La Madonna del Ghisallo, Pray For Us!

Close to Italy’s Lake Como on the border with Switzerland is the small village of Magreglio, which serves as home to one of the biggest shrines to the sport of cycling: the Madonna del Ghisallo church, which sits on the hill of the same name, and dates back to the Middle Ages.

As the story of the Madonna del Ghisallo goes, a local Count named Ghisallo was saved from bandits when he saw, and ran to, an image of the Virgin Mary. This apparition became known as the Madonna del Ghisallo, and she became the patron saint for local travelers. The church, which was built in the 17th century and contains a painting of the Virgin Mary, remains on this spot.

The madonna del ghisallo church remains a shrine worthy of the climb up the hill of the same name: the madonna del ghisallo church remains a shrine worthy of the climb up the hill of the same name - Peter Suciu

The Madonna del Ghisallo church remains a shrine worthy of the climb up the hill of the same name

The hill to the church is a popular route for cyclists, and was first used as part of the Giro di Lombardia cycling race, which was first run in 1905. While the actual route has changed over the years, the climb to the church remains a staple of the course. In addition to the Giro di Lombardia, the climb to the church has been used in many races including the Giro d’Italia, Coppa Agostini and the Giornata della Bicicletta.

Following World War II in 1949, Father Ermelindo Vigano, a local priest, proposed that the Madonna del Ghisallo also become the patron saint of cycling, the directive was later confirmed by Pope Pius XII.

For years the church served as a shrine to cycling, and is the site of the eternal flame for cyclists who have died. Inside the small chapel is the bicycle of Fabio Casartelli, a native of the region, who he died racing the 1995 Tour de France.

This text was copied from: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/cyclings-patron-saint-madonna-del-ghisallo

The picture was taken from: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOI9iO1fEjtJ9A7Uz4o-rOeeea6bQ3tlvzlXPPk=s680-w680-h510

La Madonna del Ghisallo, pray for us. Protect us on the roads and trails, steer us from dangers and lead us to safety. Amen.

This September, Christians Cycling to End Kids' Cancer is taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!

Why? Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.

Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.

So we are raising funds through our challenge to help these kids and support Children's Cancer Research Fund to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.

Please support us by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve. Each rider has a personal fundraising goal, if you choose to support us please pick a rider and donate directly to them. It will count towards to group total and the rider's personal goal!

Your support will change little lives.

Thank you.

Kara