Polish Resurrectionists have been ministering there for more than years. According to tradition, the sanctuary stands at the site of the conversion of the Roman tribune Placidus turn of the first and second centuries A. Their year stay left a legacy in form of fragments of ninth-century architecture, a Romanesque temple from the 12th century and several artefacts the most important being a statue of Our Lady of Mentorella.
A visible sign of their presence is the painting of St Stanislaus Kostka in the church. In , Pope Pius IX entrusted the abandoned church and monastery to the newly formed Resurrectionist congregation founded by Poles. Owing to their efforts, the church buildings were renovated, and the church was decorated with paintings and artefacts made by members of the congregation and renowned artists, including Edward Brzozowski and Tomasz Oskar Sosnowski.
Before , stained glass windows were made, which were part of the celebration of the millennium of the baptism of Poland in Italy. The earliest surviving entry of Karol Wojtyła in the guest book of the Mentorelli Shrine dates back to The hierarch visited the place more than 30 times, including eight times as pope. These were private visits, focused on prayer and rest. The mountain trail named Sentiero Karol Wojtyla is also a reminder of his visits.
The Pope is also commemorated by a bronze statue placed in front of the church entrance. Dozens of photographs of the visits by Pope John Paul II and Polish President Andrzej Duda to the shrine are on display in one of the rooms on the first floor of the monastery building.
Journal: Archiwa, Biblioteki i Muzea Kościelne. Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.
