Sanctuary of Saint Thomas the Apostle: A Journey of Faith, History, and Miracles in Ortona

The Sanctuary of Saint Thomas the Apostle, located in the picturesque town of Ortona in Abruzzo, is a place of profound spirituality and great historical-artistic interest. It houses the relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle, making it a destination for pilgrimages for centuries.

A Sanctuary Rich in History and Devotion

The history of the Sanctuary is closely linked to the translation of Saint Thomas’s relics. Legend has it that in 1258, the Ortonese commander Leone, returning from the East after participating in the wars between Venice and Genoa, landed in Ortona with the Saint’s remains, recovered from the island of Chios. During the stormy crossing, the ship carrying the relics miraculously remained unscathed, a sign of the holiness of the relics.

The relics were initially kept in Ortona’s main church, in a silver urn. The interior of the church, with its inverted Latin cross plan and elevated polygonal presbytery, invites reflection and prayer. The presbytery is accessed by two side staircases that also lead to the crypt, a place of veneration where the Saint’s body rests.

The Relics of Saint Thomas: A Treasure of Faith

The Saint’s relics are now preserved in a silver half-bust statue, a testament to the veneration the faithful have always held for Saint Thomas. The statue is a highly valuable work of art, symbolizing the spiritual presence of the Apostle in the city of Ortona.

Historical Events and Profanations: The Resilience of Faith

The history of the Sanctuary has been marked by dramatic events. In 1566, during the Turkish invasion, the church and the reliquary were profaned. The altar was blown up, but the relics of Saint Thomas remained intact. A second profanation occurred in 1799, during the French invasion, when the silver statue of the Saint was stolen. Despite these adversities, faith and devotion towards Saint Thomas have never waned.

These events, though tragic, remind us of the strength of faith and the resilience of the Ortonese community, which has always known how to rise again and honor its patron saint.

Indulgences and Papal Recognitions

Over the centuries, the Sanctuary has received important papal recognitions. Sixtus IV, in 1479, established the Holy Pardon, moving the date of the indulgence to the first Sunday of May. Clement XII, in 1737, granted a plenary indulgence to those who visited the basilica on the day of the Assumption. Benedict XIV, in 1742, granted an indulgence for December 21st of each year. These acts testify to the importance of the Sanctuary for the Catholic Church.

Ex Votos: Testimonies of Grace Received

In the past, the faithful used to bring ex votos to the sanctuary as a sign of gratitude for graces received. Before the Second World War, the sanctuary’s sacristy preserved a rich collection of ex votos, including miniature steamships offered by sailors who survived shipwrecks, representations of miraculous healings, and dangers escaped. Unfortunately, many of these items were lost during the war, burned by Canadian soldiers.

However, the memory of these ex votos allows us to understand the profound popular devotion and the bond between the faithful and Saint Thomas, considered a powerful intercessor and a sure protector.

Saint Thomas: More Than an Apostle, a Traveling Companion

Saint Thomas, also known as “Thomas Didymus” (the Twin), is a complex and fascinating biblical figure. Famous for his initial disbelief regarding Christ’s resurrection, Thomas represents the importance of doubt and the search for truth. His personal experience, culminating in touching Jesus’s wounds with his own hands, transformed him into a fervent and tireless witness of the Gospel.

The figure of Saint Thomas, with his uncertainties and his thirst for knowledge, can be a source of inspiration for modern pilgrims. His journey invites us not to be afraid to ask questions, to doubt, and to seek the truth with an open heart and a curious mind.

A Spiritual and Cultural Adventure

Visiting the Sanctuary of Saint Thomas the Apostle is not only a religious experience but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the history, art, and culture of Ortona and Abruzzo. Besides the basilica, the city offers numerous points of interest, including the Aragonese Castle, overlooking the sea, and the historic center, with its narrow streets and ancient churches.

A hypothetical adventurous quest could be searching for historical documents in local archives that speak of the construction of the sanctuary over the centuries. Or reconstructing, through interviews with local fishermen, the route that Commander Leone took to bring the saint’s relics to Ortona. Or rediscovering the ancient routes of pilgrims who, in past centuries, reached the sanctuary on foot.

Pilgrimage, Research, and Reflection

The Sanctuary of Saint Thomas the Apostle is a place where faith, history, and culture intertwine, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are pilgrims seeking spirituality, history enthusiasts, or simply curious, the Sanctuary will welcome you with its evocative atmosphere and its rich spiritual heritage.