The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Domenica Targa, a young shepherdess, in the alpine village of Montagnaga di Pine in Trentino, Italy. Our Lady appeared dressed in white with a rosary in her hand, standing in a meadow. She appeared five times between May 1729 and May 1730, calling for prayer and devotion to the Rosary.
History
In May 1729, Domenica Targa was tending her flock in a meadow near Montagnaga when she saw a beautiful woman dressed in white holding a rosary. The apparitions continued over the following year, with five appearances total. The local bishop, Cardinal Leopold Ernst von Firmian of Trento, investigated and approved the apparitions. The existing Church of Sant'Anna was expanded in 1740 to accommodate pilgrims, and a new church was consecrated by the cardinal. The miraculous image was crowned on August 11, 1894, and a feast day was established on May 26.
Messages
Our Lady called for prayer, devotion to the Rosary, and conversion of life.
Associated Miracles
Various healings and conversions reported at the shrine over the centuries.
Scientific Investigation
The apparitions were investigated by Church authorities in 1730 under the direction of Cardinal Leopold Ernst von Firmian, Bishop of Trento.
Spiritual Significance
The Montagnaga apparitions reinforced devotion to the Rosary in the alpine region of Trentino and became an important local pilgrimage site.
