Sanctuary of Saints Fabian and Sebastian and Chapel of the Blessed Virgin of Caravaggio

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, in Forno di Zoldo, stands a place of faith and history: the Sanctuary of Saints Fabian and Sebastian, enriched by the chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Caravaggio. A complex that invites spiritual reflection, artistic discovery, and a journey through time.

The current building, a single hall with a side chapel on the northern side, is the result of various transformations. The original structure was demolished in the distant year 1505, while the chapel was added in 1865, testifying to the sanctuary’s continuous evolution over the centuries.

Marian Devotion and the Patron Saints

The focal point of Marian devotion is a sculptural group reproducing the iconography of the Blessed Virgin of Caravaggio. The work, created by the renowned sculptor Giovanni Battista Besarel, was inaugurated in 1842, quickly becoming a destination for pilgrimages and prayers.

Alongside the Madonna, Saints Fabian and Sebastian play a fundamental role in the history of the sanctuary. Devotion to them, fueled by relics and sacred images, has its roots in a distant past.

A Brief Historical Note on the Titular Saints

Saint Fabian, Pope from 236 to 250 AD, led the Church during a period of relative peace before suffering martyrdom under Emperor Decius. His wisdom and courage make him an example of unwavering faith.

Saint Sebastian, a martyr of the 3rd century, was a Roman army officer secretly Christian. Discovered, he was sentenced to death by arrows but miraculously survived. Nursed back to health by Saint Irene, he was arrested again and flogged to death. He is invoked as a protector against plagues and diseases.

Treasures of Faith and Testimonies of Grace Received

The testimonies of popular faith are tangible thanks to the ex-votos kept by the parish priest. Jewels dating back to the 19th century, small hearts from the 19th and 20th centuries, inscribed tablets and plaques, goldsmith objects, and other votive offerings tell stories of graces received, prayers answered, and deep devotion. Their consultation is possible with prior authorization, offering a touching glimpse into the life of the community and its bond with the sanctuary.

Clues to a Mysterious Past

Pastoral visits, valuable historical sources, reveal fascinating details about the sanctuary. In particular, the one from 1635 mentions the existence of two wooden cases containing as many as 107 and 84 relics, donated by a lay Capuchin from Zoldo, Fra Vettor. However, Bishop Malloni, doubting their authenticity, prohibited their public display, casting a veil of mystery over the origin and truthfulness of these sacred objects.

Adventure and Discovery at the Sanctuary

Beyond its religious importance, the Sanctuary offers interesting starting points for an “adventurous investigation” into its past. Here are some elements to explore:

• The “Forbidden” Relics: Investigate the story of Fra Vettor da Zoldo and the motivations that led Bishop Malloni to doubt their authenticity, searching for documents or testimonies that might shed light on this enigma.
• The Architectural Evolution: Study the various alterations the building underwent over the centuries, looking for traces of the ancient 1505 structure and delving into the reasons that led to the construction of the chapel in 1865.
• The Hidden Ex-Votos: With the parish priest’s permission, carefully examine the preserved ex-votos, deciphering the inscriptions on the tablets and plaques to reconstruct the stories of faith and devotion hidden behind each object.

The first archival record of the sanctuary dates back to the pastoral visit of 1570, another piece in reconstructing its centuries-old history.