OUR LADY OF POMPEII
Queen of the Holy Rosary
The chapel houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Pompeii. This devotion, founded by Blessed Bartolo Longo, has spread across the world.
Twice a year, the Supplica prayer rises from this sanctuary — on 8 May and the first Sunday of October — uniting us to millions who entrust themselves to Mary’s protection.
A Sanctuary Under Mary’s Mantle
At the heart of Domus Australia Chapel shines the miraculous image of Our Lady of Pompeii, Queen of the Holy Rosary. This devotion, born in southern Italy through the extraordinary conversion and mission of Blessed Bartolo Longo, has spread across the world as a wellspring of hope and consolation.
Bartolo Longo’s life was a testament to grace. Once immersed in the shadows of spiritual confusion, he encountered the mercy of Christ through the Rosary and dedicated the rest of his life to spreading this prayer. He built the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii and entrusted the image of Mary, Queen of the Rosary, to the devotion of the faithful. In time, countless miracles and graces were attributed to her intercession.
Rome itself has long been touched by this devotion. In 1944, when bombs fell across the San Lorenzo district, people fled into this very chapel to pray before the image of Our Lady of Pompeii. Against all odds, they were spared. The chapel was declared a papal sanctuary, a place under Mary’s special protection. Today, that legacy continues.
Twice a year, the famous Supplica to the Madonna of Pompeii is prayed here: once on 8 May and again on the first Sunday of October. This powerful prayer, composed by Bartolo Longo, unites the faithful across Italy and beyond in entrusting themselves, their families, and the world to Mary’s maternal care. At Domus Australia Chapel, the Supplica marks a highlight of the year — a moment when the voice of the Roman sanctuary joins the chorus rising from Pompeii and across the globe.
For pilgrims and visitors, the presence of Our Lady of Pompeii is more than an artistic treasure. It is a living invitation: to take up the Rosary, to entrust joys and sorrows to Mary, and to discover anew that she always leads us to her Son, Jesus Christ. In her gaze and under her mantle, this chapel becomes not only Australia’s spiritual home in Rome, but a Marian sanctuary for all who seek consolation, renewal, and peace.
OUR STORY
Learn the story of Domus Australia Chapel — from its origins as a Marist seminary to its mission today as a Eucharistic and Marian sanctuary for English-speaking pilgrims in Rome.
BEAUTY
Join us each day for Adoration, Benediction, and Mass in English. Find times, details, and all you need to pray with us while you are in Rome.