The story of Our Lady Mary of Cava, commonly known as "Madonna della Cava," dates back to before 1223, as documented in the historical records of Pietraperzia, my paternal hometown. While many are more familiar with the renowned Mary of Lourdes, who first appeared in France in 1858, the tale of Mary of Cava is even older and holds significant popularity in its own right. 

Trapani (West Sicily), Before the Year 1222

One night, in the town of Trapani, a mute man had a remarkable dream in which the Virgin Mary appeared to him. She instructed him to journey to the small village of Pietraperzia in central Sicily and to search for an ancient painting hidden in a cave within the Runzi district. This painting had mysteriously remained concealed for centuries, likely hidden in the cave during the time of iconoclasm that was common in Sicily between the 8th and 9th centuries.

Upon waking the next morning, the man contemplated the dream but did not give it much weight. However, the following night, Mary appeared to him again, reiterating her message: he must go and dig for the painting. She promised to help him find the exact location where it was buried.

Determined to act on her words, the man shared his dream with his mother. Together, along with other family members, they set off for Pietraperzia.

During their journey, Mary fulfilled her promise. She appeared to him in a vision, guiding him along the way and providing reassurance that they were destined to uncover the hidden painting.

Pietraperzia (Central Sicily), Before the Year 1222

Upon arriving in Pietraperzia, the local people dismissed the mute man's story as mere fantasy. However, as they reached a hill, he recognized the landscape from his dream, and tears welled in his eyes. His relatives, moved by a sense of anticipation, also began to cry, sensing that something extraordinary was about to unfold. The man felt a profound certainty that the painting was nearby.

Realizing they needed help to dig, they sought assistance from the farmers living in the nearby vineyards and houses. Together, the men gathered on the hill, armed with hoes and shovels. With each scoop of earth, a vibrant array of colors began to emerge from the dust and soil. At last, a radiant image of Mary and the infant Jesus appeared—Mary, tenderly breastfeeding her child.

Overcome with deep emotion, happiness, and spiritual strength, the mute man felt an unusual power swell within him. It surged through his heart, coursing through his body, and burst forth from his throat: “Viva Maria della Cava!” he proclaimed. The image of Mary and Jesus was fully unearthed from the cave beneath the hill. Everyone present was touched by this miracle; the intersection of human longing and divine faith was palpable.

When I first heard of Mary of Cava and her miracles, I was a young child, captivated by the stories my grandmother Filippa shared. A deeply religious woman, my grandmother raised three sons, with my father as the middle child. After the passing of my grandfather Giovanni Blandini—who was a heavy smoker—and the tragic loss of her youngest son Attilio in a car accident (a talented painter and passionate musician), she became a widow. In her grief, she embarked on an even closer spiritual journey, filled with prayer and meditation.

My grandmother’s wardrobe consisted solely of black and dark clothing, a reflection of her mourning. In Sicilian tradition, it is customary to wear dark colors after losing a loved one—whether a child, parent, or close relative. The duration of this mourning period is a personal choice. Given that my grandmother lost both her husband and a child, her sorrow must have been an overwhelming, incurable sense of desolation. This profound grief likely deepened her commitment to a life of faith and prayer, even though her devotion had always been strong.

Whenever I visited her home, she would be found holding a rosary, patiently reciting her prayers in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. One day, something extraordinary captured my attention: I watched her leave bread on her balcony. Surrounded by an array of beautiful flowers and plants, she was feeding the European sparrows—tiny birds that typically shied away from humans. I was amazed and attempted to replicate this at my parents' house, but my efforts resulted in uneaten, spoiled bread left on our balcony for days.

Now, let’s discuss the connection between Our Lady Mary of Cava and my family. The most remarkable stories of Mary of Cava come from my grandmother and her sisters, who witnessed a unique event involving Our Lady. Many might find such tales hard to believe—Christians and non-Christians alike, skeptics and believers. Even as a younger man, I struggled to accept these stories without substantial evidence. Yet, how could I dismiss the words of one of the kindest, sweetest, and most loyal women I have ever known? How could I not trust a woman who had the remarkable ability to brighten the darkest moods with a smile?

She was not the flawless figure one might imagine; she loved to joke, make people laugh, and even let slip a few bad words! Yes, she would curse occasionally, which added to her charm. Have you ever met an elderly woman who could get away with such humor? She knew it was endearing.

My grandmother was married to my grandfather, a police officer. While many associate Sicily with the mafia, I assure you that honesty prevailed in our family.

Returning to the story, I’m excited to share the extraordinary event as recounted by my grandmother and her sisters, all of whom were witnesses to this miraculous occurrence.

11 December 1946

When my grandmother married, my grandfather was not in the prime of his youth—he was in his forties. Their first child was a son, named Michele after his paternal grandfather. At that time, Sicily was engulfed in the Second World War, with bombs falling all around as people tried to flee. My grandmother recounted how, due to the trauma of the war, Michele became terrified of loud noises. He would hide under the living room table whenever he heard a loud sound from outside.

After Michele, my grandmother hoped for a daughter, likely influenced by her upbringing in a family of tailors and shoemakers, roles traditionally filled by women in Sicilian society. Unfortunately, she suffered accidental miscarriages while pregnant with two daughters.

Her next child was another son—my father. The months passed smoothly, and when the time for his birth arrived, everything was prepared. Babies were typically born at home back then, assisted by an experienced local midwife. On the 11th of December, as my grandmother was ready to give birth, something unexpected occurred. When the midwife delivered the baby, she discovered that he was deceased. The child did not cry or breathe; he was lifeless.

My grandmother’s younger sisters, Irene and Peppina, were by her side during this heartbreaking moment. To verify the midwife's claim, Peppina took the baby in her arms and confirmed the tragic news. I remember my grandmother recounting how Peppina said, “I took the baby, and when I realized he was not alive, I set him aside…”—likely placing him on a bed, as was the tradition in Sicily.

Devastated by the news, my grandmother experienced profound sorrow. Although she likely cried and felt despair, being a deeply religious woman, her first instinct must have been to pray.

In a hopeless situation, the thought of turning to Madonna della Cava, the protectress of the Pietrini (the people of Pietraperzia), would have been natural. The Pietrini had devoted themselves to the Madonna della Cava for centuries, and she had always come to their aid.

Later that same day, the 11th of December would transform into one of the most significant days of my grandmother's life. Regaining her composure after the fatigue of labor, she made her way to the Church of Madonna della Cava (also known as the Sanctuary), located a few hours from her parents’ home. I imagine she rode a cart, reaching the church in about an hour. Upon entering, she knelt before the famous effigy of Mary—found in 1223 by a foreigner healed of deafness—and prayed with all her heart. Though she never shared the specifics of her prayers, it was clear she sought solace for the misfortune that had befallen her that day.

As she returned home, the same house where she had given birth to a lifeless child, something miraculous occurred. Upon arriving, she found her sister Peppina holding the baby, who was now alive. Could it be that Madonna della Cava had listened to her prayers, showcasing the power of God? Many may doubt such stories, and I, too, held skepticism in my childhood. But now I believe.

If my father had been buried on that 11th of December, if my grandmother had not prayed so fervently for her child, and if he had not been miraculously revived—how could I exist today? My father’s birth was recorded in the public records on the 12th of December, one day after he was delivered. For years, we celebrated his birthday on the 12th, even though he was born on the 11th. My father was named after my grandmother’s father.

Viva la Madonna della Cava! (an expression used by the Pietrini to honor Madonna della Cava).

Here, I have shared my grandmother’s story, as witnessed by her sisters. All three recounted the same details when I was a teenager, creating a tapestry of belief that has woven itself through our family’s history. There is another story that my grandmother’s younger sister, Irene, shared with me—another miraculous event involving Our Madonna della Cava and my grandmother’s father, Paolo, whose name was also passed on to my father.

Year 1910, presumibly during the Italo-Turkish War

Based on the reconstruction of a card we discovered and the story my grandmother, his daughter, shared with me, it appears that the year was 1910. At that time, my great-grandfather was 33 years old, and it was winter. The exact location of this event remains unknown and awaits further discovery. What I do know is that it occurred during a war—most likely the Italo-Turkish War, which was the only conflict that year. The day was marked by heavy snowfall, with several meters of snow blanketing the landscape. Only recently, we found an old card that my great-grandfather Paolo sent to his wife from an unknown destination labelled "war zone" and dated 1918. This finding confirms that he was on active service during the war.

While Paolo was outdoors, a sudden avalanche buried him under the snow. Struggling to free himself from the cold, oppressive layers, he called out for help from Madonna della Cava before fainting from exhaustion. Moments later, he awoke, miraculously freed from that claustrophobic trap.

Viva la Madonna della Cava!

Before I delve deeper into history, let me share a more recent experience of my own.

March 2004

In 2004, my wife and I had just welcomed our beautiful little girl into the world when an unexpected event disrupted our newfound parenthood. Just a few months after her birth, my wife was diagnosed with a fibroid in her uterus. The mass had likely existed before her pregnancy and, upon scanning, was found to be the size of a fist. Our family gynecologist informed us that while some fibroids could shrink or grow, there was no chance it would disappear with medication. Surgery was the only option.

As the days passed, I felt a deep sadness, coupled with fear that the fibroid could transform into something more dangerous. Each time I looked into my daughter’s eyes, I was reminded of the misfortune we were facing. We were both young and overwhelmed.

In those days when medical research offered no comfort, I found myself contemplating a return to the church. Although I had not been a devoted churchgoer, fear pushed me toward faith. My ties to Pietraperzia compelled me to leave my prayers there, hoping for relief from my fears. I reflected on my grandmother's story, believing that if Madonna della Cava had helped her in times of struggle, perhaps she could offer me a solution as well.

I waited for Father Don Giovanni Bongiovanni to open the church, and as I stepped inside, I was drawn to the ancient painting of Madonna della Cava breastfeeding the infant Jesus. Kneeling on a bench near the altar, I began to pray. It was a moment of profound release, a shedding of fears, sorrows, and feelings of powerlessness. I felt surrounded by the invisible spirits of those who had prayed there over the centuries—my grandmother and ancestors who had sought solace in that sanctuary, just as I was doing. It felt like landing on an island of hope after months of being adrift on a sea of fear.

Yet, to be honest, I doubted whether my prayers would be heard. For years, I had been a skeptic believer.

After praying, I left Pietraperzia and returned home to Caltanissetta. A few days later, the doctor informed us that the surgery would take place not in Caltanissetta but in a renowned clinic in Palermo, known as the “Hospital of the Children,” under the care of a skilled young doctor. This posed challenges, as we had to leave our daughter in Caltanissetta with my parents.

On the day of my wife’s surgery, I left Caltanissetta early in the morning to catch the bus to Palermo. The day before, my wife had undergone blood tests in preparation for the operation and a bag of her blood was set aside in case of an emergency blood transfusion . After returning home to be with our daughter, I set out again for Palermo the next day, arriving at the hospital early. When I found my wife, she was ready to be taken to the operating room but appeared sad and frightened. I did my best to comfort her, assuring her that everything would be alright as I watched her disappear behind the large white door.

Finding a spot in the waiting area, I prepared for what felt like an eternity. To my surprise, mere minutes later, the door opened, and I was astonished to see my wife emerge. I half-expected her to have forgotten something or to change her mind about the surgery. But when she approached, she was smiling. Confused, I asked what was happening, and she informed me that a subsequent scan revealed the fibroid had mysteriously vanished.

A wave of warmth washed over me, quickening my breath and igniting a warm pulse in my veins. I felt a shiver run through my body, and in that moment, one exultant thought echoed in my mind: Viva la Madonna della Cava!

The joy was overwhelming, leaving no space for tears. Our fears had been replaced by a miraculous renewal of faith and hope. My wife was happy, and so was I. The last image etched in my mind is of two doctors exiting the operating room, debating how such a sudden healing—without scientific explanation—could occur.

Years later, I recalled reading a book written by a monk from Pietraperzia, a 18th Century historian. He was a luminary, an intellectual with a passion for history, and like many from Pietraperzia, devoted to Madonna della Cava. We owe a great debt to this man, for he meticulously documented the story of Madonna della Cava, preserving vital information for future generations. This ecclesiastic, known as Fra Dionigi, was actually Don Pasquale Bongiovanni, possibly related to me through his mother, Vincenza Emma—whose family is related to the Blandini family as well.

The Bongiovanni family has produced many remarkable individuals. It is no coincidence that the current priest and curator of the Sanctuary of Madonna della Cava is Don Giovanni Bongiovanni, who has overseen that church for many years. It is also fitting that I chose him to administer sacraments to my family. My genealogical researches revelaed he is a descendant of Fra Dionigi.

In his book, Pietraperzia from the Origins to the Year 1776: A Historical-Critical Relation about the Prodigious Image of Our Lady Mary of Cava from Pietraperzia, Fra Dionigi details numerous miraculous events attributed to Mary’s intercession to our Lord, meticulously recorded by the local community and even visitors from afar. He was diligent in noting names, dates, and facts, often supported by ecclesiastical records. Acknowledging the scarcity of information from earlier times, he faced challenges in compiling this list of miracles and could only include those that had been officially documented and sworn to by witnesses.

Year 1230

In the year 1230, a remarkable event unfolded following the discovery of the effigy of Madeonna della Cava by a man from Trapani, who claimed to have been healed of his inability to speak. On his journey home, he passed through the city of Sciacca, where he shared his miraculous story with the townspeople. Among them was a paralytic knight who, upon hearing the tale, expressed a deep desire to visit the sacred site himself.

The knight was carried there on a barrow by his loyal servants. Upon their arrival, the knight requested to be left alone in front of the church so that he could pray to Madonna della Cava. As his servants took a moment to drink from a nearby fountain—still standing today—he knelt in prayer. Just a few minutes later, to their astonishment, they saw him approaching on his own two legs.

The knight joyfully declared that Madonna della Cava had appeared to him and healed him, inviting him to join his servants in drinking the fresh water.

Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Some years later, as the Knight returned home to Trapani, a priest from Messina, who had also suffered from paralysis and heard the miraculous story, requested to be taken to the church. Upon crossing the threshold, he was immediately healed, cunctis stupendibus, just like the man before him.

Viva La Madonna Della Cava! 

Year 1687
From the 16th to the 17th century, the Sanctuary of Mary of Cava was under the care of the Monks of the Order of Saint Augustine. They had relocated there from a church they built in Pietraperzia, near the castle. However, in 1687, the Order of the Monks of Saint Augustine was abolished. As documented by a notary on September 20, 1687, the Sanctuary was then entrusted to the Bishop of Catania.

With the monks' departure, the inhabitants of Pietraperzia felt disheartened, fearing that Our Lady Mary of Cava could no longer be venerated as before. The church was subsequently entrusted to a few custodians, one of whom was Priest Don Lorenzo Turbìa. He believed it would be wise to move the ancient painting of Madonna della Cava to the church previously used by the monks in downtown Pietraperzia, just a few kilometers from the Sanctuary.

With the help of artisans, the painting was carefully removed from the wall of the church and placed on a barrow carried by two donkeys around 1687. Interestingly, As the procession moved along, the crowd prayed and recited psalms. When they reached the fountain known as “Il Canale,” which blocked the road to the town, the donkeys suddenly refused to move. 

Interestingly, my 7th great-grandfather, Don Giuseppe Blandino, was living at 'Il Canale" at the time, so he may have witnessed the event firsthand.

Despite Don Lorenzo’s attempts to coax them forward, the animals shook violently, breaking the rope that secured the barrow to the stone bearing the image of Madonna della Cava. The painting fell to the ground and shattered into pieces. Shocked, Don Lorenzo watched as the crowd wept, declaring it a sign that Our Lady did not wish to move the painting from the Cava. Witnesses claimed that the sky changed abruptly from a beautiful day to one filled with clouds.

Word of the accident spread throughout Pietraperzia, prompting residents to come and witness the scene. They diligently gathered the pieces of the painting, wrapping them in white cloth and placing them in baskets, determined to restore it and return it to the Sanctuary.

Don Niccolò Placido Branciforte, Prince of Pietraperzia, heard about the incident and arrived with his officials, seeking those responsible. Only two men were arrested: Don Giulio Cesare Cagnina and Don Gianfrancesco Majorana, the town captain.

Meanwhile, the crowd continued to pray, hoping for a resolution. Suddenly, a mysterious old man emerged from the throng; he appeared to be a stranger. He urged everyone to remain calm and have faith. The man took the baskets containing the painting’s pieces and entered the old church built by the monks in downtown Pietraperzia. Skeptical onlookers doubted his ability to restore the ancient artwork, and one person even locked the church door to keep the old man inside. He remained there throughout the night while the townspeople waited outside for a miracle.

When morning arrived, the church door swung open unexpectedly. The crowd rushed inside to find the painting completely restored, but the mysterious man had vanished without a trace. No one knew who he was or where he had come from. Nevertheless, the townspeople rejoiced and would remember that event for the rest of their lives, passing the story down to future generations.

To great surprise, a recent analyses during the restoration of the effigy in 2013 have revealed that the painting showed signs of past breakage and reattachment.

After a long procession, the ancient painting was placed back on a barrow, this time securely protected, and carried back to the Sanctuary by several ministers, where it was returned to the altar it had previously occupied.

Haec requies mea in saeculum saeculi, Hic habitabo, quoniam elegi eam.

The story became renowned, recounted by those who witnessed the miraculous event firsthand. It was also mentioned by:

• Sister Margarita Majorana, daughter of Don Gianfrancesco Majorana, one of the arrested men;

• Sister Germana, daughter of Don Giulio Cesare Cagnina, also arrested for the same incident;

• Artisan Cosmo Demma, the 93-year-old maternal grandfather of the author, who heard this tale as a teenager.

Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1714
Cristofalo Marotta suffered from severe renal pain. After consulting numerous doctors and trying various remedies with no relief, he began to pray to Our Lady Mary of Cava. One night, he fell asleep and dreamed of Our Lady, who comforted him and suggested he apply mallow leaves to his bladder. Upon waking, he searched for mallow leaves and followed her advice. Almost immediately, he expelled a stone as large as a chicken egg. Despite offers of treatment for his wounds, he refused, later discovering he was completely healed. Witnesses kept the stone, and the miracle was officially recorded.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1716
Gaspare Giarrizzo was traveling from Pietraperzia to Barrafranca when a sudden rainstorm hit. He sought shelter in the Church of Madonna della Cava, where many priests and monks were praising Our Lady and reciting litanies. As he knelt to pray, lightning struck his boot and pants, yet he remained unharmed. In that moment, he invoked the name of Madonna della Cava of Cava, which he considered a miracle, witnessed by the archpriest of Butera, Don Gaetano Zuccaro, and the other priests present.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1717
Don Sebastiano Sillitto, a priest from Caltanissetta, accidentally injured himself and called upon Madonna della Cava for help, hoping to celebrate Mass. Immediately, he felt a surge of strength and, with tears of gratitude, completed the service. After returning to the sacristy to remove his vestments, he realized all his pain had vanished. He exclaimed, "Miracle, miracle!" and the event was officially recorded.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1720
Don Liborio Miccichè asked a foreigner, Don Felice Cagno from Piazza Armerina, to measure his land in Pietraperzia. Hearing tales of miracles attributed to Madonna della Cava, the skeptic laughed at the villagers. Shortly after, he fell asleep and awoke to find himself blind. Despite attempts to wash his eyes, he remained in despair, regretting his ridicule of Madonna della Cava. He confessed to the priest, sought forgiveness, and vowed to visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Cava if healed. Miraculously, he regained his sight and fulfilled his promise, as documented by Don Giuseppe Giarrizzo.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1721
Stefania Rizzo from Riesi was a devoted widow whose only son fell gravely ill. After exhausting all medical options, the child tragically died. Despite her grief, Stefania continued to pray to the Madonna della Cava. Suddenly, her son began to breathe again, awakening as if from a deep slumber. While Stefania prayed, the boy exclaimed, "How great is Our Lord for the intercession of our Lady Mary of Pietraperzia, who has returned me to life!" Witnesses promised to visit the church of Madonna della Cava in gratitude, and the miracle was recorded by Don Giuseppe Giarrizzo.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1721
In Pietraperzia, Diego Sollima’s three-year-old son lost the ability to speak after a stroke. The family sought medical help but found none. On a Saturday, dedicated to our Lady, Diego’s mother and wife brought him to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Cava. As they reached the Holy Cross near the church, the child uttered a few words but remained unconscious. The two women placed him in front of the altar where Madonna della Cava’s effigy hung and stepped outside. Just as they turned to look back, the miracle occurred: the child ran after them, completely healed. Don Giuseppe Giarrizzo witnessed and recorded this event.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1722
Don Antonino Marino, a priest from Pietraperzia, had suffered from chronic renal pain for many years. He made a vow to Madonna della Cava for healing, bringing a candle as tall as himself to the Sanctuary. Suddenly, he experienced a strong urge to urinate, and the pain disappeared for good.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Aloisia Lombardo from Caltanissetta, residing in Pietraperzia, had a paralyzed nephew for years, with no cure available. After taking him to the Church of Madonna della Cava, he was miraculously healed. Many witnesses recorded the event, including Don Giuseppe Giarrizzo.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Cristofalo Giordano, a man from Caltanissetta living in Mineo, had an accident that left him injured. After 15 days, he could hardly move and asked to be taken on a donkey to the Church of Madonna della Cava on August 14th, the eve of the feast. Upon arriving at the Sanctuary, he shouted, "Madonna della Cava, heal me!" Suddenly, he felt a surge of energy and was able to walk unaided, to the astonishment of all present.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Don Girolamo Francipani, Baron of Regalbono, and his wife Donna Cristina traveled from Pietraperzia to Licata. Devoted to Our Lady Mary of Cava, Cristina shared stories of her miracles with the locals, including one that healed her during a serious illness. At that time, Donna Grazia Perconti of Licata lay near death, attended by priests. Upon hearing this, Cristina visited and prayed fervently, placing a veil from Mary on Grazia's head. A foul odor emanated from her, but she was suddenly healed and spoke for the first time. Donna Cristina documented this miraculous event.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Filippo Colajanni from Castrogiovanni (now Enna) had his horse stolen. After searching, he found it hidden behind the Church of Madonna della Cava. Approaching with a German friend, he attempted to retrieve the horse, but the thief emerged from the bushes, rifle in hand, and threatened him. In that moment, Filippo invoked the name of Our Lady Madonna della Cava and, miraculously, no bullets struck him. The thief, remorseful, knelt before Filippo, asking for forgiveness and vowing to become a better man, which he upheld for the rest of his life.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Andrea Tummino, a farmer from Pietraperzia, had recovered from a serious illness but suffered from schizophrenia. Witnesses saw him enter the Sanctuary of Madonna della Cava and faint before the altar. Upon awakening from his unconscious state, he was completely sane. Overcome with emotion, he cried and thanked the Madonna della Cava for the intercession to the Lord.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Santo Mezzatesta was at home when a heavy timber fell on him. He called out to Our Lady Madonna della Cava, and miraculously, the wood caused him no harm.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Filippo Bonaffino lost his son during the celebration of Madonna della Cava in Pietraperzia. He prayed for help, and miraculously, his child was found in the dense crowd of people. The father regarded this as a miracle from Madonna della Cava.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1723
Rocco Culmone accidentally jabbed his eye with a thorn while hunting a rabbit. Despite attempts to treat the injury, he eventually lost sight in that eye. With hope and determination, he prayed to Madonna della Cava, and within 24 hours, his vision was restored.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1725
In Pietraperzia, Giacinto Matraxia was healed from a severe case of plague after four painful years of suffering through his prayers to Madonna della Cava. On August 15th, Ippolito Sillitto brought his paralyzed son to the Sanctuary, where he was instantly healed. Other miraculous healings were reported, including those of craftsman Domenico Falzone, who was old and paralyzed, and 14-year-old Rosario Bonanni, who regained his health after extensive medical consultations.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1727
In Mazzarino, a pregnant woman struggled to deliver her child and tragically died within five days. Her family prayed at the Church of Madonna della Cava, and on April 19th, the child was miraculously delivered.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1746
Similar to Don Diego Sollima's case, craftsman Calogero Rosso suffered a stroke and was brought to the Church of Madonna della Cava. Upon reaching the Holy Cross, filled with faith, he threw away his walking stick and called out to Madonna della Cava. Miraculously, he began to walk unaided in front of many witnesses. This miracle was recorded by lawyer Bonanni.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1749
Andrea Castellana, paralyzed for 26 years, experienced miraculous healing through the intercession of Our Lady Madonna della Cava.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1749
During a fire in the church of Madonna della Cava, a priest was struck by a beam and was miraculously saved.
Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Year 1775
On the morning of Monday, August 20th, a craftsman named Giuseppe Turturici was cleaning the oven where he cooked shingles. As he entered to clean and load more raw shingles, the oven collapsed, burying him under several meters of soil. Instinctively, he shouted, “Madonna della Cava, help me!” Hearing his cries, many people rushed to his aid, including members of the Turturici family.

When Giuseppe's mother arrived at the Church of Saint Domenico, someone informed her not to come, claiming her son was already dead beneath the soil. An experienced engineer, Giuseppe Fiore, along with several blacksmiths, arrived to recover the body, and preparations for the funeral began. After three hours of excavation, a faint sound of breathing was heard from the burial site, astonishing the crowd.

After an hour of digging, Giuseppe's head emerged from the soil, and he exclaimed, “Viva Maria della Cava!” He was rescued and taken to his family's home, where his mother and relatives, believing him to be dead, cried tears of joy upon seeing him alive.

Giuseppe Turturici attributed this miraculous event to the Virgin Mary of Cava and shared his story with the townspeople. The miraculous occurrence was documented at the vicarial court and authenticated by the legal court before Baron Don Giuseppe Bonaffini on November 9, 1775. The following is an excerpt from the original document:

Ego D. Rochus Bonaffini conf. ut supra. Sac. Augustinus Trigona conf. ut sup. = Sac. D. Dominicus Abbas Giarrizzo conf. ut sup. = Io M. Giuseppe Fiore Capo Mastro fui presenti e conf. come sopra = Universitas hujus Civ. Petrapertiae indubiam fidem facimus ac testamur, qualiter supradictae subscriptions sunt de propiis figuris, et characteristibus ipsorum Rev de Bonaffini, Trigona, et Giarrizzo ac praedicti de Fiore, quibus fidibus, et characteristibus semper adhibenda est fides. In cujus rei Testim. has praesentes fieri jussimus, nostro Mag. Not. Scriptas, nostroque solito sigillo in pede munitas. Dat. Petrapertiae die 9. Novemb. IX. Ind. 1775. Not D. Michael Fiore Pro Mag. Not.

“Blind people see again, lame people walk, those with skin diseases are made clean, deaf people hear again, the dead are brought back to life, and the poor hear the Good News.”
— Matthew 11:5

Viva La Madonna Della Cava!

Reference

Fra Dionigi di Pietraperzia (1776). Relazione critico-storica della prodigiosa invenzione d'una immagine di Maria Santissima chiamata comunemente della Cava di Pietrapercia.  Tipolitografia, 1998 

Between the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Cava and the town of Pietraperzia, there is a distance of about 5 kilometers. According to historical accounts, at each point along the route where the donkey refused to carry the effigy of the Madonna from the Sanctuary to the town in 1687, a votive shrine was built in her honor. Today, these shrines can still be seen along the path.