The Miracle of the Holy House of Loreto Author:Federico Catani Catholic tradition holds that the Holy House arrived suddenly in Loreto, Italy on December 10, 1294 after a miraculous rescue from the Holy Land as the Crusaders were driven out of Palestine at the end of the 13th century. It was the first shrine of international renown dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and has been known as a Marian center... more » for centuries. Popes have always held the Shrine of Loreto in special esteem, and it is under their direct authority and protection.« less