Valleverde Sanctuary, as with many other Capitanata sanctuaries, is linked to the flow of pilgrims visiting the Grotto of the Archangel Michael. Numerous groups of pilgrims from the sub-Apennine Dauno, from Irpinia and Sannio, used to stop and pay respect to the Queen of the Sky; for them Bishop Roberto at the beginning of the XIII century built St. Angelo’s Hospital, the current Church of the Rosary, where pilgrims could rest and receive the necessary aid.
Currently, the sanctuary is supported by Vocationist Brothers who, based on those gone before them, continue to worship the Madonna, welcome pilgrims and spread the word of God. Thanks to them the additional re-facing work of the entire complex with a majestic church was possible. The church overlooks the valley as a sign of hope. Currently the Madonna di Valleverde sanctuary, along with that of the Incoronata in Foggia, is one of the two largest Marian sanctuaries in the Archdiocese of Foggia – Bovino.
A Brief History:
In 1265 the Virgin appeared three times in a dream to Nicolò, a humble peasant, urging him to build a church in Mengaga forest in her honour and to name it Santa Maria di Valverde, the Spanish locality where the church in honour of Maria was abandoned. In four months the little church was built and it immediately became the destination of many pilgrims. The church was entrusted to the Ripalta Christian Brothers until the beginning of the 1600’s and it was then handed over to the Minori Osservanti Brothers, the Passionists and from 1921 it was entrusted to the Vocationist Brothers.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 15/07/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
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