The Centre for Marian Studies research seminar

In this seminar, Dr Jessica Hughes (The Open University) will share some of her ongoing research on the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, which was founded in the 1870s by a lawyer named Bartolo Longo.

The first part of her paper will present the early history of the Shrine, tracking its rapid development into one of Italy’s major pilgrimage sites. She will then focus on the relationship between the Shrine and the neighbouring archaeological site of ancient Pompeii - already a popular tourist destination at the time of the Shrine’s foundation.

Drawing on devotional literature and images, as well as archival records of building work and early festival celebrations, the seminar will present an overview of how the ancient ruins of the 'Old Pompeii' were drawn on by Longo and his collaborators to create a unique identity for the Catholic 'New Pompeii' and its growing Marian devotion.

Register

Please email catherine.obrien@stmarys.ac.uk to register for free and access the Zoom link.

More events like this

This is the first of a new series of online research seminars organised by the Centre for Marian Studies at St Mary’s University. Explore the full events programme.