Sanctuary of the Madonna della Delibera: A Beacon of Faith and History in Terracina
Welcome to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Delibera, a place of worship and devotion located in the picturesque town of Terracina, in the province of Latina. This sanctuary, with its long and rich history, continues to be a spiritual landmark for the faithful and visitors alike.
A Sanctuary of Ancient Origins
The origins of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Delibera date back to at least 1417, the year the miraculous fresco still preserved within it was created. The fresco depicts the Madonna enthroned with the Child on her lap, surrounded by the young St. John the Baptist and St. Cesareo. Covered in a blue mantle edged with gold, the Madonna gazes with tenderness and protection, offering the faithful an image of peace and hope.
A History of Faith and Resilience
Over the centuries, the sanctuary has endured many vicissitudes. In 1896, a new building was constructed, preserving only the miraculous fresco from the ancient sanctuary. The current church, with its three naves, suffered severe damage during World War II due to the occupation of German troops in 1944. However, in 1955, the sanctuary was enhanced with two porticoed wings and a large forecourt, making it even more welcoming for pilgrims.
The Tradition of Ex-Votos
The ex-votos, testimonies of faith and gratitude for miracles received, form an important part of the sanctuary’s history. The oldest ex-votos, dating back to the 19th century, are kept in the cathedral of Terracina. Many ex-votos, unfortunately, have been lost over time, but the remaining ones, which include plaques, goldsmith works, and photographs, are displayed on the walls of the corridor behind the presbytery. The oldest dates back to 1818.
Significant Historical Events
The sanctuary has witnessed important historical moments, documented by pastoral visits and papal bulls. Among these are the visit of Bishop Bernardo Maria Conti on March 2, 1715, and the bull “In supremo apostolatus” by Benedict XIII on April 19, 1728, which assigned the sanctuary’s assets to the cathedral of Terracina. Another significant event was the visit of Bishop Benedetto Pucilli on April 21, 1782.
Popular Devotion and Community Heritage
According to popular tradition, the sanctuary stands where some oxen, while plowing the fields, stopped in an act of veneration before the image of the Virgin, buried underground. This miraculous event strengthened the faith of the locals and led to the construction of the sanctuary at public expense. The sanctuary has always been de jure patronatus of the Terracina Community, with the benefice attached to its care conferred by Bishop Alessandro Argoli in 1540.
A Place of Continuous Faith
Until 1901, the care of the sanctuary was entrusted to a chaplain of the cathedral chapter, appointed by the bishop. Despite the damage suffered and the reconstructions, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Delibera continues to be a place of prayer, devotion, and pilgrimage, preserving its sacredness and central role in the spiritual life of the community.
In this sanctuary, history intertwines with faith, offering all who come here a refuge of spirituality and hope—a place where past and present merge into a single, unbroken current of devotion.
Additional Documentation
In 1896, the new building was completed. Only the miraculous fresco was spared from the ancient sanctuary. The church has three naves. In 1944, it suffered extensive damage due to the quartering of German troops inside. In 1955, it was enriched with two porticoed wings and later with the forecourt in front of the church. Description: The fresco depicts the Madonna enthroned with the Child on her lap, reaching toward a point outside the composition. The Mother is covered in a blue mantle edged with gold. Beside her stand, on the right, the young St. John the Baptist, and on the left, St. Cesareo. Below the fresco, the date 1417 is inscribed. First use: in the year 1417 Image: Painting
Original location of the Sanctuary: Ex-votos predating the 19th century are kept in the cathedral of Terracina. Notes on the collection: An inventory from 1730 indicates that many silver ex-votos were arranged in a small frame placed next to the image of the Virgin. Above the presbytery balustrade, a beam is noted from which many miracle plaques hung. No trace remains of the ancient ex-votos. Many damaged ones were destroyed. In the oldest ex-votos, the miracle scene is often depicted. In more recent ones, photographs dominate, placed next to hearts and other objects. Types of ex-votos: Plaques or inscribed sheets, Goldsmith works, Various objects Current preservation: The ex-votos are hung on the walls of the corridor behind the presbytery. The oldest dates back to 1818.
The sanctuary dates back to at least 1417, the date inscribed below the fresco believed to be miraculous. Another significant date is 1491, engraved on the bell of the old church’s small bell tower, as attested by the inventory compiled in 1730 by the Terracina notary Matteo Falasca.
Popular tradition holds that some oxen, while plowing the fields, stopped in an act of veneration at the spot where the image of the Virgin, buried underground, was discovered.
March 2, 1715: pastoral visit by Bishop Bernardo Maria Conti; April 19, 1728: with the bull “In supremo apostolatus,” Benedict XIII assigns the sanctuary’s assets to the cathedral of Terracina. April 21, 1782: Bishop Benedetto Pucilli visits the sanctuary.
Until 1901, care was entrusted to a chaplain of the cathedral chapter appointed by the bishop.
The building and assets of the sanctuary are of lay origin: this was explicitly recognized by Bishop Alessandro Argoli in the letter with which, on June 26, 1540, he conferred the benefice attached to the sanctuary’s care to the priest presented by the Municipality. The sanctuary was built at public and communal expense and has always been De jure patronatus of the Terracina Community.
04019 Terracina, Province of Latina, Italy
