Crucifix, Sanctuary of Oropa, Oropa (BI), Piedmont, Italy
The Sanctuary of Oropa is a group of Roman Catholic buildings and structures in Oropa, frazione of the municipality of Biella, Italy. It is located at a height of 1,159 metres in a small valley of the Alpi Biellesi. Bishop Giacomo Goria and Reverend Francesco Sforza Pallavicino episcopally crowned the image of “Madonna Della Oropa” of Piedmont in 30 August 1620. Pope Francis granted an official decree of Pontifical coronation to the image in 5 August 2021, signed and executed by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re at the Vatican. The statue of the black Madonna has always been venerated; several miracles and protections are attributed to the Virgin of Oropa. According to the popular tradition, the town of Biella made a vow during the 17th century plague and its inhabitants were spared by the infection. Following this grace, the town does a pilgrimage every year to the sanctuary in order to thank the Virgin Mary. During the centuries, people made ex-voto (for grace) pictures to thank the Virgin Mary. All of these pictures are still preserved in the sanctuary in the 'ex voto gallery'. The oldest picture dates back to 1522 and was made by painter Bernardino Lanino. The popular belief says that the wooden statue has some peculiar characteristics: despite the age of the statue it has no woodworm; the foot, despite the ancient tradition of touching it for good luck, is not worn out; dust does not settle on the faces of the Virgin and of the Baby.
Size: 4016px × 6016px
Location: Oropa (BI), Piedmont, Italy
Photo credit: © Roberto Cornacchia / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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