Viva Maria SS Lauretana!
History of the Sanctuary in Sicily
A Place of Devotion
In Altavilla Milicia, Palermo, Sicily, stands the renowned Sanctuary of Maria SS. Lauretana (Madonna della Milicia). For centuries, it has been a place of healing and devotion, where pilgrims come to honor the Blessed Mother, seek her intercession, and find comfort, guidance, and renewed faith.
Origins of the Sanctuary
Tradition holds that the Blessed Mother chose this humble peasant town as the dwelling place of her image. From here, countless miracles have been reported, and the Sanctuary continues to be a spiritual beacon where the faithful are strengthened to face life’s challenges with hope and love for God.
The earliest written record of the Sanctuary dates back to 1623, when the parish church was first established. Originally dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, it gradually became a Marian Sanctuary as devotion to the sacred image of Maria SS. Lauretana grew. Though the exact origin of the painting is unknown, it has inspired centuries of faith and devotion.
Feast Day – September 8
The greatest expression of devotion takes place each year on September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thousands gather to honor the Madonna, offering prayers of thanksgiving for her intercession and blessings.
The Carro Trionfale
One of the most beloved traditions is the Carro Trionfale (Triumphal Cart). Richly decorated and pulled by oxen, the cart travels through the crowded streets of Altavilla Milicia. It symbolizes the triumphant arrival of the Madonna’s image to the town.
The Flight of the Angels
Perhaps the most unique celebration is the Volo degli Angeli (Flight of the Angels). In this dramatic reenactment, two children are suspended in the air to portray the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. They recite verses that recall the Annunciation, bringing both beauty and reverence to the feast.
A Living Faith
The devotion of Altavilla’s people to the Blessed Mother is profound. It is expressed not only in feast day celebrations but also in their daily lives, guided by the Gospel and the Church’s teaching. Their faith is genuine and enduring, rooted in love rather than superstition.
History of the Painting
The Historical Account
A more historical explanation links the painting’s origin to the night of June 14–15, 1636, when pirates invaded Altavilla Milicia.
At the time, Palermo was celebrating the Feast of Santa Rosalia, who had freed the city from the plague in 1624. When news of the pirate attack reached Palermo, the army rushed to defend Altavilla, forcing the invaders to retreat. In their anger, the pirates struck the painting of Maria SS. Lauretana with an axe, damaging it from behind.
News of this outrage spread quickly. The people of Palermo, grateful to the Madonna for protecting their city, began a deep devotion to Maria SS. Lauretana. Just as Santa Rosalia had saved Palermo from the plague, so too had the Madonna protected the city from pirates.
This is why, even today, during the Feast of September 8th, the painting pauses at the end of the procession facing Palermo — a reminder that the Madonna continues to watch over the city.
Confirmed Origins
In 1942, Professor Violante confirmed that the painting dates back to the 4th century and is of Catalan origin.We know that a nearby chapel, the “Chiesuzza,” was dedicated to Santa Maria di Campogrosso. Each year, a procession was held with the painting of Maria SS. Lauretana, which is believed to be part of a Byzantine-style icon collection later transferred to the Sanctuary.
The Three Images
If you look at the top of this page, you will see three different depictions of the Madonna. Here’s why:
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Left Image: The original painting, obtained on the shores of Altavilla Milicia in 1623.
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Center Image: In the mid-1800s, the painting was covered with silver and gold overlays. It remained this way until 1990, when it was restored to its original state. Since the Arizona Society was established in 1983, this is the image that members here continue to venerate.
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Right Image: A rendition painted in 1900 for the Chicago Chapter. This version is still venerated by the Chicago community today.
A Symbol of Faith
Though the image itself has taken different forms through the centuries, the devotion remains the same. As Catholics, we understand that we do not worship the image, but rather honor the holy person it represents — the Blessed Mother of Jesus, to whom we pray and seek intercession.
