In 1522 when French troops were threatening to conquer and sack Treviglio, a town on the plains of Bergamo, a miraculous event: an image of the Madonna and Child, painted on the wall of the small bell tower in the little church of the Augustinian convent began to oozing tears.
The French general Odet de Foix, in front of the miraculous painting laid down his helmet and sword and so did his soldiers.
It was thus that Treviglio was spared from pillage and destruction
Since that year, the last day of February has been a solemn holiday for all Treviglio residents.
Some 60 years after the miracle, in 1583, at the behest of St. Charles Borromeo, the authentication procedure began, which was accomplished in 1591 when it was decided to build the shrine.
Construction began 3 years later, based on a design by architect Tolomeo Rinaldi.
In 1619, Charles Borromeo’s trusted architect cut down the wall of the bell tower of the little church of the Augustinian Convent on which was painted the miraculous image of the Madonna that was installed in the new shrine.
Since then, the shrine has been a pilgrimage destination.
Commemorations
Tradition has it that every year, on the evening of February 27, during the mass, the painting of Our Lady is veiled, testifying to the anguish of that ancient night in 1522 when the army was ready to destroy the city.
The next day, at 8 a.m., during the most solemn Mass, called “of the miracle” usually before the Archbishop, the Image is uncovered to the singing of the Te Deum.
It is an experience of great emotional impact.
The sanctuary of Treviglio houses precious artistic works: it is curious to know that more than a thousand angels are depicted in the decorations.
These, along with the golden decorations foreshadow the promised paradise of Salvation made possible by the Miracle of Faith.
The architectural structure also recalls the believer’s journey from conversion to baptism to resurrection in Christ.
An ideal path that invites conversion of the heart.
The sanctuary houses an organ built by the Serassi family, celebrated master organ builders.
The shrine is part of the eastern leaf of St. Augustine’s path.