Nizza Monferrato (Italy). On the occasion of Jubilee 2025, the Shrine dedicated to “Our Lady of Graces” in Nizza Monferrato (Asti), within the complex of the Institute “Our Lady of Graces”, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Mary Help of Christians Province (IPI), was indicated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Acqui, Msgr. Luigi Testore, as a Jubilee Church.
“Pilgrims of hope” is the theme of the Jubilee chosen by Pope Francis to give everyone the opportunity to revive hope, to renew their hearts, and to find in God the reasons for their own hope.
One of the characteristic signs of the Jubilee is the pilgrimage, an experience of sharing, of change, of meeting with Jesus, source of hope. The pilgrimage includes itineraries to choose, places to discover, as a metaphor of a personal journey of conversion. The choice to go to a Jubilee Church expresses the desire and will to reach a place of encounter and dialogue with God, reconciliation and peace with Him, with others, with creation.
The Sanctuary of Nzza has doors open for those who wish to make a spiritual stop, reflect on their own lives, welcome the gift of Reconciliation and plenary indulgence, that is, the fullness of God’s forgiveness which knows no boundaries. A calendar of initiatives will be updated monthly and disseminated.
On the occasion of the Jubilee, the Shrine also joins the initiative, “Places of the Heart” of the FAI (Italian Environmental Fund ETS) in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo. The call to which it has adhered makes available a series of contributions for projects for the restoration and enhancement of the Sanctuary, through the willingness of those who wish to support it.
The modality is simple, but it needs the collaboration and support of many people. The census of the Italian places not to be forgotten, allows voting the Sanctuary through several ways:
- online through the FAI website. Just a click is enough to support this Sanctuary, rich in history and spirituality;
- by signing the appropriate paper forms that can be found in the entrance of “Our Lady of Grace” Institute (La Madonna) or downloading them at the bottom of the page cited by clicking on “Form for collecting votes and accompanying card;”
- Raising awareness of the schools about the Places of the Heart, through the Director and/or teachers, in order to collect votes directly from the School Secretary, printing lists of children, teachers, and ATA staff, with a cover letter from the School Director. The forms, signed and stamped by the Director, must be sent to Sister Paola Cuccioli (nizza@gmail.com).
The time of a click and sharing with friends of this initiative will allow this place of the heart to be even more valued.
The invitation to visit the Shrine and the FMA Mother House in Viale don Bosco, 40 – Nizza Monferrato (Asti) remains open. The opportunity will be offered for a guided tour to discover the history, art, culture, and spirituality of this place so significant and blessed.
The Sanctuary and the convent structure have very ancient origins. It seems, according to the Statutes of Nizza Monferrato, it was already present since the thirteenth century. Their history has always been intertwined with that of the city, which over the centuries has been the theatre of wars with allies or invaders: French, Spanish, Austrian, and German. The destination and function of the different environments are constantly changing.
In 1871, the buildings sold to the Wine Society of Savigliano, are used as a winery. The company went bankrupt and Count Cesare Balbo, whose grandfather, whose name he bears, was a politician and historian from Piedmont, invites Don Bosco to buy the real estate. The Saint, given the deterioration of the church and the neglect of the entire convent area, surrounded by a large green area and a hill, did not hesitate to buy it in 1877.
There he transferred the Sisters there of the Institute founded by him on 5 August 1872 at Mornese (AL). The first Daughters of Mary Help of Christians arrive in September 1878, and Mother Mazzarello, the confounder, on 4 February 1879. They are responsible for the education of girls. After the long and expensive restoration work, the complex became the Mother House of the Congregation and the General House until 1929 (which was later moved to Turin until 1969 and then, until today, to Rome).
The Sanctuary marked the life of the nascent Institute. It opened its doors to generations of young people, new female vocations, people from all walks of life seeking help from God and Our Lady. Testimonies of graces and miracles are not lacking. Every year pilgrims come from all over the world to rediscover the presence of Mother Mazzarello and the first FMA, and to get in touch with the origins of the Institute.
The Sanctuary is, however, affected by its centuries of history and requires restoration and adjustment. Voting for this site is giving voice to the past, root of religious and social traditions of Nicesia and Monferrina. It is to ensure that the future has a place where hope can be found.
