Sant'anna
A historic church in the municipality of Monteprandone
The church of Sant'Anna is a religious building located in the municipality of Monteprandone, near the hamlet of Centobuchi. Its origins are still unknown, but it was already mentioned in 1458 under the name of Santa Maria Pontellara, probably because it was located near a bridge on the Via Salaria. In 1583, it was cited as a boundary building of the properties of the Abbey of Farfa (Farfense Enfiteusi), which owned it. In 1600, the church was abandoned, but thanks to the insistence of local citizens, it was renovated and reopened for worship in 1631.
The renovation in 1631
The Monteprandone council granted a financial contribution of 20 scudi to complete the works. The canons of the Collegiate Church of S. Nicolò had to safeguard the church and celebrate the Holy Mass on the day of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, July 2 every year. In 1632, the church was solemnly reopened for worship, and all citizens participated in a procession. In 1654, the Chapter of the collegiate church, to which the small church was ceded by the commendatory of Farfa, established to celebrate the Mass there "once a month on Sundays, as well as on the day of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin (July 2) and of Sant'Anna (July 26)."
Devotion grows
Devotion to the saint grew so much that with time the church was renamed S. Anna. With the increasing devotion to this saint, in the 1700s, plenary indulgence was granted to anyone who visits the church on the feast day of S. Anna.
The church today
The church of Sant'Anna is now owned by the Saladini Pilastri family, who are committed to maintaining it. Inside the church, one can admire a precious lunette above the entrance door, depicting the Saint with the child Jesus in her arms, the work of sculptor G. Sassetti, dated 1904. In 1975, a bell dedicated to S. Giacomo was placed on the bell tower, expressing the population's devotion to the great fellow citizen.
Bibliography
Information on this historic church can be found in Saturnino Loggi's history book, Monteprandone Porto d'Ascoli - Storia di un territorio, published in 1992.
Related articles
This church is located in the municipality of Monteprandone, near the hamlet of Centobuchi.
