When we talk about Our Lady of Loreto, this reminds us what the historical tradition set forward, which tells that in 1294, in addition to the walls of the house of Mary of Nazareth, some angels brought to Loreto an icon as well; upon times the latter was replaced by a wooden statue.
On this place was raised the famous sanctuary of Loreto, an all year long destination for thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Indeed, along with Our Lady of Lourdes and Fátima, Our Lady of Loreto counts a permanent devotion from many parts of the world.
In the altar niche of the Holy House stands the “Black Madonna”, dressed in the traditional dalmatic on which small votive offerings are attached. Due to the endless smoke of the candles, the icon of the Holy Mary became unrecognizable. Ultimately, in 1922, the statue was replaced by a new one made of cedar wood from Lebanon.
It is a one-piece white dalmatic robe that covers both, Holy Mary and Jesus. In one hand baby Jesus holds a golden ball that represents the world, with the other hand he’s blessing.
