The upper church, the Basilica, is magnificent. This is partly due to its dome which, completed in 1954, allows natural light to flood the nave. The outside walls were built in 1955 with the interior forming a Latin cross with chapels long either side. The Basilica is also known as the Temple of the Emigrants as, to a large extent, it was their devotion to the “Madonna di San Marco” that provides needed financial support.In the middle of the Sanctuary (also referred to as the chancel or presbytery) there is an important Statue of the “Madonna della Cintura” venerated as the mother of consolation. The statue was carved from wood and painted in 1531. The statue’s origin is believed to be the comune di Zeri in, what is now, the province of Massa and Carrara, Tuscany. However, in the 16th century comune di Zeri was part what was known as Lunigiana, an historical territory of Italy. In 1978 His Holiness, Pope John Paul 1, accorded to the Church the status of Minor Basilica giving it special ecclesiastical privileges. Minor basilicas are traditionally named because of their antiquity, dignity, historical value, architectural and artistic worth, and/or significance as centers of worship. A basilica must “stand out as a center of active and pastoral liturgy,” according to the 1989 Vatican document Domus ecclesiae. The New Sanctuary is an important place of devotion for those living in our mountains and beyond. The annual religious Feast Day of the Madonna di San Marco is the second Sunday in July.

Times of Masses.

Sundays and Feast Days

In Summer: Holy Masses at 8.00 – 10.00 – 17.30

Vigil Mass

In Summer: Holy Masses at 17.30

Weekdays (Monday to Friday)

In Summer: Holy Masses at 17.30

Confessions

Saturdays: from 16.30 to 18.30
Sundays and Feast Days: before the Holy Masses.