On July 13, 2014

The Parish of Santa Maria Greca in Corato Italy
is getting ready to celebrate their Patron’s Feast Day!

M_Santa Maria Greca

Santa Maria Greca
Protector of Corato
Feast Day July 18th

From their website (it’s in Italian):

On the occasion of the Feast of the Madonna Greca, after a complex process of restoration, the crypt of the Shrine which houses the icon depicting the Madonna Greca (oil on panel), (see above picture) will be reopened. According to tradition, it is the portrait from the miraculous events that took place in 1656 and that made Her (Santa Maria Greca) protector of Corato.
Located in the historic center, the Diocesan Shrine of Santa Maria Greca is a valuable building that has for the city and for the Archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie great importance in historical, artistic and religious terms.
Throughout the ages, it has been a place of pilgrimage related to Marian devotion. Since 1963, with the re-burial of the mortal remains of the Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta (who is in the process of beatification ), the church has also become a destination for visitors from all over the world.
The growing number of visitors who are attracted to other items of artistic relevance present in it, has made it increasingly necessary to adapt the facilities, services and spaces to the changing needs.
The building consists of an upper church and a crypt that has had over time up to the present day, various changes, demolitions, reconstructions and additions.
The restoration was made ​​possible in part thanks to the financing of the fund 8xmille of the Catholic Church and the Financing of the Italian region of Puglia.  Above all, however, the economic effort of so many parishioners who have generously contributed must be counted, because this place was restored for the benefit of all in the city.  I wish to extend a special thank you to those who actually carried out the restoration. First, the designer and director of the work,  arch. Rosalia Lojodice, of the Company Co.me.st. of Giuseppe Storelli, as well as all the workers who helped with competence and generosity.

Father Sergio Pellegrini, pastor

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