Welcome to a special moment at the Vatican where Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, blessed a statue of “Mary, Mystical Rose” during Holy Week. This beautiful statue, donated by Pope Francis, found its place in a shrine close to the Sacrament Fountain in the Vatican Gardens.
Joining Cardinal Fernández were notable figures like Archbishop John Joseph Kennedy, Fr Armando Matteo, and Archbishop Emilio Nappa. The presence of these dignitaries added to the solemnity of the occasion.
Embracing Devotion to Mary, Mystical Rose
Last summer, the Dicastery made a significant decision allowing public devotion to Mary under the title “Mystical Rose.” This decision, based on new norms regarding alleged supernatural phenomena, received a “nulla osta” authorizing such devotion in connection with messages received by visionary Pierina Gilli between 1947 and 1966.
Not only did the Dicastery give the green light for devotion to Mary under this title, but it also permitted the dedication of churches and sacred places to her with the corresponding image.
Understanding the Vision of Pierina Gilli
Pierina Gilli, a humble woman born into a peasant family, experienced mystical encounters with Mary under the titles “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church.” These experiences, which began in 1947 and continued in 1966, showcased Mary’s significance in prayer, penance, and suffering.
The apparitions led to the establishment of a sanctuary in Fontanelle, a town south of Montichiari in Brescia, Italy. Here, Mary indicated a spring as a place of purification and grace, inspiring the construction of a unique sanctuary in the form of an open amphitheatre.
Through these mystical experiences, Pierina Gilli’s devotion to Mary as the Mystical Rose continues to inspire believers around the world. The statue blessed by Cardinal Fernández serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother.
For more information on this significant event, you can read the letter accompanying the Dicastery’s decision last July.
Let us continue to honor and embrace the spiritual experiences that deepen our connection to Mary, Mystical Rose, and Mother of the Church.
