Our Lady of the Grove | Feast August 12

Our Lady of the Grove: Camogli, Italy

A "sail to the grove"

by northwestern-Italian, maritime-sailors;

meant a Camogli-pilgrimage to

Our Lady of the Grove. 

Apparition. In the year of Our Lord 1518 AD, scattered houses broke the fertile-monotony of the Ruta valley. Shading the valley was the circle of vineyards, olive groves and woods facing the Ligure-harbor. In the grove where 3-main pathways intersected, an unknown artist designed a frescoed-shrine for a Madonna with Child painting. Passing-peasants paused to pray. On July 2, a 12-year-old shepherdess named Angela stopped too, to pay her respects. Absorbed in prayer, a beautiful Lady appeared, asking for a Catholic church and monastery to be built. Angela was shocked and sad, because no one would believe her. The beautiful lady created a sign on her hand, resembling a horseshoe. The Lady made the same characters on nearby large-stones, indicating sanctuary and monastery-sites. Angela showed the marks to the local-clergy and over time, our Lady got her wish.

• On July 2, 1631 the church was completed.
• By decree of August 12, 1817, Pius VII (1800-1823) authorized the Coronation of our Lady.
• The ceremony was celebrated September 1818.
• Expansions and upgrades retained its medieval-exterior, while Our Lady's basilica is detailed in reflective-pearls, golds and black-veined marbles. 

Nostra Senora Bonachetto. The news of Our Lady's apparition and protections spread. Mother Mary's safe harbor evolved into a miraculous-maritime metaphorical-monstrance. Jesus, the beacon of hope, welcomed prodigals and pilgrims with loving arms; to this holy sacred-space. During danger, medieval-sailors were known for come-to-Jesus bargains. A "Sail to the Grove" allowed promises-kept and thanksgiving for intact lives and limbs. Customarily, the sailor deposited offerings and lit votive-candles. Today, Santa Maria Assunta Basilica, stands in the harbor-shoals and shallows of a medieval, eroding-rock island. Our Lady's location is the first and last stop for travelers: uniting politicians, maritimers and the religious in prayer and community The Basilica is reached from the marina by climbing a wide-stairway and boardwalk. Our Lady's external church-façade is simple, in contrast with the lavish-baroque interior. There are 3-inner aisles for the Trinity, lit by crystal-chandeliers embellished in gold. All is surrounded in polychrome-marble, magically-reflecting the enchanting-candlelight. Prayers at sunrise, sunset or a twilight rorate provide a soulful-peek into the supernatural. In this short flyover video, watch the left shore for the Basilica at minute 1:15 via drone tour. Greater-Camogli is a quiet, relaxed and unspoiled coastal town; where Italians go to avoid tourists. 

The Fishers' Wives. Spoken like cannoli, the g in Camogli is silent, and it means “house of wives.” This represents womenfolk who managed the village while husbands were at sea. Many of Jesus' chosen apostles were fisherman, which is not lost or taken for granted by this town. In Camogli, the colorful seafront-homes are taller and tighter than other riviera-hamlets. The goal was communal, lighthouse-living to enable wives to watch for returning sails. Today's sanctuary-seeking-visitors have turned Camogli into a "city of a thousand-sails." The Madonna and Child painting, is now-located in the Basilica's main altar. For centuries, the Camogli and seafaring-bond is evidenced by religious-rituals that celebrate fishermen, sailors and navigators. Our Lady's burning love has become a fire for mothlike-souls.

From Holy Water to Wine. After praying with Our Lady, the valley and sea-breezes waft char-grilled aromas of oil-roasting meats from the square. Salivating, thirsty-penitents are lured into the square thusly, by rustic-trattorias with bulging wine-cellars, vaults of aging-cheeses and the finest vintage-vinos from locally-grown grapes. Thank you Father for giving us this day our daily bread! 

Our Lady of the Grove, pray for us

Jesus, we trust in You!

Sources:

Camogli | Wikipedia

Santuario Boschetto, Camogli | YouTube 

Shrine of Our Lady of the Boschetto Camogli | Welcome Camogli