Madonna del Fuoco Sanctuary: Faith, Miracles, and History in the Heart of Faenza

Discover the captivating history and profound spirituality of the Madonna del Fuoco Sanctuary in Faenza, a place of worship that safeguards a miraculous image and bears witness to the centuries-old devotion of an entire city.

The Miraculous Icon: A Message of Hope Amid the Flames

The heart of the Sanctuary is an ancient oak tablet (approximately 15×12 cm, 8 mm thick), painted in tempera on a gold background. The image, in Byzantine style and dating back to the late 15th or early 16th century, depicts the Virgin with the Child Jesus blessing, holding a globe topped with a cross. The Madonna’s mantle, richly decorated, elegantly drapes from her shoulders and fastens with a brooch beneath her neck.

A Miracle That Illuminates Faenza

Devotion to the Madonna del Fuoco has its roots in a miraculous event that occurred on August 2, 1567. A violent fire broke out in a modest home in the alley of Gerbuliani (now Vicolo Ugolino d’Azzo Ubaldini, in the Rione Rosso district), near the Dominican monastery of Santa Cecilia. The flames almost completely destroyed the house, but one wall miraculously remained intact, and on it, hanging from a nail, was the image of the Virgin with the Child. The small painting, despite the inferno, was completely unharmed. News of the miracle spread quickly, fueling faith and popular devotion. Soon, it was hailed as a miracle.

From the Little House to the Sanctuary: A Journey of Faith

The bishop of Faenza, Sighicelli, after a thorough investigation, confirmed the miraculous event. An altar was erected at the site of the miracle, and devotion to the Madonna del Fuoco was officially recognized. On January 5, 1568, the sacred image was transferred to the chapel of the Monastery of Santa Cecilia, in anticipation of the construction of a church dedicated to the Madonna del Fuoco to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims. The devotion became a central element for the city of Faenza.

The Feast of the Madonna del Fuoco: A Faenza Tradition

The Feast of the Madonna del Fuoco, celebrated every year on August 2, is a deeply felt event by the Faenza community. On this occasion, the bishop, clergy, confraternities, and faithful participate in a solemn procession to the Sanctuary, accompanied by the joyful ringing of bells and the sound of firecrackers. Popular devotion also led to the creation of a shrine dedicated to the Madonna del Fuoco in the Sant’Ippolito district, where a copy of the miraculous image was displayed. In 1622, Bishop Giulio Monterenzi decreed that the image of the Madonna del Fuoco be carried in procession during the Minor Rogations or May Rogations.

A Journey Through History: From the Monastery of Santa Caterina to the Sanctuary

The miraculous image of the Madonna del Fuoco arrived at the Sanctuary at a particular moment in history. The Dominican nuns of Santa Cecilia, following the suppression of their monastery on August 1, 1798, brought the image to the Monastery of Santa Caterina. Later, on August 26, 1811, the image was donated to the Dominican church, where it is still venerated today.

Saints and Spirituality: Beyond the Madonna del Fuoco

While visiting the Madonna del Fuoco Sanctuary, you may wish to deepen your knowledge of the saints linked to Dominican spirituality. Figures such as **Saint Dominic de Guzmán**, founder of the Order of Preachers, and **Saint Catherine of Siena**, mystic and Doctor of the Church, offer further insight into the rich history and spirituality of the place.

A Spiritual Adventure: Traces of Faith and Hidden Traditions

Visiting the Madonna del Fuoco Sanctuary is not only a religious experience but also an opportunity to discover the historical and cultural roots of Faenza. Look for traces of the ancient alley of Gerbuliani, imagine the fire of 1567 and the miracle that gave rise to the devotion. Explore the side chapels to admire the artworks that testify to the faith and gratitude of the faithful. Ask the priests or volunteers at the Sanctuary about the stories behind the ex-votos and the graces received. You may uncover anecdotes and curiosities that will enrich your visit and bring you even closer to the Faenza community.

48018 Faenza, Province of Ravenna, Italy