Between Art and Spirituality

Mary Help of Christians

Hello, I'm Marcello Beato. Art and history are my passion, which is why I've made them my profession. As a tour guide, I love helping both visitors and locals discover how beautiful and rich in history South Tyrol is. In this podcast, I will tell you about a place of great spirituality. But what do we mean by spirituality?

Human beings have always been driven by the need to find a deeper meaning to their existence and to establish a connection with something transcendent or superior, which goes beyond the material plane. This aspiration translates into a path of inner growth, awareness, compassion, and harmony with the surrounding world. Spirituality, therefore, manifests itself in different and personal ways: some find peace in meditation, others are inspired by art and nature, others devote themselves to serving others, and still others seek a relationship with the divine through prayer. Whatever path is taken, spirituality is a journey that enriches existence, promoting values such as kindness, forgiveness, and solidarity.

In Christianity, spirituality is a way of life based on faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to the Gospel. Believers are called to establish a personal relationship with God, pursuing harmony between body, mind, and spirit through prayer. However, this spiritual journey is constantly evolving, paving the way for more individual searches for meaning that sometimes deviate from traditional forms of institutional religion. It is a process of growth oriented towards self-transcendence and the desire to draw ever closer to Christ, while maintaining a humble spirit.

In the Christian religion, not only God but also the Virgin Mary plays a central role. Marian devotion is expressed in the Catholic veneration of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, whose origins date back to the early centuries of Christian tradition. This devotion, while distinct from the worship reserved for God, manifests itself in a variety of forms: prayers, pilgrimages, liturgical feasts, and popular practices. The aim is to exalt Mary as the mother of Christ and a model of faith for all Christians.

A significant example of the depth of Marian devotion can be found in Tyrol, where, especially in the past, devotion to the Virgin Mary was particularly strong. The Sanctuary of Zinggen, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, is an emblematic example of this. Built in 1658 along the road to Brenner, the sanctuary was created with the aim of welcoming the many pilgrims eager to entrust their concerns to the Virgin Mary and gather in prayer. Inside, it houses the sacred and miraculous image of Mary Help of Christians, particularly venerated for the alleged miracles attributed to her.

The main altar, in Baroque style, houses this miraculous image of Mary who supports and protects the Christian people. Even today, the faithful gather before her to ask for help and comfort. Also noteworthy are the sculptures on the altar and on the walls, all dating back to the 17th century, while the frescoes were painted in 1837.

The origin of the sanctuary is linked to a mysterious event: Philipp Oberinger of Zinggen had the first wooden chapel built after finding two wooden statues depicting the suffering Christ and the Mater Dolorosa. Growing devotion prompted the community to build a sanctuary as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for having survived the Thirty Years' War. The church, consecrated in 1658, was modeled on the chapels dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto and housed the miraculous image of Mary Help of Christians on the altar. On the side altars are statues of St. Joseph and St. Anthony, works by Josef Schöpf dated 1781.