The Sanctuary owes its origin to an apparition of the Madonna, which occurred in the 16th century (1500). The fact, handed down to us by a venerable tradition, is confirmed by ancient documents.
A poor woman from Molare, named Clarice, had picked some herbs and cooked them and, placing that miserable meal in a basket, set off towards the mountain, where her husband was cutting wood.
After a good half hour on the road she had arrived where the real climb begins, on the place called the Rocche, and precisely where the main altar of the Sanctuary now stands.
Suddenly a beautiful Lady appears before her, dressed in a rich blue mantle and all surrounded by splendid light.
The good woman, at that vision, falls to her knees amazed and trembling. But his amazement increases when he hears his name called:
– Clarice, do you want to give me some bread?
– Oh! my beautiful lady, very willingly; but I only have some cooked herbs that I bring to my husband.
– Look in the basket – insists the Lady.
The good woman, with an uncertain hand, discovers the basket: IT IS FULL OF FRESH AND SCENTED BREAD!
– Holy Virgin! he exclaims beside himself with emotion.
– I am precisely the one you invoke – added the mysterious Lady.
Go to Molare and tell everyone that I want a Church here in my honor. Here I will place a throne of grace.
And the celestial vision disappeared.