Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria

The Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria is a Roman Catholic shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary located in Cagliari, Italy. The Shrine is part of a complex of buildings which include the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria and the monastery which houses the Friars of The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. The Basilica and the other structures are under the administration of the Mercedarians, a Religious Order which has overseen the care of the shrine continuously since October 17, 1335.

Traditional Story of the Statue of Our Lady of Bonaria

On March 25 1370, a ship coming from Spain was traveling towards Italy when it was seized by a terrible storm that put the lives of the crew and passengers at risk. The captain, in a last attempt to save the crew of the ship, ordered the sailors to cast into the sea the ship's cargo. This was done but without any aid to the sailors.

There was a large crate within the ship’s cargo - this was cast into the sea last of all the cargo. Suddenly, upon the crate entering the water, the storm ceased. The ship, attempting to regain the cargo, followed the crate for some time. Unable to retrieve it, the ship returned to its original route. The crate, however ran aground on the beach at the foot of the hill of Bonaria.

Many people were on the beach when the crate arrived and rushed to see what it was. They tried to open it, but no one succeeded. They tried to lift it, but every attempt was in vain - the box was too heavy. Suddenly a child cried out: “Call for one of the Mercedarian Friars!” The Friars came in haste, and without any difficulty, raised the heavy crate and carried it into their church.

In silence and piety, the Friars opened the crate, and along with everyone there, saw the contents. In that crate was a marvelous statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child in her arms and, in her right hand a lighted candle.

Patroness of Sardinia

Devotion to Our Lady of Bonaria spread quickly over the island, and the Blessed Virgin Mary under this title has been named the patroness of Sardinia.

pecial Honors

The Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria was visited by Pope Benedict XVI on September 8, 2008. On that occasion he bestowed the honor of a Golden Rose to the Shrine.

External Links

* [http://www.orderofmercy.org Homepage for the Order of Our Lady of Mercy in the United States]
* [http://www.nsdibonaria.it Homepage of the Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria]