Did you know that 147 years ago, the cornerstone for a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary was first laid in Pompei on May 8, 1876? The church was built through the efforts of an Italian man named Bartolo Longo, who sought to encourage devotion to the Blessed Mother. Today, we invite you to explore where this globally practiced Marian devotion is honored in the Basilica in our latest virtual tour.
The History of Our Lady of Pompei
In his youth, Longo was involved with the occult, but through the efforts of a childhood friend, he later converted to Catholicism. He went on to become a lawyer, and eventually moved to Pompei. There, he was stunned by the superstitious habits and spiritual ignorance of the people. According to tradition, he experienced a miraculous encounter with Mary, where she instructed him to promulgate the rosary, inspiring him to build a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary near the ruins of Pompeii. Today, this devotion is also known as Our Lady of Victory, with the rosary seen as a spiritual weapon in the battle against sin and evil in the world.
Design of the Our Lady of Pompei Chapel in the Basilica
The Great Upper Church of the Basilica contains a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pompei. The focal point of the chapel is a mosaic recreation of the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary that is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Pompei. The walls of the chapel are adorned with a crucifix that was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to the Basilica, as well as depictions of the Luminous Mysteries.
Virtually Tour the Our Lady of Pompei Chapel
Explore the chapel in immersive 360 ° below.
Source:
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.