A Penitent Blogger

Mindful of my imperfections, seeking to know Truth more deeply and to live Love more fully.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus? Quem patronum rogaturus? Cum vix iustus sit securus?
Recordare, Iesu pie, Quod sum causa tuae viae: Ne me perdas illa die...

Saturday, February 11, 2006

On a hill outside Torino

In 1706, French troops had invaded the area around Torino.

The local ruler, Duke Vittorio Amedeo II of the house of Savoy, went outside the city to do reconnaissance.

Atop the hill of Superga he went inside a small parish church and prayed. He vowed that if they were able to defeat the invaders, he would build a larger church building on that spot.

The French were defeated.

In 1731, a brand-new Basilica opened atop the hill of Superga.