The Mazzarelli
Maria Mazzarello spent the first years of her life within these walls, with her loved ones(...) Her parents were involved in educating her not only in a Christian way, as they themselves had been educated, but also to holiness... (from: Cronistoria Ist. FMA).
Mazzarelli is the name given to the three small settlements from the common surname of the resident families: "Mazzarelli di qua" (on this side), "Mazzarelli di mezzo" (middle Mazzarelli), and "Mazzarelli di là" (on the other side). Maria Mazzarello’s grandfather acquired a house for his family of seven children on February 1, 1826 at "Mazzarelli di qua". His second son Giuseppe was Maria’s father.
THE NATIVE HOUSE. The place where Maria Mazzarello was born is a modest and dignified stone building,. In 1996, some repairs were made within the building to strengthen certain parts that had deteriorated with the passing of time. The building, well subdivided, housed also two other families of her father’s brothers. Most probably, Maria remained in this house until 1849 or 1850. In fact the family took residence in Valponasca only in 1850.
THE ROOM WHERE MARY DOMENICA WAS BORN. This is the place where one stops to pray and meditate remembering Maria Mazzarello's birth. In the nearby rooms , there is an interesting photographic documentation on the beginnings of the Institute of the FMA, and on the first missionary expedition. There are also some objects which belonged to Maria Mazzarello; little meaningful things with a showing which time can’t forget: poverty, simplicity, fraternity, joy, and all this because an unlimited love for God and for the others had filled her life.
THE TEMPLE. It stands here, precisely in the place of the origins with its simple, high architectural lines. Desidered by the FMA and constructed with the help of the Past Pupils from 57 nations. It was consecrated on August 4, 1972 by Mgr. Giuseppe dell’Olmo, the Bishop of Acqui. This was the centenary year of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who, for the occasion, witnessed the return of Maria Mazzarello to Mornese: the urn containing her body left the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians temporarily to come here among her Sisters and her people. The statue of the Saint in front of the temple welcomes pilgrims from all over the world and, from there, she seems to remind everybody what she used to say to her brothers and sisters from the Valponasca window while pointing to the church: "Jesus is there!" The interior of the temple is simple and essential. Ones attention is drawn to the tabernacle since Jesus in the Eucharist was the center of her life. On the wall behind the tabernacle, a painting by Caffaro Rore representing the "Glory of St. Mary Mazzarello" stands out. Sustained up by angels, Maria Mazzarello is tending eagerly towards Mary Help of Christians who comes to meet her with Her Son. Below the altar is a relic of the Saint.
THE CENTER OF SPIRITUALITY. The center was built during two different times between 1961 and 1971. The house offers the possibility of Spiritual Retreats, spiritual training courses, meetings and days of spirituality in a place of restful green and of silence which favours the union with God.
THE LITTLE CHAPEL OF THE MAZZARELLI. Blessed on May 24, 1843, the little chapel was built by the inhabitants of the Mazzarelli who wanted it to honour Our Lady. They dedicated it to Mary Help of Christians and to Saints Stefano and Lorenzo in thanksgiving for the protection granted during the great cholera epidemic which plagued the section between 1835 and 1836. The image of Our Blessed Lady with Saints Lorenzo and Stefano adorned the facade of the church. Built with poor materials and little money, it collapsed after some decades and only the apse and its arched vault remained. Later, a little chapel was built out of an opening in the apse. In 1964, on the centenary year of the first meeting of Don Bosco with Maria Mazzarello, the FMA, with the help of the village people, restored it to its original architectural design and proportions. Thus, today, Mary Help of Christians visibly continues her maternal presence and protection, just as she did at the beginning of Maria Mazzarello’s life. On May 24, 1843, Maria Mazzarello was six years old when the old church was blessed. Maria Mazzarello lived under the shadow of a church dedicated to Mary Help of Christians from her earliest days..