Pompeii Rising, Then and Now

Introducing Pompeii Rising: A Story of Faith, Devotion, and Restoration through the intercession of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii

 

In the heart of Italy lies the ancient city of Pompeii, once devastated by a fiery volcanic eruption in 79AD. For centuries, this place remained desolate and devoid of faith. But in a moment destined by Divine Providence, Our Lady chose Blessed Bartolo Longo as the vessel of change. She spoke to his soul, inspiring him to spread the devotion of the Rosary far and wide in the valley of Pompeii. Blessed Bartolo acquired and repaired a painting of the Blessed Virgin and the Child Jesus giving the Devotion of the Holy Rosary to St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena and hung it up for all to see. From the volcanic ash, a pontifical shrine was built in Pompeii where pilgrims can venerate the miraculous image, known today as Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii. Through the prayers of the faithful and Our Lady's intercession, the city rose from the ashes of darkness, igniting a fervent devotion within the hearts of the people. What was once a city destroyed by fire, Our Lady restored through the transformative power of the fire of love.

 

In a remarkable parallel, we find the history of our beloved church. The Great Fire of 1901 left the Jacksonville community in ruins. Undeterred, the resilient people relocated one mile north to the neighborhood of Springfield. By 1920, the community had blossomed, and from the very ashes of that devastating fire, the Old Holy Rosary Church emerged to tend to the spiritual needs of the people. Eventually the church was closed in 1986 and sold to the Seventh Day Adventists.  In 2021 the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) was able to acquire the church, with the mission to restore it to its former glory under the patronage and new name of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church.

 

Our ongoing endeavor, the Pompeii Rising Restoration Project, stands as a testament to our enduring faith in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii. Adorning the front entrance of our church is a magnificent carved relief, portraying Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii. Under her loving care we hold firm to the belief that she will once again kindle the flame of love within the hearts of the faithful. Just as she restored a city from ashes through divine love, we trust that she will guide us in revitalizing our church, renewing the spirit of our community, and restoring all things through Christ.

 

Your generous support to the Pompeii Rising Restoration Project is an investment in faith, heritage, and the rekindling of love. Join us as we honor the past, rejuvenate the present, and build a future ablaze with devotion and grace. Together, we can witness Pompeii Rising once more, not only in Italy's historic ruins but in the heart of our community.