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The Sanctuary
How to reach the Sanctuary
MILLENARY HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF THE CIVITA How to reach the Sanctuary/ The Folk Tradition/ History and documents of the Sanctuary/ 500 year lifetime/ Visit to the Sanctuary/ The Church/ The miraculous Painting/ The Silver Statue/ The Pope Giovanni Paolo II’s visit.
HOW TO REACH THE SANCTUARY.
The
Sanctuary of the Civita is situated at the top of Mount Civita at 673 m.
above sea level within the territory of the town of Itri. The holy site can
be reached by following the S.S.82 of the Valle del Liri (a provincial road);
for those who come from the Autostrada del Sole (the motorway) you can take
the exit at Ceprano and reach the Civita following the S.S. 82. This route,
with its white road walls, dominates the countryside of Fondi and part of the
Tyrrhenian coast that runs from Cape Circeo to Gaeta. On a clear day one can
distinguish in the horizon the isles of Ponza, Ventotene, Ischia and Capri,
which seem at sight quite near. The
silence that reigns here is sovereign. However, on those days when religious
manifestations call the many faithful, this venerated place bursts with
unlikely liveliness. The abundant space quite often is not enough to fit
everyone in. The attraction of this place is irresistible. Then when the
weather conditions are not too bright and the faithful are few, one can
surely feel the true meaningful religious atmosphere. The sacredness of each
single stone of the Sanctuary will fascinate anyone. The church, place of
prayer, is a continuous meeting point for the devout that come up here to
pray to ask. Yes, I say ask because people beg for the Virgin’s
intercession; a need that each one carries secretly within their hearts. On
entering the church, one’s looks rise to the image placed above the High
Altar, there our Lady with open arms seems to want to embrace lovingly all
Her faithful at once. High
Altar. On
all those faces one can read the emotion. It is the genuine faith of the
hundreds of pilgrims that come from Itri and many other nearby towns. There
are emigrants that come back to the Sanctuary from various parts of the world
in order to venerate the Mother of God. Shortly after the last world war,
these people had departed from Itri, leaving their dear ones, in search of
work and fortune. But each year on 21st July their memories recall
The Civita and they organise solemn celebrations in the towns of Cranston and
Providence USA, and even in Amazonia, Don Pasquale Ialongo, a missionary
native of Itri, in professing religion has referred to his faithful the
history and cult of the Holy Mary of the Civita that was handed down to him
when he was a child by his parents.
THE FOLK TRADITION The
Sanctuary and the picture of the Civita share a millenary history. The folk
tradition narrates that a deaf and dumb shepherd found the holy image while
he was in search of one of his lost cows in the bushes of Mount Civita. It
was amongst the branches of a “Holm oak tree, the cow was kneeling and
the in that moment the shepherd regained his voice and hearing”, this
is how the history and the Civitana devotion begin. The origins of this
picture and of how it got to us are a mystery, being the place so
inaccessible. All this belongs to folk tradition in the same way that the
origins of the picture do. The sacred picture is said to date back to the
iconoclast persecutions of Constantinople that were inflicted by the Emperor
Leone Isaurico, in about the 8th century A.D. It is said that at
that time two Brazilian Monks were caught with the image, and were locked
into a chest with the painting and then thrown into the sea. Their voyage
ended 54 days later in Messina on the Sicilian coast. Here, for some time,
the picture was exhibited so that it could be venerated by the local faithful.
The history of “our” Madonna” starts with its
disappearing from Messina and its being found on Mount Civita. Many authors
from far away times believed that St. Luke the Evangelist was the author of
this picture due to the presence of three letters, now practically vanished,
placed on the base of the picture (Michel’Angelo Di Arezzo – Historia
1633) L.M.P., which stand for “Lucas Me Pinxit”. Amongst the many authors
consulted (by the way cited in the bibliography) with regard to these subject
matters, the best version is that of Don Michele Colaguori, who aroused a
certain interest that went beyond the sacredness of the image. These ideas
had been proposed to the readers of the monthly issue of Golfo Flash –
Gaeta, back in 1976 on pg.8.
THE
SANCTUARY’S HISTORY AND ITS DOCUMENTS. The
more likely story that we can imagine is that of the Brazilian monks who
passing by in this area and landing in Gaeta must have left the painting, of
excellent oriental manufacture, to the monks of the Figline Monastery. There
is a historical certainty that dates back to 1147, in which there is
reference to a small church called Madonna della Civita. One of these
documents states that in 1147 a notary, from Itri and his wife, made a
donation. The document carries the signature of a certain Richard,
abbot of the monastery, and that
Father Bartolomeo was the caretaker of the little church. Thus, historically
speaking, this is the most reliable source from which to start, briefly, the
account of the events that distinguished the life of the Sanctuary and to
talk about the image of the Civita. The Civita millennium was solemnly
commemorated with celebrations that conveyed the faithful, the religious and
the civil authorities to the sanctuary from the 27th – 31st
May 2000, in order to recall the thousand-year devotion to Mary. The height
of the ceremonies was the Theological Pastoral Convention and the solemn
liturgical celebration of a catholic oriental rite. Even if I wanted to give
names of all the renowned pilgrims that visited or stayed in the sanctuary it
would be impossible because they were so many, so I limit myself to naming
the most important people known, starting with Pope Pio IX, who came on 10th
February 1849, together with King Ferdinando II and the Royal Family; St.
Filippo Neri who came in 1532; St. Paolo della Croce in 1726; B. Paolo Burali
d’Arezzo, who was born in Itri and later became bishop of Piacenza and
Cardinal of Naples; St. Leonardo da Porto Maurizio stayed there for quite a
while in 1722; St. Gaspare del Bufalo in 1824; B. Maria De Mattias, founder
of the Preziosissimo Sangue nuns, and while she was there comforted by the
advice given her by St. Gaspare and the Canon servant of God, Giuseppe
Addessi, she found her definite vocation; the Cardinal Montini, who came on
25th January 1935 before he was raised to the papal seat of Pietro
with the name of Paolo VI. In the church courtyard a memorial stone, can be
seen right beside the portico, on which names of saints, the Blessed, the
Venerable and other important people who came here in prayer, have been
quoted.
It
was in 1491 that from a little church the Sanctuary started to acquire its
actual characteristic features. The citizens of Itri pressed the Bishop of
Gaeta to have a bigger church. They were not only contented with a church,
but Monsignor Francesco Patrizi emitted a consecrated bull, in which he
wished to hand down to future descendants the effort made by the people of
Itri by writing: “praecipue ducti precibus universitatis et hominum
terrae Itri” furthermore, he wrote “de iure administrazionis et
patronatus dictae universitatis eiusdem ecclesiae”. The following year
in a further document he confirmed that the men of the land of Itri were the
founders, patrons and supporters of the Sanctuary. In that same bull of the
20th June 1491, when talking about the picture he underlines the
continuous veneration for the Sanctuary and for the picture of the Madonna
calling it “antique venerations”. The bull, which Monsignor
Patrizi extends to his descendants, is the most important document present in
this Holy place. In 1775, during his supplication, Monsignor Pergamo, bishop
of Gaeta, makes reference to the antiquity of the picture and to the often
visited Sanctuary in order to plea the Vatican an authorization for a solemn
coronation of the Virgin that successfully took place later on 21st
July 1777. It was Pentecost
Monday when the church was inaugurated in the presence of the whole clergy
community and the people of Itri, and since then it has undergone various
restorations during the course of centuries. Confiding in the devotion and
support that the faithful would have given, it was thought that with time the
church could be enlarged and provided with rooms to host pilgrims. The first
stone of today’s structure was blessed on the 27th May 1820 and
works finished in 1828. In 1849, on 25th February, 15 days after
Pio IX visited the Sanctuary, the Cardinal Gabriele Ferretti inaugurated the
church. And it was Pope Pio IX, who in 1877 signed the decree for the second
coronation, “a grace that is by no means ordinary but is not
sufficiently justified” answered the Pope to those who had made the
request; however he later granted it, remembering the visit he had made to
the Civita. For this second great occasion a commemorative medal was coined,
medal that I would never have thought of finding in the home of one of my
relatives in Fondi, photo of which I hereunder publish.
VISIT
TO THE SANCTUARY
Driving along the state road that unwinds through the oak a holm oak forest one reaches the Sanctuary at the top of a hillock, where cars and busses, which are always plentiful, can find an ample parking area. All around one can admire the daisy covered meadows, where once the pilgrims used to picnic after having attended the religious function. The atmosphere here is reduced to the bare essentials; for this we can thank the fathers who alternated one another in guiding the Sanctuary and the municipal administrators, who protected the area from any type of commercial exploitation. This place of silence and faith is free from mobile relief centres and vendors of any type. However, for those who prefer, there is a bar-restaurant run by a private citizen, especially during the summertime or on major festivities. Religiosity and silence are a rule in this place of faith and I personally hope it will continue in times to come! Another open space that has parking facilities can be reached both on foot or up a flight of stairs then from here one reaches the church courtyard by climbing a wide stone staircase. On the left there is a headstone in memory of Pope Pio IX, who had paused in one of the pavilion rooms during his visit together with the exiled King Ferdinando II. The Pope’s gifts were some sacred vestments, still under Sanctuary custody, a silver goblet and ten gold coins. A parchment that has gone yellow with age carries the inscription, written by his hand, “Gloriosa dicta sunt de Te, Civitas Dei. Die decima februarii 1849. PP.IX”. And even the King’s visit left its signs. This kind of event is considered of great importance for such places because on this particular occasion the King had ordered that a carriage way be built in order to connect the “Ciociaria” area to Itri and Itri be linked to the port of Gaeta, which was only 7km. away. To reach the Sanctuary the Pope and the King had ridden on horseback along the ancient mule track that was evidenced by the Stations of the Cross chapels. Today we can comfortably reach the Sanctuary along the S.S.82 Valle del Liri road. It was a deed not of little count for the populations and for commercial links of those times.
Climbing
up the stairway, on the right hand side there are some rooms that are
occupied by the manger scene, the former vows left by the faithful for grace
received and a small trade market selling sacred souvenirs, which is run by
the Passionist Priests to whom the responsibility of this pious place has
been entrusted. The actual rector is Father Renato Santilli assisted by the
religious priests in Itri and amongst these I would like to remember Father
Cherubino from Feo who was once parish priest in Itri’s church, St. Maria
Maggiore, but has now retired to the Sanctuary where he not only carries out
his priestly duties, but he also constantly researches on information about
these places; and it is for this reason that he can be considered the
historical memory of the Sanctuary. Proceeding forward from the top of the
stairway and passing under the bell tower, on the left one finds the memorial
stone, that was unveiled on the 26th June 1990 by Monsignor
Vincenzo M. Farano, at the time archbishop of Gaeta, in memory of the visit
made by Pope Giovanni Paolo II on the 25th June 1989. Crossing
over the church courtyard and passing under the portico, a unique original
structure of the ancient temple, one can enter the church. The façade was
redecorated and inaugurated on the 17th April 1960. Upon it lean
other building works that are necessary to the every day life of the priests
and the many collaborators, who come up daily from Itri and other surrounding
towns (Fondi, Formia, Gaeta and Sperlonga) in order to help the priests
during the religious functions and in all the primary activities needed in
the daily conduction of life at the Civita. The priests consider these
activities of great importance, especially the effort made by the
collaborators towards the thousands of faithful who come to the Civita during
the whole year. I’d like to recall to mind a document that belongs to
Bishop Patrizi, in which he “granted spiritual privileges to visitors and
pilgrims”, it also quotes the phrase “manusque adjutrices pergentibus”;
in talking about the volunteers of the Sanctuary, to whom he lavishly gives
as reward spiritual advantages. After 511 years, their efforts are still
noteworthy.
THE
CHURCH
The church is made up of three aisles, the central one being wider than the two side aisles, which are rather narrow. The high altar at the centre of the nave is of particular interest. It is made of marble and marquetry belonging to Neapolitan school (1700); the master Mr. Filippo Pecorella made the works. The decorations on the vault, portray some of the events that characterize the birth of the Sanctuary and the events that followed, were carried out by Mr. S. Cozzolino from Naples in 1919. They were later re-touched by the Professor A. Rollo from Bari, the sculptor who carved the Madonna that is placed at the external top of the church. To complete the two side aisles, each has an altar; on the left is an altar dedicated to St. Goachino and on the right to St. Anna. The balustrade that surrounds the High Altar is beautiful and rich in precious marquetry. The two columns of the altar come from the convent of St. Francesco in Itri, as well as the washbasin found in the sacristy. The painting of the Madonna of the Civita is placed at the centre of the high altar and is protected by a crystal glass pane. To complete the church furniture, there is a wooden choir belonging to the 18th century and a pipe organ. In a small room, so called “tesoro” (treasure), are kept precious objects and sacred vestments that were donated by famous faithful and pilgrims one of whom was Pope Pio IX. Kept in custody here there are some canvases of valuable make, a Nativity of Neapolitan School, a Madonna with St. Francesco from Paola and the Assumption along with a copy of the Madonna of the Civita, on wood, which is considered by experts to be of noteworthy value, these three paintingare said to be the work of Sebastiano Conca from Gaeta (1676-1774), a painter of excellent skill, who came to the Sanctuary to restore from a bad illness; it is said that besides painting the three above mentioned works, he had retouched the miraculous picture of the Civita. So, this is the Sanctuary, a place of prayer, an oasis of peace between heaven and earth. The message of hope is strong, a hope that is sustained by genuine faith, and the pilgrims, both famous and non, receive this message. They have been coming to this sacred place, for a thousand years, to find themselves before the Virgin of the Civita, who bestows her grace. Just as she had done back in 1527 when Itri’s population was decimated by an epidemic of pestilence and in turning to their faith, “the painting was taken in procession through the streets of the town; in the meantime the people implored that the infectious disease would come to end, suddenly during this function, they saw a cloud lift from the ground an it dissipated in the air. A few moments from then the disease came to end”. In memory of this event, the date established to celebrate annually the Civita and her first crowning was the 21st July.
The image found on Mount Civita is of Byzantine style. During the course of the centuries very little is left of the ancient features, (claimed to be St. Luca’s); the picture has undergone restoration more than once. With certainty, Conca Senior did one at the end 1600 and Mr. Pandozzi did the other on the occasion of the first coronation in 1777. The technique used by Mr. Pandozzi was that of substituting the ancient tablet with a copper plate and then he restored the canvas. In 1815 a strike of lightening hit the image risking the destruction of the canvas. So it was placed on a wooden frame after having removed the copper plate and in this way the picture has reached our days. During the last world war, daring was the way in which Don Lidio Borgese, rector at that time, was able to let the image pass under the German’s noses without being caught. In fact, in the bibliography I mention a booklet written by Don Lidio in which he gives a detailed account of the adventures of the miraculous picture, hidden under his cloak, passing through Cisterna, Sonnino and the Lepini Mounts. The last important restoration was carried out y the late Professor Edelwais Frezzan in 1953. It was from him that I learnt how he actually carried out the operation, and the following is quoted from his report published on 30th June 1953: “Due to the humidity, I thought it necessary to apply a double lining of wax to the painting, according to the techniques adopted in paintings of the northern countries, assuring in this way a more or less eternal preservation” warning that “If in the future, for what ever reason, someone should have to carry out further works of restoration, he should take strong count of what I have detailed in this report”. On the 18th March 2002 I received news from the priests of the Sanctuary saying that the picture had been taken to a Restoration Centre in Rome, called Koinè, and it had undergone radiography, stratigraphy and other laboratory processing, and the rumours, which in the past stated that there was a presence of figures overlapping the image due to the various restorations, have resulted groundless. What is certain is that there are traces of colour that outline some parts of the body but these traces are totally absent on the facial area. The picture has undergone cleaning because of the presence of scratches and holes in places where, in 1777, the crowns had been fixed. On the 19th April 2002 the picture was returned to the Sanctuary and placed in its usual lodging (further on there is an unpublished photo). July 2002 will be the 25th anniversary of when the image was brought to Itri on the occasion of the bicentenary of the first coronation of the Madonna (1777). That occasion was for me an extraordinary happening to which I dedicated the best of my experience acquired in the organizing sector; I was convinced of our Lady’s constant protection. And it was so.
The
Ceremony in 1977 On the occasion of the bicentenary celebration of the coronation that took place for the first time in 1777, the committee, being unable to add a third crown to the image, decide to invite the Pope, to the solemn religious celebrations, by writing an invitation to the Vatican Secretariat of State asking His presence at the ceremony… “The members of the ORGANIZING COMMITTEE of the celebration in honour of Holy Mary of the Civita, on occasion of the bicentenary of the coronation of Her venerated image, united with the Rector Father of the Guanelliani monks of the above mentioned Sanctuary and the Reverend Parish Priest of the Passionist Monks of the A.G.P. parish in Itri, place where the celebrations usually take place after those that take first place at the Sanctuary, and after preventive agreements taken with our Archbishop in Gaeta, Monsignor Luigi Maria Carli, humbly permit themselves to send trustful petition to this Secretariat of State of His Holiness, in order that the Holy Father Paolo VI kindly grants to the church of Gaeta the joy of having His generous and personal presence here in Itri at the Sanctuary (possibly within the period 17th-24th July 1977) presence that will be highly significant to this organization and will arouse deep and noble sentiments of love to the Mother of God and to the Supreme Shepherd of the Church of Jesus Christ. With faith and humility we shall pray to our Lady of the Civita who once gave to Pio IX courage and light in those difficult moments for the church, should today give to our beloved Pope Paolo VI new energy to guide Christ’s church in these times that are probably more difficult than they were. We dare in hoping to obtain such a grace and, while we express to this Secretariat of State of His Holiness our deepest devotion and gratitude, permit ourselves to ask from you your apostolic blessings. Signed The President Father Alberto Rivezzi. The organization did not attend long for the answer from the Secretariat of State, copy of which I enclose hereunder to historical memory. The committee ordered the jeweller, Mr. Petrillo from Itri, to make a decorative element in gold and semi-precious stones so that they could be fixed to the base of the two crowns of the Madonna (7 sapphires of 19,75 kts. and 59,6 grammes of gold 750 x 1000). This jewel, which was made free of charge, would be a token in remembrance of the great recurrence for future generations. A sapphire was also placed on the child’s forehead. During the solemn celebration officiated by the Cardinal Vagnozzi, the “crown” was placed at the base of the existing ones. This does not mean that it was a third crowning like some writers had erroneously published after the event. What the imminent event was really about can be read in Mr. Orazio La Rocca’s introductory “brochure”, by me edited, where there are brief but important references to the past. I have produced a copy of the script hereunder. The
participants to the religious ceremony were: the Cardinal Vagnozzi, the
Bishop Costantini from Sessa Aurunca, the Bishop Compagnone from Terracina,
the Abbot Matronola from Montecassino, and the Archbishop Carli from Gaeta.
There were many civil and military authorities from the nearby towns and
provinces. The religious ceremonies were highlighted by encounters and
musical shows (the State Police band from the towns of Mottola and Lecce, the
choir from Latina, the singer Mr. Peppino Gagliardi, the groups The Romans
and July & Julye, the Perez Prado show and the Jazz Orchestra of the VI
fleet of the NATO forces); by cultural exhibitions (a show and painting race
of figurative art: sculptors and graphics); sports events (a national cycling
race, the starter being the famous champion Gino Bartali, tournaments of
football, judo, tennis and basketball and even a clay-pigeon shooting
competition), folk dancing and flag wavers from Cori, the first edition of
the olive festival and to close this spectacular week of great celebration
there was a firework display. A well organized celebration that the committee
in charge with the help of many citizens could not have carried out better.
The whole event framed by hundreds of faithful followers who came from the
various surrounding regions to venerate the sacred image. The encounter
between the late ex-mayor Mr. Pasquale Ciccone and Itri’s emigrants, who
came from various towns of the U.S.A., was very touching and there were
moments of profound sentiments during the days that preceded the actual
celebration. This union was strengthened by the dedication of day to their
honour. Not only the U.S.A. immigrants funded the celebrations but the
Canadian immigrants also gave a conspicuous sum. News about the celebration
was broadcasted on a closed circuit by the local transmitting television,
RTBL from Formia; this enabled the elderly and the sick of Itri to watch and
follow the happenings of this long awaited event directly from their homes.
The meeting of the organizing committee on the 2nd December 1977 concluded
the long series of works of preparation. During the meeting the final budget
for the celebrations was approved by the auditor and was later made public by
being placed on the notice board of the church, St. Maria Maggiore. In
synthesis: Income
£.42,773,500,Expenses
£.41.248.360, Profit
£. 1.525.140. The
sum of money refers to 26 years ago and considering inflation it was a
conspicuous sum of money. I consider this event a very dear one because I was personally involved in the organization, and I shall always keep in mind that nostalgic memory. I shall also keep, deep in my heart, the memory of the late Father Alberto Rivezzi, who was the president of the committee and parish of St. Maria Maggiore, he was a master of faith and life. Now once again the people of Itri along with the local clergymen are on the move to prepare another of these grand celebrations, which I am sure, will be great. My best wishes go to a friend who is the president of the organizing committee, Mr. Mario Petrillo, hoping the event will turn out to be a success. The picture, as tradition runs, will be taken on shoulder by the faithful along the earthen path. Unfortunately, not too long ago, some usual unknown vandals stole the crowns made of gold and precious stones as well as the golden decoration that had been placed in 1977. However the crowns have been reproduced in gold-plated silver thanks to old existing photos, and they are now kept in custody in the safe of the Bishop’s curia in Gaeta. They will certainly be placed on the Madonna and Child’s heads for the important occasion. This year, 2002, the picture’s stay in Itri will last nine days, from the 14th July to the 19th July. The year eighteen forty, on the second day of the month of August, the reigning King, Ferdinando the second, of the reign of the Two Scillies, by the grace of God… this is how the deed and the history of the silver statue of the Madonna of the Civita started. The work of art was demanded by the notable people of Itri, who collected the necessary sum of money to pay for the casting, which amongst other expenses, totalised the sum of 828 ducati and 30 grana, added to the cost of registering procedure in Fondi’s office in book 1, volume 39 on page 91, and the recipient being Mr. Paolo D’Ettore. The Statue weighs 36lbs 11 ounces. Both the Madonna and Child wear a gold-plated copper crown with precious stones of various shades, and the whole statue is covered with 130 golden stars. The donors were 326, but they were not only from Itri but also from Castellone (Formia), Gaeta, Fondi and the church of St. Maria Assunta in Cielo. Many of them were anonymous and preferred not to be quoted in the deed, there were donations also from the fair of the Civita “feast”. These spontaneous and anonymous donations make ones mind reflect. The subscription for the collection of the money necessary lasted a long time, as results from the inscription behind the statue, which was cast in 1839 and the deed was stipulated in August 1840. So, to affirm that the heirs of the donators are today the owners of the statue could only have a legal logic. If, instead, we analyse the contents of the deed we realise that the names of the people quoted had acted on behalf of third parties, and thus they cannot be considered heirs. On one of the deeds that carries only names without reference to personal data, makes it impossible to identify anyone, except for the church of St. Maria Assunta in Cielo, the St. Martino Monastery and other names belonging to well-off families that are easily identifiable. The veneration that the people of Itri had towards the icon of the Madonna of the Civita before, and successively to “Their” Silver statue is common to all. The birth of the Association, of which I shall talk about further on, was one of the wisest decisions taken by the people of Itri of today. The inventors of the subscription and its consequent deed gave to all the “devout”, rich and poor, donators anonymous and occasional, the possibility to make that “Statue”. It seems to me to be quite un-Christian like towards that “public of Itri” quoted in the deed, to suppose voluntarily any discrimination toward the poverty of the many people who could not contribute at that time. Thus the statue does not belong to the Commune of Itri as institution, but to its people. It is clear that the will of this community, today as it was in the past, is that each year they hold the celebration in July with the procession of “their” Statue. Once upon a time it was kept in custody by the noble family called De Fabritiis, right up to the beginning of the 1990’s; but after doubtful and unrespectable happenings this commitment was revoked by a writ of the magistrate, thus it was kept in custody by the police for a brief period of time, then for a couple of years it was kept in an armour room of the commune buildings. Rumours had said that some of the treasures, like gold objects that had been donated by the faithful during the course of years, were found at a pawnbroker’s in Rome. After a general mobilization and various legal procedures a solution was found and it satisfied everyone. The statue was placed at the end of the left nave of the church, St. Maria Maggiore, well protected, from ill-intentioned people, with a crystal glass pane and a grating. This seemed to be the best solution, at least for that moment. So the people of Itri can at any time have the possibility to pray and ask for grace from “their” Madonna. The engineer Mr. designed the chapel in which it stands Mario La Rocca, and the artist Mrs. Florentine Wallner planned the stained-glass window. Of the later, I have jealously kept a calendar, which I received at Christmas 1995, along with a monograph of the sculptor Mrs. Ursula Querner, from Mr. La Rocca as a Christmas gift. At the centre of the calendar there is an image of the Madonna and Child wearing her crowns enriched with a shiny powder that highlights the Virgin. The chapel and glass took time before they were ready for use, but it was a dream. I like to think it that way.
THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS POPE GIOVANNI PAOLO II The 25th June 1989 marks an important stage for the Sanctuary’s history. The Pope Carol Wojtyla came in pastoral visit to the archdiocese of Gaeta; the Sanctuary was also in his itinerary for the meeting of the sick. The Pope arrived by helicopter and landed on an open space where once stood the Convent of the Figline nuns. The foreign minister Mr. Giulio Andreotti, the bishop Vincenzo M. Farano and the Mayor of Itri Mr. Pasquale Ciccone welcomed him. The encounter with the sick at the Sanctuary of the Civita was a moment that signed both heart and mind of all those present; His Holiness’ hand that caresses the sick and the sweetness in speaking to them with words full of hope, will always remain impressed in the minds of all the participants to the event. After the greetings of the mayor Mr. Ciccone (who died prematurely last spring) followed those of the Pope Giovanni Paolo II, which were profound and meaningful. And, notwithstanding their physical disabilities, the sick drew from those words comfort and hope, and in welcoming the Pope they prayed with the following words: “…we ask You to increase our faith so that we can live with our sufferings as a sharing of the life and passion of Jesus Christ…” And here everyone was overcome by emotion. The ceremony with the sick had been preceded by a visit to the church. The pope was received in the church courtyard by the Passionate community lead by the General Superior Father Josè Augustin Orbegozo, by the Provincial Superior, Father Giuseppe Comparelli and by the Rector of the Sanctuary, Father Giuseppe Polselli. He paused to admire the floral picture produced by the floral artists of Itri. It was a delicate composition of rose, carnation and field flower petals portraying both the Vatican and Itri’s coat of Arms, the Pope’s face and some of Itri’s important monuments. He then knelt before the high altar in prayer towards the miraculous effigy of the Civita. There were moments of silent concentration gently broken by the hum of about one thousand faithful awaiting out in the open space of the Sanctuary. It was a historical day for the Civita and for its few faithful including all the civil and military authorities of Itri. The later being admitted to the ceremony for safety reasons. The atmosphere already impregnated with high spirituality both for the place and for the presence of Christ’s vicar, became practically surreal when a blanket of mist covered everyone for a few moments. It was the 25th June 1989, a sunny and clear day, but due to that sudden phenomenon a particular atmosphere came to being and in that moment the Heavens seemed to be within reach.
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