Our Lady of Ghisallo

Our Lady of Ghisallo History

St. Madonna del Ghisallo, also known as Our Lady of Ghisallo, is a Catholic patron saint of cyclists. She is venerated at the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, located near the town of Magreglio in Italy.

The legend of St. Madonna del Ghisallo dates back to the 10th century, when a local count named Ghisallo was being chased by bandits. According to the legend, the count fled to a nearby chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and begged for her protection. The Virgin Mary appeared to the count and chased away the bandits, saving his life. In gratitude, the count vowed to build a church in honor of the Virgin Mary, which became known as the Church of Madonna del Ghisallo.

Over the centuries, the Church of Madonna del Ghisallo became a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers. In the 20th century, it became a popular stop for cyclists as well, as the church is located near some of the most famous cycling routes in Italy, including the Giro d’Italia.

In the 1950s, the Catholic Church officially recognized the Church of Madonna del Ghisallo as a shrine, and it was consecrated by Pope John XXIII in 1959. The shrine contains a museum dedicated to the history of cycling, as well as a chapel where Mass is held for cyclists.

St. Madonna del Ghisallo is considered a patron saint of cyclists because of the legend of her protecting the count from bandits, as well as the church’s location near popular cycling routes. Many cyclists make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo to pray for protection and good fortune on their rides.

In addition to being a patron saint of cyclists, St. Madonna del Ghisallo is also the patron saint of the town of Magreglio and the surrounding region. She is often depicted in artwork holding a bicycle, symbolizing her protection and guidance for cyclists.

The Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo is a popular tourist destination for both religious pilgrims and cycling enthusiasts. It is located in the Lombardy region of Italy and is easily accessible by car or bike. It is open to the public year-round and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Popular Our Lady of Ghisallo Medal and Our Lady of Ghisallo Rosary

Prayers to Madonna del Ghisallo

Prayer of Intercession to Madonna del Ghisallo

Madonna del Ghisallo,

I come to you today seeking your protection and guidance as I embark on my journey. I know that you are the patron saint of cyclists, and I pray that you will watch over me as I ride.

May your love and grace surround me, and may your protection keep me safe from all harm. May your guidance lead me to my destination, and may your blessings be with me every step of the way.

I ask for your help in overcoming any challenges or obstacles that may come my way, and for the strength and determination to persevere.

Thank you for your constant love and support, St. Madonna del Ghisallo. May I always honor you and give thanks for your blessings. Amen.

 

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Prayer to Madonna del Ghisallo

Heavenly Mother, St. Madonna del Ghisallo,

I come before you today with a humble and grateful heart. I thank you for your protection and guidance on all of my rides, and for the blessings you have bestowed upon me.

I ask for your continued guidance and support as I continue on my cycling journey. May your love and grace surround me and give me the strength to face any challenges that come my way.

I pray for all of my fellow cyclists, that you may watch over them and keep them safe on their rides. May your love and protection be with them, and may they feel your presence with them always.

Thank you, St. Madonna del Ghisallo, for your constant love and support. May I always honor and serve you with a heart full of gratitude. Amen.

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Madonna del Ghisallo Patron Saint of Cyclists

St. Madonna del Ghisallo is considered the patron saint of cyclists because of the legend of her protecting a count from bandits in the 10th century. According to the legend, the count fled to a nearby chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and begged for her protection. The Virgin Mary appeared to the count and chased away the bandits, saving his life. In gratitude, the count vowed to build a church in honor of the Virgin Mary, which became known as the Church of Madonna del Ghisallo.

Over the centuries, the Church of Madonna del Ghisallo became a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers, and in the 20th century, it became a popular stop for cyclists as well. The church is located near some of the most famous cycling routes in Italy, including the Giro d’Italia, and many cyclists make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo to pray for protection and good fortune on their rides.

Because of the legend of her protecting the count from bandits and the church’s location near popular cycling routes, St. Madonna del Ghisallo is considered a patron saint of cyclists. She is often depicted in artwork holding a bicycle, symbolizing her protection and guidance for cyclists.

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Children’s Story about the Madonna del Ghisallo

The Madonna del Ghisallo is a Catholic patron saint of cycling, and her shrine is located in the town of Magreglio, near Lake Como in Italy.

There are many stories about the Madonna del Ghisallo, but one popular legend goes like this:

One day, a young man named Ghisallo was out for a ride on his bike when he was attacked by a group of thieves. As he was being robbed, he called out to the Virgin Mary for help, and suddenly, a bright light appeared and scared the thieves away. Ghisallo, who had been badly hurt in the attack, was healed by the light and was able to make it home safely.

In gratitude for the Virgin Mary’s help, Ghisallo built a chapel in her honor on the spot where the attack had taken place. The chapel became a popular destination for travelers, and over time, it became known as the Madonna del Ghisallo.

Today, the Madonna del Ghisallo is revered by many cyclists, who visit the chapel to pray for safe travels and to ask for the saint’s protection while on the road. The chapel is also home to a museum dedicated to the history of cycling, and it is a popular stop for professional cycling teams during the annual Giro d’Italia race.

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Reflection on the Feast of Madonna del Ghisallo

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Ghisallo on July 15h. 

On the Feast of St. Madonna del Ghisallo, we celebrate the patron saint of cyclists and the protection and guidance she offers us on our journeys. As Catholics, we turn to the saints for intercession and for examples of how to live a holy life. St. Madonna del Ghisallo reminds us of the importance of seeking protection and guidance on our journeys, both physical and spiritual.

As we reflect on the legend of St. Madonna del Ghisallo, we are reminded of the power of prayer and the role it plays in our lives. When the count fled to the chapel and begged for the Virgin Mary’s protection, she answered his prayer and chased away the bandits, saving his life. This serves as a reminder to us that, no matter what challenges we face, we can turn to God in prayer and trust in his love and protection.

St. Madonna del Ghisallo also reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance on our journeys. Whether we are cycling through the mountains or navigating through the challenges of daily life, we need guidance and direction to stay on track. By turning to St. Madonna del Ghisallo and asking for her intercession, we can find the strength and courage to persevere and stay on the right path.

As we celebrate the Feast of St. Madonna del Ghisallo, let us remember to turn to her for protection and guidance on our journeys, and to trust in the love and grace of God. Amen.