General description
A lovely gentle meditation or pilgrimage path which takes you through the fragrant larch woods of Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau to a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There are a number of quiet, shady resting places with carvings and statues by local artists and craftsmen.
Route description
1st station Copy of the miraculous image from the pilgrimage church (carved by Alois Rainer): Mary sits on a throne, holds the Child Jesus with her left hand and in her right hand a globe; the Child Jesus himself raises his right hand in blessing. The intercession is carved into the wooden column: Our Lady of Schnalstal Valley, pray for us.
2nd stationThe annunciation (carved by Josef Tappeiner, Tisn): Mary is in a room, a water container stands in front of her, she looks over towards the window in shock but nonetheless full of expectation; a ray of light is over her instead of the usual angel. In the most simple manner and still representing the event of the annunciation, Maria says: “Let it be done unto me according to thy word.”
3rd station Bethlehem (also carved by Alois Rainer). The star in the background is first of all an indication of Christmas. The usual representation of Bethlehem always shows the Child Jesus in the crib but it is different here: Mary is holding the Child Jesus on her lap, Joseph is pointing to an unusual event that will later be announced by the shepherds:“For to you is born a saviour, Christ the Lord”.
4th stationPietà (carved by Josef Santer, Oberraindl): The Virgin Mary is holding her dead son and our redeemer on her lap. Simeon’s prediction becomes harsh reality. “A sword will pierce your soul”. It is not the end that Maria speaks of but unwavering faith in God, who himself only wanted salvation for all people in his worst moment.
5th stationMary with Apostles and some women (Acts 1:14): With one heart all these joined constantly in prayer, together with Mary, the Mother of Jesus... (carved by Ulrich Santer, Guflgond) The uncertain situation before Pentecost (Holy Spirit in the background) is accurately portrayed: People in a reflective attitude, but mainly in prayer and in faith. May this be the sign of a shared attitude of trust towards God, particularly in difficult times.
6th station is the pilgrimage church itself, i.e. the interior of the church with the altar of Our Lady, in it the Statue of the Virgin Mary contained in a Monstrance.
Description to arrive at destination
Naturno/Naturns - Schnalstal Valley - Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau