Our Lady of Oropa
Nestled in the Alps, in Vercelli, Italy, lies a sanctuary that has been a beacon of hope and faith for centuries. Our Lady of Oropa, also known as the Black Madonna of Oropa, draws pilgrims from around the world, offering peace and inspiration. The statue, mysterious and beautiful, dates back to the 4th century.
Saint Eusebius, the bishop of Vercelli, is said to have brought the wooden statue from Jerusalem in the late 300s. The statue was believed to have been carved by Saint Luke himself! It had been hidden to keep it from being destroyed during the early Christian persecutions.
In 1856, the Vatican asked for a list of miracles that had occurred at the sanctuary in Oropa. Among them are...
- Giovanni Sà, left mute by robbers who severed his tongue, regained his ability to speak in 1661 after praying to the Virgin Mary at Oropa. This event was thoroughly vetted by theologians and confirmed by witnesses including local dignitaries.
- Similarly, John the Baptist Perrone, who lost his tongue to Turkish captors for refusing to abandon his faith, miraculously recovered his speech during the coronation of Mary Healer of Oropa. His miracle was canonically recognized in 1724.
- John Vallet, paralyzed and immobile for eighteen years, promised to journey to Oropa if cured. Instantaneously healed, his recovery was also confirmed through rigorous ecclesiastical scrutiny as a miracle.
The highlight for many who visit Oropa is the moment they set eyes on the Black Madonna. She holds the Baby Jesus, and is clothed with gold, and appears as Our Lady is described in Revelations.
Celebrations and Traditions
The sanctuary of Oropa hosts several annual events that celebrate and honor the Black Madonna. Among these, the most notable is the festivity held in her honor every September, drawing thousands. The air fills with the scent of incense and the sounds of hymns and prayers, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere of communal faith and devotion.