Santuario della Madonna dei Boschi
Monghidoro
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The Shrine of the Madonna dei Boschi is located on the ancient road that connected Bologna and Florence, in the territory of the Campeggio Parish. Originally, there was a pillar dedicated to the Madonna di San Luca which, due to the numerous graces bestowed, enjoyed great popular devotion, to the point that in the 17th century, thanks to the offerings of the faithful, the current church was built. The venerated image placed on the main altar is inspired by the Madonna di San Luca. The week preceding the solemnity of the Ascension, it emulates the patroness of the diocese of Bologna, “descending" from her usual seat, to be hosted for a week in the Campeggio Shrine, and then it returns "home", carried on the shoulder by the faithful, on the day of the solemnity, the festivity of the Shrine. For many years the Shrine was only opened on the occasions of these holidays, but since 2012 it has been inhabited and officiated by a community of the Immaculate Conception Franciscan friars becoming a spiritual point of reference not only for local populations once again. In fact, there is also a YouTube channel of the Shrines, broadcasting the daily functions live and which has contributed to extend its notoriety. In the summer months, if the weather permits, the festive and pre-festivity Holy Masses are celebrated in the adjacent lawn, where the friars have prepared a suggestive corner for prayer, with a beautiful crucifix, a statue of the Madonna of Fatima and one of St. Joseph. Among other artworks, inside the Shrine, there are eighteenth-century stuccoes, a canvas depicting Saint Joseph, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony of excellent workmanship, a statue of the Virgin of Sorrows, which enjoys great devotion, and a splendid artistic glass window depicting the Immaculate Virgin, recently built but perfectly inserted in the context.