Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Mascoselo > Bairro de Santo António

Location

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette is located in Mascoselo, in the neighborhood of Santo António, municipality of Vila Real. This place of faith is nestled on a slope of the Serra do Alvão mountain range, in an environment that invites serenity. From its elevated vantage point, a vast landscape unfolds, embracing the Vale da Campeã valley and the imposing Serra do Marão mountain range, offering a serene panorama of the region.

The Origins of the Sanctuary

The history of the Sanctuary dates back to the late 19th century, driven by the devotion and dedication of D. Ana Constança de Jesus Dias Barria, a prominent figure in Vila Cova. Around 1898, D. Ana Constança decided to proceed with the construction of a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of La Salette. Local tradition speaks of her deep faith, recounting that the initiative arose from a spiritual longing for a place of prayer. Over the following decades, the sanctuary grew, with the construction of the central nave in the first decades of the 20th century and, subsequently, the addition of the bell tower and the acquisition of a sculptural group of Our Lady of La Salette with the shepherd children, under the guidance of Father José Augusto Peixoto Barria, the founder's nephew.

Architecture and Sacred Art

The Sanctuary comprises the main chapel and an extensive precinct. The architectural ensemble harmoniously integrates religious elements within a natural setting. Benefiting from recent interventions, the chapel's interior reveals the restored altarpiece carving and the expressiveness of the stained-glass windows, conceived by Master Avelino Leite, which lend a singular atmosphere to the space. These works of sacred art contribute to the beauty and spiritual depth of the place, inviting attentive observation and introspection.

A Space of Devotion and Contemplation

Recognized as an important center of Marian devotion, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette attracts numerous faithful and visitors throughout the year. It is a place where spirituality meets natural beauty, creating an environment conducive to meditation. Especially from May to September, the sanctuary hosts various religious celebrations. The peak attendance periods include the first and last Sundays of May, marking Mother's Day and the closing of the Month of Mary. The highlight of popular faith occurs on August 15th, the date of the great feast in honor of Our Lady of La Salette, which gathers thousands of pilgrims, many of them emigrants, in an atmosphere of fellowship and recollection.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt