Sanctuary of Blessed Antonio Vici in Stroncone: History, Devotion, and Adventure

The Sanctuary of Blessed Antonio Vici in Stroncone, Umbria, is a place of profound spirituality that encapsulates centuries of history, popular devotion, and a touch of adventure linked to its recovery. This sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Italy, is a treasure for the faithful and a point of interest for those seeking local history and traditions.

History and Architecture of the Sanctuary

The church, as described at the end of the 16th century, originally featured a single nave. Where the minor nave now stands, housing the urn of Blessed Antonio, there was once an external chapel dedicated to Saint Sebastian, with a wooden statue from the 15th century, now preserved in the chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the church underwent significant transformations. The floor was lowered, the roof raised, and the vault rebuilt. A smaller nave was added on the right side. In this new area, the fresco of the Madonna with Saint Francis and the chapel of the Third Order of Franciscans were placed. The apse of this nave was designated for the chapel dedicated to Saint Diego, later dedicated to Blessed Antonio Vici.

Blessed Antonio Vici: Life and Miracles

The focal point of the cult is the mummified body of Blessed Antonio Vici (Stroncone, 1381 – Assisi, 1461), preserved in a glass urn. Antonio Vici, a Franciscan friar, distinguished himself for his humility, dedication to prayer, and mortifications, even sewing the sole of his foot as a form of penance, according to tradition. He died in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi on February 7, 1461.

After his death, a miraculous flame appeared on his tomb. The following year, his body was found intact and flexible and buried in front of the main altar of San Damiano. Further recognitions occurred in 1599, when the body was placed in a crystal urn above an altar, and in 1680, when the urn was further embellished. A part of the original coffin was donated to the church of Saint Francis in Stroncone.

Numerous miracles are attributed to Blessed Antonio Vici, documented in the ‘positio’ preserved in the archive of the Convent of Assisi. These miracles have fueled a fervent popular devotion, evidenced by the ex-votos preserved in the sanctuary: luminaries, inscribed tablets, paintings, goldsmith objects, and photographs.

The Adventurous Return to Stroncone: A Devout “Kidnapping”

The veneration for Blessed Antonio never faded in Stroncone, his hometown. The local community ardently desired to safeguard the remains of “their” blessed. In 1809, a group of twenty Stronconesi, led by Father Angelico Coletti, undertook a true expedition to Assisi, in an action that has the flavor of a devout “kidnapping.”

Between August 24 and 27, with an act of courage and determination, they brought the remains of Blessed Antonio back to Stroncone. The journey was a true adventurous pilgrimage, during which the faith and determination of the faithful were put to the test.

This episode adds a unique element to the sanctuary, transforming it into a place not only of prayer but also of historical memory and celebration of an act of collective devotion. The saint’s body was finally returned to the church of Stroncone, where it is still venerated today.

Ideas for an Adventurous Visit

In addition to its spiritual significance, the Sanctuary of Blessed Antonio Vici offers unique opportunities for a more adventurous visit experience:

• Historical Research: Delve into the history of the “kidnapping” of the remains. Explore local archives to find documents and testimonies from the time.
• Faith and Nature Trail: Ideally follow the path that the Stronconesi took in 1809 to bring back the body of Blessed Antonio. This could translate into a hiking or cycling excursion through the Umbrian countryside, rediscovering places and traditions.
• Ex-Voto Hunt: Study the ex-votos preserved in the sanctuary, trying to interpret their stories and meanings. Each object tells a story of faith, hope, and miracles.

The Sanctuary of Blessed Antonio Vici is thus a place where faith meets history and adventure, offering a rich and engaging visit experience.

05039 Stroncone TR, Italy