The Universal Congregation of the Holy House was officially established in 1883 by Monsignor Thomas Gallucci of Loreto, in collaboration with Fr. Pietro da Malaga, blessed and enriched with indulgences by the Sovereign Pontiffs Leo XIII and Pius X.

The aims of this institution sould have been to "add a new splendour to the Basilica" with "restoration works, pictures, decorations and stuccos in the style of the fifteenth century artists"