Revealing the devotional gifts of seafarers across the generations

MSC Foundation is main partner of one-month exhibition of the treasures of the Madonna del Lauro in Meta on the Sorrento Peninsula, Italy

The church of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Lauro in Meta, Campania, is famous across the Sorrento Peninsula for its Madonna’s miracles as heavenly protector of seafarers. Now, as we approach the 275^th anniversary of the coronation of the Madonna del Lauro next year, the Basilica is generously bringing to public view some of the many exceptional creations in its treasure of votive offerings presented to the Madonna by devout local seafarers over the ages.

Offered in thanks for their lives following storms and other threats at sea, the exquisitely crafted objects range from to the figures of saints to precious items inset with jewels. The masterpieces displayed include holy robes and church furnishings, a wooden statue of the Madonna of the Rosary dating from 1655, complete with her original 17^th century robes, a gold chick holding a magnificent diamond in its beak, a late 17^th century silver temple monstrance and a gold heart votive offering made at the outbreak of the First World War.

The exhibition is the very first time that these extraordinary items have been assembled for public display. It will be open to the public free of charge from the 20^th of August to the 20^th of September 2022, from 08:30 to 11:30 and 17:30 to 20:30 every day of the week.

“We are honoured and delighted to be main partners of this initiative celebrating the heavenly protector of seafarers,” commented MSC Foundation Executive Director Daniela Picco. “The Sorrento Peninsula is particularly dear to MSC, and this exhibition is perfectly in line with our seafaring heritage, commitment to protect our Blue Planet and mission to support environmental, cultural and social projects of community interest.”