In the delightful town of Avezzano, in the green heart of Abruzzo, we find a spiritual place that awakens in us an intimate yet delicate love for the Virgin Mary. 

It is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Silence. Commissioned by Pope Francis, it was established two years ago and houses the icon of Our Lady of Silence. Rector Brother Emiliano Antenucci emphasizes: “Interest in this Marian devotion is growing. Silence is the true reform and revolution of the Church.”

The history

It all began with an idea by Brother Emiliano Antenucci, who in 2010 commissioned the Benedictine nuns of Isola di San Giulio d’Orta to create the icon depicting Our Lady with the index finger of her right hand on her lips, asking for silence. In June 2016, Brother Emiliano brought the original icon to Pope Francis to have it blessed. After blessing it, the Pope wrote on the back of the icon: “Do not speak ill of others!” In 2019, the Holy Father asked the provincial minister of the Capuchins of Abruzzo to “find a place, a church, where public worship could be offered to Our Lady of Silence.” In 2020, the Church of San Francesco in Avezzano was established as the diocesan shrine of “Our Lady of Silence.” Today, in the small church of the religious complex, the icon is located on the altar and is a constant attraction for pilgrims who come from all over Italy.

The church

The church, with its simple, essential lines, has a single nave. Inside, in a niche above the altar, is a Byzantine-style icon. The murals were created by Francesco Antonio Bianchi.

“Our Lady of Silence is Our Lady for our times, times that need profound silence: silence of compassion and solidarity, silence of prayer and contemplation” (Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle).

To learn about the Sanctuary

Contacts and addresses
Via Lago di Scanno, 41
67051 Avezzano (AQ)

How to get there the Sanctuary