Sanctuary Madonna del Tindari (Sicily): between history and legend


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Also known as the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Tindari is a very popular destination for pilgrims who come from all over as a sign of Marian devotion.


Where is it

In Sicily, in the province of Messina, on the top of the promontory where the acropolis of ancient Tyndaris once stood, there is the Sanctuary dedicated to the Black Madonna of Tindari.

Overlooking a splendid bay characterized by a sandy beach known by the name of Marinello, in the Sanctuary dedicated to Maria Santissima, a statue of the Madonna of dark color is made, made of cedar wood with a crown on her head, sitting while holding in the baby Jesus in his womb with his right hand blessing.


Legend

The statue, carved in the East between the fifth and sixth centuries, was most likely brought to Sicily to escape iconoclastic persecutions, between the end of the eighth and the first decades of the ninth century.

According to tradition, a ship returning from the east, carrying the statue of the Madonna hidden in the hold, was surprised by a storm and sought shelter in the bay of Tindari.

When the weather improved, the sailors raised their sails and started rowing, but the ship did not move, then they tried to lighten the load, but only when they unloaded the crate that contained the statue of the Virgin Mary, were they able to resume the journey.


Madonna

The statue of the Madonna is located on a precious throne in the new church built between 1953 and 1977, as the old church was too small to accommodate the numerous devotees of the brown Madonna.

On 8 September 2018 the Shrine was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Francis.

The ancient sanctuary, located behind the new one, was rebuilt in 1552 on the ruins of an even older church, probably erected on the site where the statue of the Madonna was laid.

The party in honor of the Madonna di Tindari takes place every year between 7 and 8 September, when pilgrims from all over the area go up to the Sanctuary on foot, as a sign of devotion to Maria Santissima del Tindari.

PREGHIERA A MARIA SS. DEL TINDARI. (February 2024)


Tags: Sicily
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