September 7th is the Feast day for the Madonna Nera of Tindari. 
This sanctuary sits just above Oliveri. The site of the sanctuary is something remembered by anyone who has visited here. Today the faithful from miles around are walking to pay respects to this black Madonna. She is said to award miracles. It is not unusual for groups to be walking up the mountain road barefoot. One year I was invited by a group of women from this town to make the trek. We walked up the national road and it took us one hour. Some in our group did walk barefoot. It was an interesting experience and we brought along baskets of food to share breakfast after the religious service.
This sanctuary sits just above Oliveri. The site of the sanctuary is something remembered by anyone who has visited here. Today the faithful from miles around are walking to pay respects to this black Madonna. She is said to award miracles. It is not unusual for groups to be walking up the mountain road barefoot. One year I was invited by a group of women from this town to make the trek. We walked up the national road and it took us one hour. Some in our group did walk barefoot. It was an interesting experience and we brought along baskets of food to share breakfast after the religious service. 
There is even a group on horseback in town ready to gallop up the mountain tonight for the festivities. We will be watching the fireworks that always mark the days end of these feast occasions from this town.
6 comments:
I remember walking hours to a church when I was 18 from Termini Imerese, I wonder if it was to this church. We left at midnight and got there just in time for the morning mass. I was so tired and my feet were dirty but walking with all those people and see all those shooting stars was wonderful. Then you could line up and go and touch the picture. We took a bus back to town and washed our feet on the balcony then slept all morning. There was no water that morning.
Gorgeous photos; I love learning about the various celebrations and traditions throughout southern Italy especially. Thanks for sharing :)
Lucy from Toronto....
Termini Imerese is 1 and 1/2 hours west of Oliveri. I bet you are close to my hometown in Maine, living in Toronto. Well not so close...about a 10 hour trip.
Sharon, you brought back memories from my trip back in May.
I visited the church, it's beautiful, so much history.
Two things I remember most about visiting there -- 1)the spectacular view out the teensy window in the teensy room and 2) your grandson eating an "ice cream sandwich" for breakfast. Who got him THAT???
Oh yes and 3) the photo of Frankie looking into the horizon was taken as we were walking up the hill to the church. I believe you posted the photo on your blog last February.
Love ~J
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