My heart is heavy knowing about the loss of life because of the Milicia River spontaneously swelling in Casteldaccia, Sicily over the weekend due to torrential rains. When I heard the tragic news, I immediately thought of the Madonna of the Milicia, the sacred painting, pictured, that is venerated in Casteldaccia and Altavilla Milicia, coastal…
Tag: altavilla
A View To Be Thankful
When I see this view, where I was earlier today, I think of my grandfather who came from Porticello, a fishing village along this breathtaking coastline that is punctuated by Capo Zafferano. Each time, I can only be thankful, because it’s his hard work from years ago that makes it possible for me to have…
The Madonna della Milicia
As you may have guessed, this first week in September in Sicily is bursting with feasts dedicated to the Madonna and the divine feminine. There’s a reason for this: It’s the end of the harvest season, and who do you want to recognize after a time of abundance, but Mother Earth for providing you with…
Norman Tower
La Torre Normanna at Altavilla Milicia.
Ex-votos: Sacred Testimonials
At the sanctuary devoted to the Madonna della Milicia in Altavilla, pilgrims have offered ex-votos to the Virgin Mother. Ex-votos are iconographic body parts or other symbols that are given to the Madonna (That is, in this case. At other sacred sites, ex-votos would be offered to the divinity or saint celebrated there.) as gratitude…
Torre Normanna, Altavilla
Torre Normanna al mare a Altavilla (Norman Tower on the sea at Altavilla).