Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Located just outside Rome, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love (Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore) is a profound testament to faith, miracles, and devotion. This sacred site has been a cornerstone of Roman spirituality for centuries, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Its unique history, filled with tales of divine grace and promises, continues to inspire visitors today.
A Miraculous Beginning
The origins of the sanctuary trace back to 1740, when a miraculous event transformed this countryside chapel into a center of devotion. According to tradition, a pilgrim was traveling near the site when he was attacked by wild dogs. As he prayed for help, he noticed an image of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus above the gate of a nearby castle. Miraculously, the dogs retreated, and the pilgrim was saved. Word of the miracle spread quickly, and the image became known as the Madonna del Divino Amore.
A Place of Grace and Gratitude
Over the years, the sanctuary gained a reputation for miraculous interventions, drawing pilgrims seeking solace and healing. The tradition of leaving ex-votos—tokens of gratitude for prayers answered—became a defining feature of the site. Today, the walls of the sanctuary are adorned with thousands of ex-votos, ranging from paintings to personal items, each telling a story of faith and divine intervention.
Pope Pius XII and the Promise to Save Rome. The Novena of 1944: A Miraculous Moment in Rome’s History
In the spring of 1944, as World War II raged on, Rome was under Nazi occupation. The situation was dire, with widespread fear of destruction as Allied forces advanced toward the city. Amid this uncertainty, Pope Pius XII turned to the Madonna del Divino Amore for protection. He organized a novena of prayer at the Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, calling upon the faithful to entrust the city to her intercession.
The novena began on May 28, 1944, and concluded on June 4, 1944, a day that coincided with the unexpected departure of Nazi troops from Rome. This retreat allowed Allied forces to enter the city peacefully, sparing Rome from the devastation of urban combat. Many viewed the timing of these events as a miraculous sign of divine intervention, crediting the Madonna del Divino Amore for the city’s salvation.
In gratitude, Pope Pius XII led a solemn procession to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love, where he and the people of Rome offered thanks for this extraordinary deliverance. This event further solidified the sanctuary’s reputation as a place of profound faith and miracles.
The Miracle of the Arctic Expedition: Umberto Nobile and the Radio Operator’s Vow
One of the most extraordinary stories tied to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love involves the ill-fated Arctic expedition of 1928 led by Italian explorer Umberto Nobile aboard the airship Italia. The expedition aimed to reach the North Pole, but disaster struck when the airship crashed into the Arctic ice due to severe weather conditions. Several crew members were stranded on the ice for weeks, their survival hanging by a thread.
Among them was Giuseppe Biagi, the expedition’s radiotelegraph operator. For 18 agonizing days, the radio was non-functional, leaving the crew isolated and without hope of rescue. As despair mounted, Biagi made a solemn vow to the Madonna del Divino Amore, praying for her intercession. Shortly after, against all odds, the radio began working again, allowing the crew to establish contact with the outside world and enabling a dramatic rescue operation.
In gratitude for this miraculous turn of events, Biagi travelled to the Sanctuary of Divine Love after his return to Italy. As a token of his profound gratitude, he offered the headphones he used during the rescue as an ex-voto, which are still displayed at the sanctuary today. This story of survival, faith, and divine intervention remains one of the most compelling examples of the sanctuary’s reputation as a place of miracles.
The Modern Sanctuary and Pilgrimages
To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, a new sanctuary was inaugurated in 1999, adjacent to the original chapel. Designed to blend modernity with tradition, it features a spacious interior and facilities for large gatherings, reflecting the sanctuary’s enduring appeal.
One of the most cherished traditions is the weekly pilgrimage that begins at the Circus Maximus in Rome. Every Saturday night, pilgrims walk approximately 15 kilometers to the sanctuary, arriving at dawn to participate in Mass. This journey symbolizes spiritual renewal and devotion, connecting participants with centuries of Roman Catholic tradition.
What to See at the Sanctuary
- The Old Chapel: Home to the miraculous image of the Madonna del Divino Amore, this intimate space is where the sanctuary’s story began.
- The New Sanctuary: A modern architectural marvel that hosts major religious events and gatherings.
- Ex-Voto Gallery: A moving display of gratitude, showcasing the personal items and stories of pilgrims who experienced divine grace.
- The Via Crucis: A path of prayer and reflection that winds through the sanctuary grounds.
Visiting the Sanctuary from QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast
Located approximately 15 kilometers from central Rome, the sanctuary is easily accessible by car or public transport. Guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast can enjoy a peaceful retreat after a day of spiritual exploration. Our team is happy to provide directions and tips for visiting this remarkable site.
