SANCTUARY MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

The Story of a Sanctuary and a Mission

A place of faith, education and human promotion with the charism of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

Located on the Ionian coast of Messina, in the heart of Alì Terme, the Sanctuary Mary Help of Christians represents a point of reference for Marian devotion and the educational mission of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Founded in 1890 as an internal chapel of the Maria Ausiliatrice Institute, it became a place of worship open to the community and, in 2018, was elevated to Diocesan Marian Sanctuary. Here, veneration of the Madonna under the title “Help of Christians” continues, and the relics of Blessed Maddalena Morano are kept—a Salesian missionary and spiritual guide who dedicated her life to the education and formation of young women in Sicily.

SANCTUARY MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

DIOCESAN AID AND PILGRIM’S GUIDE

DIOCESE OF MESSINA

A living and active sanctuary

The Sanctuary, in addition to being a place of Liturgical Celebrations, Devotional Practices, and a destination for Pilgrimages, is also a space for:

personal prayer
spiritual exchange and dialogue
rediscovering oneself through silence, prayer, and fraternity
deepening Salesian Spirituality
getting to know the Salesian Charism and Blessed Maddalena Morano
evangelisation and proclamation especially for children, young people and families
stepping out of solitude and sharing the journey of faith with others
spiritual and ecclesial assistance to pilgrims, walkers, and “guests” in the family spirit typical of Salesian Spirituality
cultural and artistic enrichment as a path to evangelisation and humanisation

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The Sanctuary, as a place of Worship within the Territory and the Diocesan Church of Messina and beyond, in line with the charismatic identity of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, engages in a network and synergy with all areas of mission and, through members of the Educating Community and the Salesian Family, shares responsibility for the mission. It is:

a space for human and Christian development through the educational environment of the Oratory
a space for solidarity and charity through the Solidarity Emporium
a space for shared prayer and fraternal fellowship through participation in the moments of the Religious Community
a space of welcome and hospitality for rediscovering oneself through spiritual retreats, spiritual exercises, and reflective weekends offered by the House of Hospitality

Art and architecture of the sanctuary

The Sanctuary features a simple structure enriched with valuable artistic elements. The Chapel of Blessed Maddalena Morano, the true spiritual heart of the site, holds her relics in a marble shrine adorned with golden and pink tones, with sculptures depicting the angels of the Apocalypse. The entrance to the chapel is marked by two marble columns supporting a decorated arch.

Visit the sanctuary

Next to the Sanctuary, visitors can explore Salesian history through:

The Museum of Sacred Art, with furnishings and objects belonging to Blessed Morano and the Church.

The Photographic Exhibition, with historical images of the presence of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

The Room and Office of Blessed Morano, which preserve writings, photos, and testimonies of her work.

We await you in Alì Terme (ME) to experience faith and spirituality!

PILGRIMAGES: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH

Pilgrimages represent a privileged experience of prayer, fraternity, and rediscovery of one’s faith.

The Maria Ausiliatrice Institute and the Sanctuary of Alì Terme promote each year profound moments of spiritual journey, visiting Marian sanctuaries, significant sites of Salesian spirituality, and destinations of particular religious importance. Each initiative is designed to offer participants a chance for personal and communal growth, guided by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and animated by a spirit of sharing, listening, and openness to the Gospel. In this section, all pilgrimage flyers will be published, with detailed information on dates, destinations, registration methods, and daily schedules.