Terre di Otium, Holy Year 2025: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima
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Our lands, so close to Rome and the Vatican, have always been places of devotion. Dotted with country churches, monasteries and convents, they tell the story of an ancient world, where time flowed slowly and in harmony with Nature. These were humble lands, inhabited by simple people who venerated sacred images and celebrated their patron saint with processions and moments of prayer, with joy and a desire to come together.
Even today, it is possible to immerse oneself in silence and contemplation, to rediscover that simplicity, to feel part of Nature and Creation, and to take part in festivals and celebrations that bring every village to life at different times of the year.
The cult of Mary, particularly deeply felt, can be found in dozens of roadside shrines and “cone” along the roads and at the crossroads leading to the medieval villages built on hilltops. Many small churches are dedicated to “Our Lady of the Snow” and bear witness to the ancient snow trade.
There are also some “special” places of worship: the four Marian Sanctuaries, Jubilee churches for the Holy Year 2025, belonging to the Diocese of Tivoli and Palestrina.
In San Vittorino Romano, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima: a modern church set in an ancient landscape
In an unspoilt corner of the ancient Roman countryside stands a building with a unique and futuristic shape, one that certainly does not go unnoticed. We are in the eastern area of the city, not far from the UNESCO site of Villa Adriana, in San Vittorino which, although part of the Municipality of Rome, falls under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Tivoli. The medieval village is characterised by the presence of a castle owned by the Barberini Princes since 1635.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, cared for by the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, assisted by the Oblate Sisters of the Virgin Mary of Fatima who share the spirituality of the Oblates, aims to offer the Church particular services inspired by the charism of Venerable Father Pio Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblate Fathers. Since the Congregation was founded in 1826, it has always had a special devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Oblates had already been present on the site since 1962, with the construction of the Seminary and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. In 1971, encouraged by the devotion that was spreading through the presence of numerous pilgrims, they began the construction of the present Sanctuary, designed by architect Lorenzo Monardo, who imagined the new building as a great tent stretched over the faithful and reaching upwards. The inauguration took place on 13 May 1979.
Inspired by the needs of the liturgy, which encourages the faithful to take an active part, the interior space was shaped as a complete and enveloping form, almost as if to bring humanity closer to the divine.
The interior of the Sanctuary is characterised by a soft, polychrome light created by the stained-glass windows, the work of Father Ugolino, a Capuchin friar.
At the centre of the Sanctuary, on the presbytery, stands the golden tabernacle, the work of the Milanese sculptor Montagutti, depicting the Angel who appeared to the three shepherd children of Fatima offering the Eucharist. At his feet, in deep contemplation, are the little Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia.
On the right side of the presbytery, beside the ambo, the large crucifix embraces the congregation, while on the left, placed on a bronze pedestal recalling the holm oak, the white image of Our Lady of Fatima invites the faithful to prayer. The two ambos and the trunk supporting the statue of the Madonna are the work of the Genoese sculptor Giovanni Battista Airaldi.
The beautiful Stations of the Cross form a crown around the interior space of the sanctuary. Beginning with the events of the Last Supper, they accompany the Lord through to the mystery of the Resurrection. They were created in metal by the sculptor Gabriele di Jagnocco.
Before climbing up to the Sanctuary, visitors encounter the Chapel of Adoration, dedicated to the little Blesseds of Fatima, Francisco and Jacinta. The portal represents the events of Fatima which, in 1917, were a call to a more authentic Christian life.
The large square in front of the Sanctuary is surrounded by 15 small shrines depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary. At the centre stands the statue of the Risen Christ.
MASS TIMES
Sundays and Feast Days
9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 16:30, 17:30
Weekdays
8:30, 10:00, 18:00
Sanctuary opening hours
7:30 – 18:30
August
Sundays and Feast Days: 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 17:30, 19:00
Weekdays: 8:30, 18:00
Sunday 6 August, first Sunday of the month:
Eucharistic Adoration at 16:45
Holy Mass at 17:30
Followed by the Marian procession
September
Sundays and Feast Days: 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 17:30, 19:00
Weekdays: 8:30, 10:00, 18:00
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone
06 2266016
santuarionsdifatima@gmail.com
Address
Via Ponte Terra 8
00132 San Vittorino R. (RM)
Website
https://www.santuariosanvittorino.it/
#TERREDIOTIUM
