgin of the Rosary, when thousands of cyclists make the pilgrimage to the shrine. The day is filled with religious services, processions, and other activities, and it is often attended by professional cyclists, cycling fans, and others who are devoted to the Virgin Mary.

The cycling community also organize many other events and celebrations around the year, such as charity rides, it also become a popular destination for cycling tours, in which groups of cyclists ride to the shrine and explore the surrounding areas.

In conclusion, devotion to Madonna del Ghisallo is a form of Marian devotion that has a special connection with cycling. The shrine, which is located in a small village in Lombardy, Italy, has a long history, and it is considered a pilgrimage site for cyclists from all over the world. It is often visited by cyclists before or after a competition or a challenging route, and many cyclists donate cycling jerseys or other memorabilia to the shrine to show their gratitude and devotion.

Popular Madonna Del Ghisallo Medal and Madonna Del Ghisallo Rosary

When is the Feast Day of Madonna del Ghisallo

The Feast Day of Madonna del Ghisallo is celebrated on September 8th every year. This date marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo, a Catholic church located in Magreglio, Italy.

Madonna del Ghisallo is invoked as the patroness of cyclists and it is also known as the patroness of travelers. The devotion to Madonna del Ghisallo is particularly strong among cyclists, and it is a symbol of love and devotion to Mary and Jesus. It is said that the icon of Madonna del Ghisallo was found in the early 20th century, by a cyclist who sought refuge in a small chapel during a storm. The icon was placed in the chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo, which is located on the summit of the Ghisallo hill and it is visited by thousands of tourists and cyclists every year.

The Feast Day of Madonna del Ghisallo is celebrated with mass, processions, and the recitation of the Rosary. Many people will also light candles and offer prayers to Madonna del Ghisallo. It is a time for Catholics to come together and reflect on the messages of the Virgin Mary and to ask for her intercession in their own lives.

This Feast Day is also an opportunity for Catholics to honor the Virgin Mary and to seek her protection and guidance. The messages of Madonna del Ghisallo encourages the faithful to lead a life of prayer and devotion and to trust in her powerful intercession for their needs.

Whether you’re able to attend mass on this day or not, the Feast Day of Madonna del Ghisallo is an opportunity to honor the Virgin Mary and to reflect on her role in your life. It is a reminder of her constant presence and her love for all her children.

Prayers to Madonna Del Ghisallo

Madonna del Ghisallo is a title given to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, in reference to a chapel dedicated to her located on the Ghisallo hill in Italy. This chapel is a popular destination for cyclists, and is considered the patroness of cyclists, as well as travelers and sportsmen. This devotion is rooted in the belief that Mary is a loving mother who watches over her children and guides them on their journey through life, especially when they are on the road.

Prayer for Safe Travel and Protection

Madonna del Ghisallo,
Patroness of cyclists and travelers,
We turn to you in our time of need,
And beg for your intercession.
Through the power of your love and compassion,
Grant us safe travels and protection on our journey.
May your motherly love surround us and keep us safe on the road.
We entrust ourselves to you and ask for your guidance and protection.
May your intercession bring blessings and peace to our lives.
We love you and thank you for your continued presence in our lives.
Amen.

Prayer for Success and Perseverance in Sports

Madonna del Ghisallo,
Patroness of sportsmen,
We turn to you in our time of need,
And beg for your intercession.
Through the power of your love and compassion,
Grant us success and perseverance in our sports pursuits.
May your motherly love surround us and guide us to do our best.
We entrust ourselves to you and ask for your guidance and protection.
May your intercession bring blessings and peace to our lives.
We love you and thank you for your continued presence in our lives.
Amen.