The Marian tradition

The article on San Pietro al Monte is part of a special series on the sanctuaries of Lombardy which the Italian edition has enclosed with the issue of Novembre 2003. In this insert we publish the introduction to the small volume edited by our Director

by Giulio Andreotti

The cover of the special edition on the sanctuaries of Lombardy from which the reportage on San Pietro al Monte is taken

The Marian sanctuaries connected with the Liberian Basilica alone number hundreds (Monsignor Elio Venier has devoted an interesting publication to them). But, from another angle, if we browse the list of streets and squares named after Our Lady in each Italian city, exceptions are very rare. Not to mention the aedicules – in town and countryside – with the image of the Virgin: their number is incalculable and in continual growth.
Lombardy’s outstanding qualities under other aspects is generally acknowledged.
From Piazza Affari to the great industrial firms, from the lakes to the mountain chains: there it is indubitable primacy. But less well known, perhaps, are the religious expressions that over the centuries have marked the true mind of the people of Lombardy.
The Marian sanctuaries of the administrative region are the most solemn and visible expression of the love for the Virgin that has inspired the population.
The “Marian tradition” is attested by examples from all periods and of all sizes.
And for that matter, the so-called moral capital of Italy is the city of the Madonnina.