Churches and shrines: Gaby

In 1786 an episcopal decree by Monsignor De Solar allowed the hamlet of Gaby to have its own parish, indipendent from the one of Issime: the parish church of Saint Michael archangel was built on the site of the ancient chapel of Saint-Michel of Chamboursiere (now Kiamourseyra). Already, the Saint-Michel chapel held an important role, so that in 1728 the notary Troc highlighted the need to extend it, since some of the followers were forced to attend functions outside.
The dates that summarize the history of the church are still readable on the portal of entry: “Dom 1786 erecta in parochia , 1824 constructa, 1829 consecrata”.
Inside the church it is possible to admire two valuable baroque altars, one of which, dedicated to St. Anthony, dating back to 1748 and coming from the primitive chapel.
Item of considerable interest is the wooden baroque canopy overcoming the main altar, only example in the Aosta Valley, realized by the sculptor Carlo del Ponte.

The Sanctuary is situated 980 metres above sea level, approximately 2 km outside the Gaby village.
Dedicated to Our Lady of Thanks, it became a place of pilgrimage, mostly famous from 1833, namely when it became a Sanctuary. In fact, it was initially only a chapel adorned with two altars and with a belltower. Following an avalanche, which he escaped unharmed, Jean Pantaléon Tousco made a vow to the Virgin Mary to build a Sanctuary where the accident took place; it was adorned by a wall including fourteen “Stations of the Via Crucis” painted by Francesco Curtaz, a small imitation of the Calvario by Varallo Sesia.
The main altar, in baroque style, made of carved and golden wood, as well as the organ, which dates back to the 18th Century (one of the oldest in Aosta Valley) are worth mentioning.

The visit
The sanctuary is open to visitors only on special occasions.
Celebration of the Holy Mass Sundays at 6 p.m. during the months of July and August.
August 15 Holy Mass at 3.00 p.m.