On the occasion of the V Centenary Coronation, together with the crown, a mantle will be offered to the Madonna of Oropa. Just as the crown that we will put on Her head is made of sons, “sons of a Queen”, even Her mantle, which descends from the crown, will symbolically represent all of us.
“In the history of art – explains Alessandra Alberto, curator of the project – the mantle of the Madonna is a symbol of protection that unites all the people“.
“We wish that no one is excluded from the embrace of the Queen of Mercy – explains Don Michele Berchi – We can all take refuge under the mantle of Mary: we want everyone to be able to say: I am there too! you are there too!”
The mantle will be made by the Benedictine nuns of Orta by combining pieces of cloth that each of us is called to donate: small swatches of fabrics that are particularly dear to us because they represent a significant moment of our life, or of someone who is dear to us. Some examples? Wedding dresses, overalls, a jacket, the kitchen apron, the bed sheet …