Shrine of Mary Help of Christians of Alì Terme
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One of the holiest places which can be visited Alì Terme is certainly the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians: born as a chapel, it has only recently obtained the status of Sanctuary, also thanks to the presence inside of the remains of Blessed Maddalena Morano.
A visit to this Sanctuary means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of mysticism and faith: here's everything you need to know to better organize your trip.
History of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians of Alì Terme
In 1890 the institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians was founded, annexed to which there is also a small chapel that served for those who lived in the institute. In fact, the structure was essentially a boarding school but also served as a school and a novitiate, for this very reason it needed its own chapel which in fact was built starting from 1900.
The first stone was laid at the behest of the blessed Michele Rua, who was the successor of Giovanni Bosco, who worked very hard to be able to find the funds for the construction of the chapel and blessed the works as well as celebrating the first mass inside, on 15 May 1901. However, it was thanks to the generous contribution of the Marchesa di Cassibile that the work was completed. On 5 November 2018, then, Giovanni Accolla, Bishop of Messina, with a solemn ceremony attributed the chapel to Mary Help of Christians and then elevated it to the rank of Sanctuary.
The architecture and any works of art present in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Alì Terme
The structure of the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians of Alì Terme has a fairly modern layout, given its relatively recent construction. Inside, however, it stands out for its beauty and charm chapel which is dedicated to Blessed Magdalene Morano, of which the remains are kept right inside. Morano was there first superior of the Institute, the one who opened her doors to the young people of Ali and beyond.
The chapel is accessed through an entrance which is underlined by two yellow Vicenza marble columns which support a semi-cylindrical archivolt. In the walls of the chapel there are numerous small arches in relief, each of which is decorated with scenes representing the Christian virtues. At the end of the central wall, on the other hand, is the sacellum that houses the Blessed, made of gold and pink marble: the angels of the Apocalypse are sculpted in the four corners.
What you can do around the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Alì Terme
After visiting the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice of Alì Terme, it is possible to use the remaining time to discover other corners of the town in the province of Messina. Certainly those who come to these parts do so because they are attracted by its places beaches and crystal clear sea but there are also many monuments to visit for art and history enthusiasts.
The symbol of the locality can be considered the Medieval Tower, also known by the name of Saracen Tower: a sighting place dating back to the year one thousand. As for the civil architecture, it certainly is not to be missed Church of San Rocco, recently become Mother Church, whose construction dates back to the early eighteenth century. It is one of the few historic buildings of the time left standing because over the centuries numerous earthquakes have damaged the artistic heritage. Finally, for a relaxing break, we recommend a day to spend at Marine Baths.
How to get to Ali Terme
By car:, those who wish to reach the town to visit the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice of Alì Terme can do so starting from Messina and along the SS114.
On the other hand, those coming from Palermo will have to choose the A20 first and then continue on the E90, as well as those who leave from Trapani.
From Syracuse the reference road is the E45 while from Catania you must first follow the A18 and then the E45.
Finally, from Enna the road indicated is the A19 and then the E932.
Ali also has one of his own railway station which is located on the line that connects Messina to Syracuse, and is also served by the lines of bus numbers premises of the public company AST.
