Deepertruth: Journey With Mary as we travel to Castelpetroso Italy 1888

The Sanctuary is located in the province of Isernia and was built as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. In 1888, two peasant women witnessed the apparition of Our Lady. In particular, the story of Fabiana Cicchino and Serafina Valentino tells of a normal working day at Cesa Tra Santi. In the afternoon, as they were about to go home, the two shepherds realized they have lost a sheep. Thus, they started searching among the hedges and Fabiana saw the lost sheep near a strange light. To satisfy her curiosity, the woman approached. Therefore, when she arrived near the light she is faced with the image of the kneeling Virgin with Jesus at her feet. The Virgin had her eyes turned towards the sky and her arms spread out in the act of offering. Later Serafina also arrived, but she couldn’t see anything.

A few days later, on Easter, the apparition is renewed. But even more important, this time Serafina also managed to see the Virgin. Rumors spread in the country amid the skepticism of many. But, in September of the same year, even Msgr. Francesco Macarone Palmieri, Bojano bishop, likewise sew the apparition. Later, at the foot of the cliff where there was the first apparition, a water source mysteriusly appeared, and it turned out to be miraculous. Thanks to these episodes and to the new apparition that follow, it was decided to build a Sanctuary named after Our Lady of Sorrows. In fact, in 1890, the first stone is placed, even if the consecration takes place in 1975. This Sanctuary, besides being a symbol for many believers, is a fascinating example of architecture.

From Angelo Franchitto