Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest scientists in history. 2009 has been chosen by the United Nations as the “International Year of Astronomy,” 400 years after Galileo’s invention of the telescope.

The Scientist

We are indebted to Galileo for the definition of the principles of hydrostatics and for the perfecting of the microscope and of the spyglass, that he transformed into a big telescope, which greatly advanced his astronomical research. Galileo made a fundamental contribution in this field, with the discovery of Jupiter’s satellites, the explanation of sunspots, his studies on Saturn, and so on. The formulation of the laws, of the definitions and of the ‘principles’ of physics earned him the title of ‘founder of dynamics’. One also recalls the ‘principle of inertia’, today also known as the ‘Galileo’s principle of relativity’, the ‘law of falling bodies’ and the ‘law of (the oscillations of) the pendulum’. Quite rightly he is deemed the father of the entire modern science of physics. Galileo suffered much at the hands of the ecclesiastical authorities, due to his astronomical theories, as he favoured Copernicus’ theory. During the dismal events of his trial before the Holy Office he demonstrated he was a sincere Christian. Never did he think that his scientific convictions could challenge the Holy Scriptures correctly understood. He always kept his faith, that he had practised from his youth and that would bring him consolation in the difficult moments of his life.

Twice a Pilgrim at Loreto

His pilgrimage to Loreto reflects part of his Christian awareness. He was certainly in Loreto in 1618 and probably again in 1633. In a letter to Francesco Maria delle Rovere, Duke of Urbino, penned by Cosimo II, Archduke of Tuscany, the latter alerted him that Galileo, while travelling to the Shine in Loreto, would pay him a visit. He wrote: “While going to visit the Holy House of Loreto, Galileo, a mathematician, wishes to come and pay his respects to Your Lordship.” The confirmation that he did carry out his pilgrimage is found in another letter, written in Rome on 6 July by Giulio Gerini to Galileo himself, which reads: “With great delight I was informed of the happy return of your excellent lordship from the Holy House of Loreto.” Francesco Stelluti, for his part, complained to Galileo, in a letter he wrote from Fabriano on 10 August 1618, because Galileo had not ‘deigned him with a visit’ while on his way to Loreto. From these dates we can deduce that Galileo effected his pilgrimage to the Holy House between the last days of May and early June 1618. His journey in 1633 is not so securely documented. Our information is based on a single letter, written from Arcetri on 16 April 1633 to Galileo by his daughter Marie Celeste. It reads: “Regarding your return, although I wish for it ardently I advise you to delay it a little, and wait for advice from your friends, and I hope that you will carry out the thought you had when you left here, to visit the Holy House of Loreto.” During this period Galileo was in Rome, on trial. Thus he could not leave without special permission, that, however, would easily have been granted him to go on pilgrimage. From the words of his beloved daughter Marie Celeste her father’s wish to visit Holy House again shine through, at an especially troubled time in his life.