Sanctuary of San Gerardo Maiella, Minor basilica in Materdomini, Caposele, Italy.
The Sanctuary of San Gerardo Maiella comprises two churches: an ancient building from the 12th century and a modern structure with bronze doors depicting scenes from Saint Gerard's life. The newer church features a monumental organ crowned with a bronze statue of Jesus.
Following two reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to shepherds during medieval times, a small chapel was built on a hill covered with elder trees. The sanctuary later developed into a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking assistance through Saint Gerard's intercession.
The Room of Bows holds thousands of pink and blue ribbons left by grateful parents as offerings. These ribbons mark births and prayers answered through Saint Gerard's intercession.
The sanctuary is open throughout the year, welcoming visitors on most days with regular masses held in the ancient basilica and the modern Church of the Redeemer. Allow time to visit both churches and view the exhibition of the faithful's ribbon offerings.
Inside the modern church, a gilded bronze statue of Jesus commands attention from atop a massive organ case. A detailed mosaic beneath it depicts the twelve apostles in artistic detail.
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