The Blessed Virgin of Creta, proclaimed Patroness of the Centaurs in 1947 by Pope Pius XII, has a fascinating history rooted in popular devotion and motorcycling tradition.
Since 1946, every second Sunday of July, an important international gathering is held that attracts motorcyclists from around the world. On that occasion the sanctuary opens its doors not only to pilgrims but also to their motorcycles, creating a unique atmosphere where faith and passion meet.
Origins of the cult
The devotion to the Madonna della Creta and of the Graces in Castellazzo Bormida dates back to 1630, during a plague epidemic that struck Piedmont. To invoke protection and hope, the Castellazzo resident Giovanni Viola had a small shrine built in 1631 dedicated to the Virgin, on the same site where today stands the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Creta.
Over the centuries the sanctuary was expanded and transformed, becoming a point of reference for the faithful. In 1797 the first stone was laid for the construction of a new building, completed only in 1927, when the sanctuary received affiliation with the Vatican Basilica, equating pilgrimages to the sanctuary with those to Rome.
Inside the sanctuary, along the corridor leading to the Rotonda, numerous ex-voto offerings can be admired, testimony to the devotion toward the Blessed Virgin of Creta and of the Graces.
The connection with motorcyclists
The bond between the sanctuary and the motorcycling world was born during World War II, thanks to Dr. Marco Re, a pharmacist from Castellazzo Bormida who was already the founder of the local motorcycle club.
It is said that, in a moment of hardship, he had a dream-vision of the Little Madonna of the Centaurs, which prompted him to found the Madonnina dei Centauri movement (1942–1947), with the aim of obtaining recognition of the Blessed Virgin of Creta and of the Graces as Patroness of Motorcyclists.
A crucial event occurred on 8 September 1946, when the sanctuary hosted the first International Motorcyclists’ Conference of the Madonnina dei Centauri. This historic rally, in the complicated post-war context, saw the participation of celebrated Italian and even international riders, marking the start of a tradition that continues today.
Crowning the commitment of Dr. Re and the Pioneers of the Madonnina dei Centauri movement, the definitive consecration arrived on 6 March 1947, with Apostolic Brief 17/47 of 11 February 1947. Pope Pius XII officially proclaimed the Blessed Virgin of Creta, venerated in the sanctuary of Castellazzo Bormida, Patroness of Motorcyclists.
The Votive Lamp: a symbol to preserve
A second foundational moment was the 1949 journey of 13 motorcyclists to Rome, carrying a votive lamp dedicated to the Little Madonna of the Centaurs as a token of devotion.
Everything began on 30 January 1949, when the organizing committee of the newly formed International Moto Club Madonnina dei Centauri (MCI/MC) met for its second council session. It was decided to offer a Votive Lamp as a sign of devotion from motorcyclists to the Little Madonna, Patroness of the Centaurs.
To guarantee the utmost solemnity, the intervention of the Bishop of Alessandria, newly ordained Bishop of the Centaurs — Monsignor Giuseppe Pietro Gagnor — was requested; he welcomed the initiative enthusiastically.
The bishop addressed a prayer to Pope Pius XII, who approved the lighting of the lamp for the Altar of the Celestial Patroness of the Centaurs. It was arranged that the Pope himself would light the lamp with his own hands on the following 7 July at the Holy See.
The importance of this event was extraordinary: the lamp represented the spirit of brotherhood uniting motorcyclists worldwide. To underscore the international character of the offering, a Latin dedication was engraved:
Patronae suae ex toto orbe terrarum fraternitate vincti Centauri nostri
(By their Patroness, the centaurs of the whole world are bound by ties of brotherhood)
The piece, made of silvered and gilded copper, reproduced a motorcycling motif and was created by Cesare Boggiano of Genoa.
On 5 July 1949, a group of motorcyclists from Alessandria set out for Rome, carrying the Votive Lamp on a journey that would enter history.
The procession gathered in the public gardens of Alessandria (from that moment the gardens became the local meeting place of the Centaurs and the historic site of the annual international rally), led by a small decorated lorry painted blue that transported the Votive Lamp. A joyful crowd gathered to witness the departure. Along the route, motorcyclists from Turin, Milan and abroad joined the column, followed by delegations from other Italian towns.
Monsignor Gagnor, who had preceded the group by a day, went to the Vatican to arrange the reception of the Holy Father.
The blessing ceremony took place inside the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope appeared to greet the crowd of motorcyclists gathered in the Courtyard of San Damaso. The roar of engines was the response to his greeting, creating an atmosphere full of emotion and respect.
After withdrawing, the Pontiff proceeded to light the Votive Lamp, thanking the motorcyclists for their gift to the Little Madonna of the Centaurs and to the Apostolic See. In complicated times, the strictness of rules was matched by the will to commit to the affirmation of ideas of communion and brotherhood, born from years of poverty and war.
The reception the column received upon its return was triumphant. Already near Novi Ligure many cars waited to escort the column. The entry into the streets of Alessandria was extraordinary: the Cathedral bells rang joyfully to announce the arrival into the city.
Around 11:00 on 10 July, the Votive Lamp traveled triumphantly through the streets of Castellazzo Bormida, amid the acclamations of the crowd and the festive ringing of bells. A large number of faithful filled the Church, illuminated by a myriad of sparkling lights.
The Bishop received the Votive Lamp from the hands of the sporting authorities and placed it in the center of the presbytery before celebrating a Solemn Mass. For all present, that moment represented an ode to communion with motorcyclists from around the world, united under the gaze of the Little Madonna of the Centaurs.
A message for new generations
My words aim to remind new generations of the importance of this event, which for us motorcyclists was a unique and unrepeatable moment.
I urge everyone who lives the passion for two wheels to keep alive the symbolism of the “Consecrated Lamp,” so that its meaning of brotherhood and devotion continues to light the road of the Centaurs of today and tomorrow.
A Pioneer of the Madonnina
The tripod and the “Flame of Brotherhood”
On 14 July 1956, during the opening ceremony of the 11th International Madonnina dei Centauri Rally, a moment destined to become legend took place in the square in front of the Sanctuary: the Flame of Brotherhood was lit for the first time.
The symbolic act was performed by Henri Jeaneret, Major Pioneer of Nice (France), the first keeper of a fire destined to shine across generations. Fate had it that Jeaneret tragically passed away in February 1957; in his honor the Moto Club of Arles (France) donated a copper lighter as a tribute to his memory.
From the 12th International Madonnina dei Centauri Rally (July 1957) that precious lighter became the means through which the Flame of Brotherhood continued to burn, illuminating the tripod at the entrance of the Patroness’ Sanctuary.
Since then, year after year, the Flame is lit to remember the victims of the road, a gesture full of respect and unity, a bond that crosses borders and eras. It remains lit until the close of the event, as a beacon of memory and brotherhood for all participating motorcyclists.
Aimé Genestre – Mc d’Arles with the Flame of Brotherhood 1957
Today, the Sanctuary of the Little Madonna of the Centaurs continues to be a point of reference for motorcyclists from all over the world. Every year, on the second Sunday of July, thousands of enthusiasts gather at the Sanctuary, united by the passion for two wheels, friendship and spirituality.
The international event is not only a motorcycle rally, but a true moment of brotherhood, where motorcyclists from every origin celebrate the values of freedom, community and respect under the protection of their Patroness, the Blessed Virgin of Creta and of the Graces.