How to obtain a grace through the relic of the Sacred Belt of Mary
La Holy Girdle, also called the Girdle of the Virgin Mary is a precious relic that has come to an end since the beginning of Christianity. It represents a band of fabric which, according to tradition, was worn by the Madonna at the moment of her Assumption into heaven.
The history of the Sacred Belt
The history of the Sacred Girdle originates in the first century after Christ, when the Madonna still lived on earth. In fact, it is said that she was herself a create this fabric belt, weaving together the threads of lgoat ana and gold thread. From here on, the belt was considered a sacred object and blessed by the saint, quickly becoming a precious relic for all Christians.
The Sacred Girdle was then brought to Ephesus, where the Madonna lived for a few years, and where it would have been kept in a temple dedicated to Virgin Mary. Here it came revered by the faithful, who believe in the miraculous powers of the relic, able to heal and protect from danger.
After Ephesus, the Sacred Girdle has had a somewhat complex history. Over the centuries it has been transferred many times, moving from one church to another. In 1291 it was donated to the cathedral of Prato (Tuscany), where it still stands today.
Description
The Girdle of the Virgin Mary, as the documents describing it say, is approx 87 cm and is composed of a strip of goat wool and a gold thread intertwined, closed on one side by a tassel, on the other by an emerald green ribbon. On it, some are also visible blood stains. These spots are interpreted in different ways. Sometimes considered a sign of a miraculous healing that occurred during an epidemic in the 1312, sometimes referring to the final imprecation of the Our Father uttered before his death by the bishop and vicar of the Emperor Frederick II.
The Sacred Girdle is exposed to the public only on some special occasions, above all on the occasion of the feast of the Madonna of the Assumption, or on the occasion of important pilgrimages. It cannot be touched by visitors and is kept in a precious crystal case. The display case is used to preserve it and to protect it from bad weather.