The Sanctuary
The judgement of the Church
Foreword
The historical origin of the impressive phenomenon of prayer and veneration towards the holy Mother of the Lord, invoked at the Shrine as ‘Rosa Mistica – Mother of the Church’, is closely linked to the human and spiritual experience of Pierina Gilli. The events that occurred during Pierina’s life and the numerous messages witnessed in her Diaries have recently been the subject of a renewed phase of study by the competent diocesan authorities and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which led to the recognition of Nihil obstat in 2024. This in-depth study can be distinguished in two stages.
The first stage was started in the Diocese of Brescia in 2013, and exclusively concerned the historical analysis of the acts of the Diocesan Commission of Enquiry, carried out on Pierina between 1947 and 1949; this first stage ended at the end of 2016, with the contribution of in-depth canonical-processual, psychological-forensic and pharmacological verifications, which flowed into a substantial Dossier sent to the Holy See, in order to offer a dutiful integration of the acts already in its possession. This contribution made it possible to re-evaluate in a new way the highly positive value of Pierina’s person, both psychologically and spiritually, and paved the way for the second stage of the diocesan course of studies.
The second stage, which began in 2018 and ended with the fully positive recognition dated 8th July 2024, focused on the theological-doctrinal analysis of the entire corpus of messages contained in Pierina’s Diaries. Previous studies in this field, in fact, had sketchily focused only on the apparitions witnessed by the seer in the first phase of her life (from 1947 to 1960) without ever comparing them with those of the second phase of her spiritual experience, which began in 1966 with the alleged apparitions in Fontanelle di Montichiari. Bishop Tremolada, in agreement with the Apostolic See, remedied this shortcoming by initiating a course of study that culminated in the establishment of a special International Theological Commission which presented its conclusions on 13th July 2023, unanimously asking the competent authorities to recognize the apparitions of Our Lady with the title of Maria Rosa Mistica in Montichiari and to initiate a process for the investigation of the heroic virtues of Pierina Gilli.
The Nihil obstat pronouncement and the Sanctuary
On Saturday 13th July 2024, the feast day indicated by Maria Rosa Mistica, the Bishop of Brescia, Monsignor
Pierantonio Tremolada solemnized the judgment promulgated on Friday 5th July by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith at the conclusion of the discernment on the Marian apparitions in Montichiari. This document, which consists of a letter from the prefect, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, endorsed by Pope Francis, founded in the new Norms of discernment adopted in May 2024, expressed a Nihil obstat judgment.
The Authority, with such a definition, according to the mentioned guidelines, as concerns the presumption of apparitions and mystical phenomena of the Church, no longer contemplates the certain definition of the super naturalness of an event, rather wanting to highlight the goodness of its spiritual fruits. Nonetheless, the foundation and exemplarity of Pierina’s mystical-spiritual experience in relation to Our Lady in the title of Maria Rosa Mistica is recognized, as well as the richness and fruitfulness of her existential, humble and virtuous story.
The Nihil obstat is the highest possible and positive acknowledgement today with respect to the evaluation of private revelations and mystical phenomena, for which the human and spiritual experience of Pierina Gilli, in relation to Maria Rosa Mistica, subject to the correct theological interpretation of certain expressions contained in the Message, do not contain on the whole any element contrary to the Catholic doctrine and morals. This means that the Holy See and the Bishop of Brescia leave the faithful free to believe in the Message of Maria Rosa Mistica and to look at the experience of Pierina Gilli; and, at the same time, free to adhere to the spiritual indications contained therein, should they find in it a useful tool for them to deepen their Christian and sacramental life.
This historic step was the outcome of a long ecclesial journey that began in these places in 1966, and even earlier, in 1947, at the Basilica of Montichiari: this journey, over time, has made these places an important spiritual and pilgrimage reference point for thousands of faithful from Italy and abroad. The authority of the Church of Rome and the Church of Brescia arrived together at this historic pronouncement through years of joint work that had already allowed Bishop Tremolada, on Saturday 7th December 2019, the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the canonical institution of the diocesan Sanctuary. This recognition gathered the legacy of some important interventions of his predecessors who, since 2001, had authorized and blessed the celebration of public worship at Fontanelle. The two titles attributed to the diocesan Sanctuary, Mystical Rose and Mother of the Church, are inseparably united by the tradition of prayer and piety with which the Mother of the Lord was witnessed by Pierina Gilli and invoked in these places. Wherever this cult has spread, to support the pilgrims’ path of faith, the strong sense of belonging to the Church and the sharing of its evangelizing mission have been confirmed, under the protection of She who has always ensured Her maternal mediation.
The pronouncement of Nihil obstat together with the previous canonical recognition of the Shrine are therefore at the service of the missionary potential of these sacred places, in order to consolidate and increase the numerous spiritual fruits germinated here over time, as well as to offer the dutiful pastoral care of pilgrims, especially through a conscious and fruitful celebration of the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist, in view of a baptismal witness ever more adhering to the needs of the Gospel and fraternal love.
The Foundation
In January 2014, the Foundation Rosa Mistica Fontanelle was established, a foundation for worship and religion also recognized by the Italian legal system as an ecclesiastical body. In agreement with the ecclesiastical authority, it intends to continue the task of managing the places of worship at Fontanelle, a task undertaken in the past by the Association with the same name, which broke up to join the above mentioned Foundation.
The aims and activities of the Foundation, as distinct from the direct management of worship and liturgy, which are entrusted to the Rector of the Sanctuary, can be briefly outlined as follows: a spirit of cooperation with the Rector, to prepare everything necessary to offer a dignified welcome to the faithful who go there for worship; to ensure that these worship events take place in an authentic spirit of prayer, sacrifice and penitence; to prepare suitable measures to prevent behaviors and demonstrations contrary to public order and respect for the place and people; to continue archiving and studying the facts and testimonies that have made and still make the Fontanelle site a place of Marian worship and prayer, in full communion with the Magisterium and morals of the Church; to provide, on a non-profit basis, for the protection of the current environmental characteristics and use of ‘Fontanelle’ area.
Special Devotions
From Pierina’s diaries, we learn that Our Lady Rosa Mistica asked Montichiari for some new devotions, which we will deepen here below.
Sunday in Albis
The first manifestation of Maria Rosa Mistica at Fontanelle took place on 17th April 1966, the Sunday after Easter, that year. A solemn penitential celebration is described in Pierina’s Diaries: Rosa Mistica reveals that she was sent by her Son ‘to make this spring miraculous’. Descending the mud-covered steps leading to the spring, Our Lady invites Pierina to kiss them three times, where she pauses, “as a sign of penance and purification”; then she indicates the spot where to place a Crucifix and explains: “The sick and all my children, before taking or drinking the water, ask forgiveness of my Divine Son with a loving kiss”; then, before inviting the Gilli to wash herself, she asks her to soil her hands: “This is to teach that the sins in the souls of the sons become mud, but are purified through the water of grace”. Finally, Our Lady touches the water of the spring in two places, which she renames the “Fountain of Mercy and Grace”, assuring her intercession for the sick who will find here a second Lourdes”. The Mother of Jesus, who in Montichiari also presents herself as “Mother of Mercy” and “Mother of Grace”, has in this way “anticipated” here the Feast of Divine Mercy, instituted in 2000 by Saint John Paul II and to be celebrated precisely on Sunday in Albis.
On 13th July and the 13th of the month
Pierina reported that, when she appeared at Fontanelle on the Feast of Corpus Christi on 9th June 1966, Maria Rosa Mistica asked that the World Union of the Communion of Reparation be celebrated every year: a devotion for the whole Church and the whole world, which is why Our Lady asked the Pope and the Bishop of Fatima to be involved in the event. On this practice Our Lady had already explained to the Shepherd children of Fatima, in relation to the first five Saturdays of the month, that it makes reparation for the sins of men committed in particular towards her Immaculate Heart; in Montichiari she asked for a solemn Celebration to be held on 13th October each year in reparation for offences against the Holy Eucharist. Rosa Mistica explained in her visit on 15th November 1966: “My Divine Son Jesus Christ … sent me on the Feast of the Body of the Lord to call souls back to the love of Holy Eucharistic Communion. Since there are so many men, even among Christians, who would like to reduce it to a mere symbol, I intervened to ask for the World Union of the Holy Communion of reparation”.
13th October, World Union of Restorative Communion
Pierina reported that, when she appeared at Fontanelle on the Feast of Corpus Christi on 9th June 1966, Maria Rosa Mistica asked that the World Union of the Communion of Reparation be celebrated every year: a devotion for the whole Church and the whole world, which is why Our Lady asked the Pope and the Bishop of Fatima to be involved in the event. On this practice Our Lady had already explained to the Shepherd children of Fatima, in relation to the first five Saturdays of the month, that it makes reparation for the sins of men committed in particular towards her Immaculate Heart; in Montichiari she asked for a solemn Celebration to be held on 13th October each year in reparation for offences against the Holy Eucharist. Rosa Mistica explained in her visit on 15th November 1966: “My Divine Son Jesus Christ … sent me on the Feast of the Body of the Lord to call souls back to the love of Holy Eucharistic Communion. Since there are so many men, even among Christians, who would like to reduce it to a mere symbol, I intervened to ask for the World Union of the Holy Communion of reparation”.
8th December, Hour of Grace
In Pierina’s Diaries the first cycle of Our Lady’s visits ends on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1947: Pierina sees Maria Rosa Mistica descending a holy staircase in the centre of the church in Montichiari and culminates in the contemplation of her Immaculate Heart “that loves so much mankind”. Mary says she is sent by God and thus shows herself as the Mother of the Church, the Gate of Heaven, the Light of the Gentiles who intercedes for her people and leads them back to Christ. In this context, the Virgin gives form to a new devotion: “I desire that every year, on the 8th of December, the Hour of Universal Grace be practiced at Midday: by this practice many spiritual and corporal graces will be obtained. Those who will not be able to go to their churches, while remaining in their homes, will obtain my graces by praying at midday”. Her Son – Our Lady assures us – is ready to grant her ” His greatest Mercy as long as the good ones always continue to pray for their sinful brothers and sisters”. Our Lady also orders that statues of Rosa Mistica be made to be carried in procession through the streets of Montichiari and in the places where she will be venerated with this title: “On those streets where I will pass”, she reveals, “I will sow spiritual graces and healings”.
There is no fixed or pre-established prayer schedule. At the Shrine, an hour of Eucharistic Adoration is celebrated, during which the five glorious mysteries of the Holy Rosary are prayed in a meditated manner; at the conclusion, a solemn act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is made in front of the statue of Rosa Mistica.
The intentions of the five meditated mysteries are typical of the Marian spirituality of the Shrine, linked to Pierina Gilli’s mystical experience: prayer on behalf of consecrated men and women, priests, and vocations; the request for spiritual and corporal graces; prayer of reparation and intercession for the conversion of sinners.
The faithful can unite spiritually at the same time, from 12 to 13 PM, by gathering in prayer groups before the Blessed Sacrament, or, if this is not possible due to health impediments in particular, by holding an hour of Marian prayer at home.
Places of Devotion
Cathedral of Montichiari
The Cathedral of Montichiari is an estimable work of 18th-century Lombardy.
Rich in history and art, dedicated to Maria Assunta, it was the site of apparitions of Maria Rosa Mistica witnessed by Pierina Gilli four times in 1947, the most important of which was on 8th December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, when devotion to the Hour of Grace was supposedly requested.
The cathedral, which became an Abbey at the hand of Pope Paul VI, constitutes one of the fundamental points in the development of piety and faith in the city. Attracted by its beauty, the charm of its harmonious architecture, the numerous works of art and, above all, the wooden statue of Maria Rosa Mistica, sculpted on her knees by the South Tyrolean artist Perathoner. The Madonna descends the staircase strewn with roses, a symbol of the graces she spreads over her devotees. In the heart of the old town centre, the cathedral is ideally located to be reached.
House of Pierina Gilli
On the occasion of the JUBILEE 2025 it is possible to visit the house where Pierina Gilli lived at the following times : from 10 to 12 AM and from 2 to 5 PM. (Sundays and holidays)
On weekdays, in order to visit the site, reservations must be made in advance by sending an e-mail to pellegrinaggi@rosamisticafontanelle.it.
Address of the Pierina Gilli’s house:
Via San Martino della Battaglia, 155 – Montichiari – Brescia
Fontanelle place
Fontanelle is a place in the open countryside, three kilometers from Montichiari. Its name is due to the springs that gush there.
After the events of 1966, thanks to the intervention of the Diocese of Brescia and the commitment of many lay volunteers, Fontanelle became a Marian shrine: a place of worship and Marian devotion where pilgrims can restore their souls and encounter the Grace of God.
Cross
Blessed spring
Pool with holy water
Blessed water taps
Prayers’ urn
Holy Staircase
Chapel
Church
External logistical locations
The Shrine
Official canonical proclamation of the diocesan shrine Rose Mystic – Mother of the Church
On Saturday, 7th December 2019, the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the canonical establishment of the diocesan shrine Rosa Mistica-Mother of the Church was officially proclaimed during a solemn Eucharistic co-celebration presided over by the Bishop of Brescia, H.E. Monsignor Pierantonio Tremolada.
This is a historic step that profoundly marks a long ecclesial path that began in these places more than 50 years ago, and even earlier at the parish Church of Montichiari. We gratefully welcome this turning point of maturity, which has come about not without some of the difficulties that inevitably accompany such paths, and we are aware that full inclusion in the authority of the diocesan ecclesial body will be able to open up a renewed phase of development in the worship and study of the complex spiritual and Marian phenomenon that has arisen in these places over the years, in obedience to the action of the Holy Spirit who continues to succour and console His Church.
We express our sincere gratitude to Bishop Pierantonio because, in line with the actions of his predecessors who authorized the celebration of public worship at Fontanelle from 2001 onwards, he has personally taken to heart the experience of faith and prayer that has arisen at the Fontanelle and the human and spiritual story of Pierina Gilli: cultivating a constant dialogue with the competent bodies of the Apostolic See, he has thus assumed responsibility for wider and deeper pastoral choices and investigations, in view of the good of the thousands of pilgrims who come every year to these places at the feet of the Mother of the Lord, in search of consolation and help.
The two titles that will be attributed to this diocesan shrine, Rosa Mistica -Mother of the Church, are inseparably united by the tradition of prayer and piety with which the Mother of the Lord is unceasingly invoked in these places and in many other parts of the world where this cult has spread. They will continue to indicate to us the tenderness and love with which Mary wants to embrace all humanity, caring above all for her suffering children and souls consecrated to the love of her Son Jesus.
With hearts full of joy and gratitude we prepare to live intensely these moments of Grace that will accompany the celebrations of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, particularly felt and participated in at the Fontanelle especially during the Hour of Grace, and we invoke a great prayer of intercession from all the faithful and devotees of Mystic Rose so that every step is lived in obedience to the will of the Lord and the authority of the Church, contemplating the fruits that the Spirit continues to give to his Church.
Testimonials
The testimonials of miracles and marvels obtained through the intercession of Mary Rosa Mystica arrive from all over the world.
If you desire to report evidences of devotion and gratitude to Rosa Mystica, please send them to the following address of the Foundation Rosa Mystica Fontanelle: info@rosamisticafontanelle.it