Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice di Aprica

DESCRIPTION:
Begun in 1995, the church was consecrated by Bishop Alessandro Maggiolini on 30 May 1999. It stands next to the ancient Parish Church of San Pietro, near the pass, and represents a “devout tribute to the Virgin to mark the beginning of a new millennium”. The modern, practical church consists of a porch, which also functions as a baptistery, and a large room. It has twelve emblematic columns, along with twelve beams arranged in a radial manner that converge above the chancel – the focal point of the church since it holds the Eucharist and altar. A statue of Mary Help of Christians, produced in autumn of 2005, is positioned near the altar. A tree-like structure with roots placed at the Virgin’s feet has branches that partially enwrap the sculpture then run horizontally towards the altar. The tree is similar to a vine, with a short trunk and long horizontal tendrils that hold round portraits of saints among the leaves and grape bunches. Very bright and welcoming, the interior focuses attention on the single marble altar and the charming tabernacle made of gilded sheets of metal and shaped like a modern house. 
interesting fact: the sanctuary holds the relics of St. John Bosco, which were donated by Maria Luisa Diamani. She inherited them from her father, who in turn received them from the Salesians at the Salesian Home in Alassio, where he taught. He was given the relics in 1929 and now they have a permanent home in Aprica.