San Damiano: Apparitions of Our Lady of the Roses, Messages, Pilgrimages, Prayers
At San Damiano in Italy, Rosa Quattrini (nicknamed Mamma Rosa) experienced multiple apparitions of the Holy Virgin from 1964 to 1981. The Virgin Mary entrusted her with numerous messages. The Catholic Church has not recognized the authenticity of these apparitions, yet pilgrimages continue at San Damiano, and a priest is delegated to celebrate Mass there.
History of the San Damiano Apparitions
Who is Mamma Rosa?
Rosa Buzzini was born in 1909 near Piacenza, Italy. Married to Giuseppe Quattrini, she had three children under difficult circumstances (requiring cesareans). During her third pregnancy, doctors recommended therapeutic abortion due to high risks, but Rosa refused, declaring: "This child was given to me by God," surrendering to God’s Will. After the birth, Mamma Rosa (as villagers called her) suffered non-healing abdominal wounds (perforated peritonitis) and was bedridden for nine years.
On September 29, 1961 (Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel), Mamma Rosa returned from the hospital. Alone with her aunt, she received a visit from the Most Holy Virgin Mary, appearing as a young peasant girl. The Virgin knocked, asking for alms to buy three candles for the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo. Despite poverty, they gave the offering. The Holy Virgin then laid hands on Mamma Rosa’s wounds, healing her instantly. She instructed Rosa to visit Padre Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo. During this visit (May 1962), the Virgin revealed herself as "Mother of Consolation and the Afflicted." Padre Pio urged Mamma Rosa to dedicate herself to caring for the sick. She did so for 2.5 years until Padre Pio announced her mission was complete and she must prepare for a great event.
The Apparitions of the Virgin Mary
On October 16, 1964, the first apparition of Our Lady occurred. Mamma Rosa was praying the Angelus when a voice called her outside twice: "Come, My daughter, come forward... I await you." She saw a luminous white cloud, ringed with stars and raining roses, settling on a pear tree in her garden. Within a fiery red globe at its center stood the Holy Virgin, wearing a blue robe, a white belt with a gleaming white rosary, and an infinite white mantle. A crown encircled her head, depicting St. Peter’s Basilica dome with the 12 Apostles. Rays of light and roses streamed from her hands. Before leaving, the Virgin promised a sign: the pear tree would bloom. Though laden with fruit, it flowered miraculously, remaining in bloom for three weeks.
Thus began Mamma Rosa’s great mission. The Virgin Mary appeared weekly, delivering messages for the world until Rosa’s death in 1981.
Position of the Catholic Church
The Bishop of Piacenza (jurisdiction of San Damiano) issued a first warning in 1965, followed by others in 1966 and 1968. His successor issued four warnings between 1970–1980. Bishop Mazza reiterated this judgment in 1986. Today, Bishop Monari maintains the apparitions lack supernatural origin but appointed a priest to celebrate Mass at San Damiano and permits some spiritual events.
Messages of Our Lady of the Roses at San Damiano
First Message: October 16, 1964
"My daughter, I come from afar. Tell the world all must pray, for Jesus can no longer bear the cross. I want all to be saved—good and wicked. I am the Mother of Love, Mother of all; you are all My children. That is why I want all saved. I have come to call the world to prayer, for chastisements are near.
I will return every Friday with messages for you to share with the world."
The Power of Prayer
"What holds greatest value, says the Heavenly Mother, is prayer!
Words matter little. A prayer said truly with faith and love, aloud, is worth more than all the world’s speeches!
Always pray aloud so prayers rise to heaven in intimate union with angels and saints, reaching the Eternal Father.
Prayer must ascend to heaven to receive more abundantly the graces I pour—with power given by the Eternal Father—on the whole world!" (April 8, 1969)
The Power of the Rosary
"Mothers, have little children pray the Rosary often. Recite the Rosary, and your home will have joy, serenity, and harmony. You will have everything!" (February 25, 1966)
"My children, I pour forth countless graces. Ask for graces! Ask, for I am ready to shower them upon you! Have faith and, with the Rosary in hand, ask for graces. Jesus and Mary are ready to bestow them. Be strong, My children, be strong!" (August 18, 1967)
"Your Heavenly Mother spreads a crown of graces and heavenly blessings over you. This crown of graces is the Rosary. I ask for the Rosary, My children—it brings joy to homes, drives out discord, and grants peace, love, serenity, and the grace to reach Heaven." (August 25, 1967)
Pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of San Damiano
Since 1964, pilgrims have flocked to San Damiano due to extraordinary events. The Virgin’s words about this chosen place:
"Here is My paradise of predilection on earth. Here, all angels and saints surround Me. Pray, My sons, pray around My little garden of paradise. I will always be here with angels and archangels, and with all of you gathered." (September 22, 1967)
At San Damiano, the Virgin invites pilgrims to drink from a spring discovered behind the pear tree of the first apparition. This water heals soul and body:
"This water will purify and free the obsessed. Drink much water, and bathe afflicted body parts while reciting three Hail Marys and a Creed." (October 13, 1967)
Prayer to Our Miraculous Lady of the Roses
"Heavenly Mother, Queen of Heaven, Sovereign of humanity, You who received from God the power and mission to crush Satan’s head—obedient to Your call, we hasten to Your feet.
Mother full of Mercy, accept the praises and prayers Your pilgrim children raise to You with trust. They come to entrust all their sorrows and miseries.
O wondrous reflection of Heaven’s beauty—by faith’s light, dispel error’s darkness from our minds.
Mystical Rose—by heavenly hope’s fragrance, revive discouraged souls.
Inexhaustible fount of saving water—by floods of Divine Charity, restore life to withered hearts.
We are Your children; You comfort us in sorrow, protect us in danger, sustain us in struggle.
Make us love and serve Your Son Jesus; give us ardent love for Your Rosary; help us spread Marian devotion everywhere. May we strive to live in grace to merit eternal happiness with You. Amen!"
Pray three Hail Marys and repeat three times:
"Our Miraculous Lady of the Roses, deliver us from all evils of soul and body."
