Rome, April 12th, 1947. A communist. A protestant. A man plotting to assassinate Pope Pius XII.
His name was Bruno Cornacchiola, and he came to this place — Tre Fontane — to prepare a speech meant to tear down the Catholic Church and her doctrine. It was geared especially against the Virgin Mary.
He left his children to play, but when their voices vanished, he went searching. What he found changed everything.
His children, on their knees, repeating: “Beautiful Lady… Beautiful Lady.”
“(She) said something very strong: ‘You are persecuting me, enough of it now! Enter into the sheepfold, the holy court of heaven on earth.’ That’s how the Virgin calls the Catholic Church: the holy sheepfold,” explained Sr. Maria Rebecca Nazzaro, Superior of Missionary Community of Divine Revelation.
Bruno described her: white dress, rose-colored belt, green mantle — holding the Scriptures to her heart.
This man, who once wanted to destroy the Church became one of the Church’s boldest defenders. Bruno’s conversion brought thousands back to the faith.
“He was very resolute and strong when he spoke,” Sister Rebecca noted. “But it was precisely this strength in truth and in faith that made it possible for many people to return to the Catholic Church.”
Bruno died in 2001, but the grotto remains untouched — a place of miracles, conversion, and profound peace.
The shrine’s significance continues to grow. On January 4, 2025 Pope Francis appointed Shrines’ former rector, Fr. Renato Tarantelli, as auxiliary bishop and vicegerent of the Diocese of Rome.
Bruno Cornacchiola’s story continues to be remembered by those who visit this unique corner of Rome.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy, Camera by Alberto Basile, Special thanks & Credits: Our Lady of Revelation Shrine
Alexey Gotovskiy serves as a journalist, producer, and manager at the EWTN Vatican Bureau. Born in the former Soviet Union, he holds a graduate degree in Church Communications from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and has produced over 200 episodes of EWTN "Vaticano," covering the life of the Universal Church.
