Festa dell’Immacolata or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated throughout Italy on December 8. The day recognizes that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin – something with which, in Catholic dogma, every person is considered to have been born. In Sicily, on December 7th and 8th, there…
Tag: madonna
The Mystery Of The Madonna of Custonaci, Sicily
The Madonna of Custonaci is a cherished, sacred painting in the towns of Erice and Custonaci, where her sanctuary is located. It has a fascinating legend of its origins “from the east.” I’ll discuss its story and more on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:30PM Eastern on Zoom. To register and attend this complimentary presentation, visit…
Mother And Child, Monreale Cathedral
Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! (Madonna and child from Monreale Cathedral, Palermo, Sicily)
Seeking Guidance In Siracusa
Observing the beauty and wisdom of the Madonna at an altar in Siracusa (Photo Credit: Chiara Musumeci Fotografia)
From Cybele To The Black Madonna Of Tindari
These later days of summer during the harvest time are when Sicilians celebrate the Madonna, or “our lady,” the mother, with great reverence — in other words, our planet, Mother Earth. The dark, fertile earth provides for us and gives us sustenance, and since ancient times, throughout the Mediterranean, the spirit of the giving goddess…
Holding Humanity In Our Hearts
Let’s hold those suffering in Italy in our hearts. Let’s send them healing energy. Let’s support those who are healthy and strong, so they may help support the elderly and fragile, protecting them from potential illness. I send these wishes also to Chinese, Koreans, Iranians, Americans, and all those across the globe who are affected…
Celebrating The Madonna On September 8
September 8 is considered the birthday of the Blessed Mother by the Catholic Church. As a result, throughout Sicily this weekend, there are festivals to celebrate the Madonna. It’s not clear why this date was officially chosen as such; however, because this time of the agricultural year is traditionally a major harvest season, for centuries…
Home Altars in Sant’Elia
Live from Sicily! This morning on my walk near where I’m staying, I took note of the home altars dedicated to the veneration of Our Lady of the Sorrows (La Vergine di S.S. Addolorata). Home altars such as these, built into the facades of homes and dedicated to various saints, are common all over Sicily.
Circular Loaves For Maria Santissima
The Maria Santissima or Madonna brotherhood side of the Archi di Pasqua in San Biagio Platani, Sicily is decorated in blue and features artwork illustrating the legends and myths of Sicily and its saints and ancient divinities. Pictured here is the entrance archway that displays the cuddura circular bread (behind the white, glazed bread loaves)…
Buon Natale! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! (Palermo, Church of the Immaculate Conception of il Capo Market)