Experience Sicily

Tag: madonna

  • Super Saint Maria (of/to) the Rescue

    This weekend culminates the month-long, annual celebration in Castellammare del Golfo of their Patroness, Maria SS. del Soccorso (Super Saint Mary of the Rescue). Last night they carried her statue through the town streets to the marina and brought her out to sea, where dozens of boats followed her path around the harbor. On Sunday…

  • The Assumption: Celebrating the Virgin Mother’s Life

    August 15, a national holiday in Italy, marks the Feast of the Assumption, the day that the Virgin Mother ascended body and soul into Heaven. Thoughout Sicily it is celebrated in various ways, most often with processions, festivals, and gatherings with near and dear ones at the sea or in the mountains.  The Assumption is…

  • Flower from Stones

    Marble pavement design of the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Custonaci, in Custonaci, Trapani, a capital of marble quarrying in Italy

  • The Whites of Their Eyes 

    Do you see the fervor in their faces? It’s real. It’s authentic. It’s a true moment of Sicily many won’t see. However, you can experience this ritual for the Madonna del Lume up close with us at Experience Sicily on Day 12 of Savoring Sicily, September 22-October 4.  Claim your spot in the church by emailing me…

  • Today, Celebrate the Women in Your Life

    Madonna and child, Palermo Cathedral.

  • Contemporary Art for an Ancient Icon

    The spectacular and colorful Sanctuary, “il Santuario della Madonna del Tindari,” was built in the 20th century to accommodate the flow of pilgrims coming to see the iconic statue of Tindari’s “Madonna Bruna” or Black Madonna. This mural is from the dome above the church’s main altar. September 8 is the feast day in honor…

  • Celebrating the Black Madonna of Tindari

    Thousands of pilgrims are expected on Monday, September 7 at the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari. The town of Patti is even planning to close down one side of State Highway 113 to accommodate all the devotees expected to participate in the multiple masses, the solemn evening procession of the iconic Madonna Nera…

  • Erice and Custonaci’s Mother Goddess

    This week of Ferragosto in Erice, they are venerating their patron saint, the Madonna di Custonaci (pictured), with their annual week-long Festa della Madonna. It’s important to know that Ferragosto is another name for The Assumption, the feast celebrating when the Virgin Mother ascended to Heaven. In other words, there are feasts for the Madonna…

  • Folk Altar

    Altar for the Madonna, Taormina.