History
Midway through the 16th century, it was a very turbulent time in Civitella di Romagna and its surrounding areas. Catholic properties were being destroyed, with statues of Mary also suffering damage. Protestants and their accomplices went through the region setting fires and plundering.
In this turbulent time, Mary appears five times to Pasquino di Martino da Vignale, namely on 1, 15, 22, 25 and 29 April 1556. This first occurs on 1 April 1556 to Pasquino di Martino da Vignale as he is tending his sheep, resting for a moment and praying in the chapel near the River Suasia. While praying, he hears a woman's voice say: “Pasquino, come here!” The shepherd is startled, sees a beautiful, young woman sitting on the altar. She is dressed in a blue dress and white veil. She instructs Pasquino to go to the landowner and ask if he wishes to cede a portion of the land to build a church for Her. Then the Woman disappears. Pasquino does not know what has happened to him, runs home, suddenly falls ill and tells his mother what has happened. The mother puts her feverish son to bed.
A week later, Pasquino and his mother go to the chapel where the apparition took place, but Mary does not show herself. On 15 April 1556, mother and son return to the chapel. Pasquino hears a woman's voice say that it is unnecessary to come back here if there is no answer. The mother hears no voice, but believes her son does indeed hear one.
Pasquino understands that he must go to the landowner. On 19 April 1556, mother and son go to the landowner. This is Donna Isabella, the widow of Amaducci. The eldest son is also present, and he is keen to comply with the request of the Blessed Virgin. On 22 April 1556, a happy Pasquino goes to the chapel to share the good news with Mary. Our Lady appears in all her beauty, surrounded by a halo of light. Mary tells Pasquino that he must pray much to her Son so that He may save the world. The Mother of God also asks whether, out of reverence for Her, people would fast for a few days.
Pasquino then goes to the notary to record his testimony of the apparitions and to report the making of the land available for the construction of a church.
On 25 April 1556, it was the 4th apparition. Mary held her arms wide open. She told him to invite the population to fast and pray to her Son on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, because she could not bear it any longer.
On 29 April 1556, the inhabitants of Civitella di Romagna head to the Chapel of the Apparitions. Pasquino sees the Apparition for the last time then, it does not speak but blesses those present.
Pasquino is questioned on 27 May 1556 about the apparitions, and his words bear witness to honesty.
A few weeks later, enough money has been raised to build the church. The notary writes a letter to the Pope and receives permission to build a church. A Baroque church is realised, in which the image of Mary and Jesus with a book is given a central place. The first stone of the church is laid on 27 July 1556. This happens at the site where Mary appeared. In 1595, the church is consecrated.
In 1661, the church survived a severe earthquake, which largely destroyed the town of Civitella di Romagna. In 1780, the church caught fire, but the image of Mary with Child remained unharmed.
On 14 November 1819, the Brotherhood (Confraternita della Suasia) was founded to ensure the participation of laypeople in church and community life.
In 2014, there was another fire at the church. The damage was extensive, and in 2019, all restoration work was completed.
Pilgrimage site
The sanctuary in Civitella di Romagna is called “Santuario della Beata Vergine della Suasia” (“Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia”). At the centre of the church is the image of Mary and Child. It is a painting from around 1400 by an unknown artist. This is the image that is still venerated.
In the church, a painting shows the Virgin and Child giving instructions to the shepherd Pasquino.
The altar of the Amaducci family, who own the land on which the sanctuary is built, displays a cloth with symbolic images. At the top are painted Mary with Child, who appeared here, and to their left John the Baptist and Anthony Abbot. On the right side of the artwork are depicted Rochus and Francis of Assisi. After restoration, the painter's signature was discovered and it has been interpreted as being by Gerolamo Veronese. The painting dates from the first half of the 17th century.
In the church, there is a statue of Mary. She is sorrowful, as her heart is pierced by seven swords.
ACCESSIBILITY
Civitella di Romagna is located in the province of Forlì-Cesena, 30 km southwest of Forlì, 100 km east of Florence and 105 km southeast of Bologna.
The address of the shrine is:
Via dei Mille, 47012 Civitella di Romagna
Actual information can be found at www.santuaritaliani.it/santuario/beata-vergine-della-suasia.
Experience
The town of Civitella di Romagna lies in a beautiful, hilly area. Located a little higher than most of the town's buildings is the sanctuary, a church steeped in history.
At the church, I meet a man and he invites me to enter the church. He then alerts the verger, who tells me a little later about the history of this sanctuary. The verger speaks Italian too quickly for me, so I can only partially follow his explanation. We take a tour of the church together, and afterwards I thank him for his willingness.
I'm doing another tour of this house of God and am struck by two large paintings showing the special events of almost 500 years ago. The altar with a depiction of the apparition of Mary with Child to Pasquino is impressive.
After observing a lot in the church, I'm lighting two candles with intentions for good friends and people who haven't understood me well. You see, as chairman of several associations, I am the tall tree that catches a lot of wind. That happens...
In the church, devotional items are also for sale. I pay the verger for a copy of the depiction of Mary with Child, a colour photograph, and some medallions with images of Mary. I won't come home empty-handed, and I'll give the medallions to some older believers. A copy of an old print also catches my eye. The Latin text says, among other things: “Pray devoutly for the quality of life of the Roman urban population”. Underneath the depiction of Mary with Child is “Admirable Mother, pray for us”.
After praying to Mary, I leave the church and go to the river, which flows nearby. Mary appeared here…
Environment
The old town of Civitella di Romagna is certainly worth a visit. The region offers opportunities for hiking and cycling tours. The large city of Forlì is nearby, as is the Adriatic Sea coastline.
Posted: 22 May 2023
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