Incoronata
The Sanctuary of the Crowned Madonna: A Sacred Place of Marian Veneration
Dear friend,
Today I will tell you about the Sanctuary of the Crowned Madonna, a place of great Marian devotion located in Borgo Incoronata, a suburb of the city of Foggia. Here, the image of the Crowned Madonna, also known as the Black Madonna, is venerated.
History: The legend of the first apparition
According to legend, the first apparition of the Madonna occurred in April 1001, to a countess of Ariano and a shepherd in the Cervaro Valley, south of Foggia. The shepherd filled a "caldarella" with a "mesata" of oil and created a votive lamp that still burns in the sanctuary today, due to popular devotion. A small church was built near the tree where the apparition occurred, which later became a real complex with an attached monastery. In the 19th century, the sanctuary was extensively renovated, taking on a neoclassical appearance with a side portico for the access of the faithful.
In 1950, work began on the construction of the current sanctuary, with its imposing 57-meter tall bell tower, and the attached "opera don Orione." In March 1978, Pope Paul VI elevated the sanctuary to the dignity of a minor basilica.
The interior of the sanctuary is enriched by the immense bronze crown that hangs from the dome with only 8 free and oscillating ties. Above the entrance is a monumental organ of 2000 pipes, with 2 keyboards of 61 keys and a pedalboard of 32 pedals with 28 electric transmission registers, built in 1982 by Maestro Alessandro Girotto.
Celebrations: The "feast of the apparition"
Every year, on the last Saturday of April, the "feast of the apparition" of the Crowned Madonna is celebrated, preceded by the "ride of the angels" on the preceding Friday and by the "vesting" and "coronation" of the venerated statue on the preceding Wednesday. On this occasion, the rite of offering oil for the lamp is renewed, donated by one of the municipalities where devotion to the sacred image is particularly alive.
Also, the dress with which the bishop clothes the statue every year, which wears it for the whole following year, is donated every year by a different community. The celebration of the "feast of the apparition" is an event of great importance for the local community, but it also attracts many faithful from all over Italy.
Notes: Useful information
If you want to visit the Sanctuary of the Crowned Madonna, its address is Via Santuario, SN, 71121 Foggia (FG). Remember that it is a sacred place, so respect the silence and religiosity of other visitors. Be discreet and respectful. Access is free.
Bibliography: Sources of information
If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Sanctuary of the Crowned Madonna, I recommend consulting the following source:
- "Santuario di Maria Santissima Incoronata" in "L'Italia - Le regioni - Città - Foggia", Istituto Geografico De Agostini, Novara, 1993
Related articles: Adjacent places and themes
If you want to know other places of worship located near the Sanctuary of the Crowned Madonna, I recommend consulting the following related articles:
- Santuario Incoronata Station
- Cervaro Valley
External links: Useful websites
Finally, if you want to deepen your knowledge of this sacred place, I recommend consulting the following website:
- [https://www.santuarimadonnaincoronata.it/ Official website of the Sanctuary of the Crowned Madonna]
I hope this information has been helpful. Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any further questions or need additional information on this sacred place of Marian veneration.
Best regards, Your friend.
