One of the most widespread cults in Marcianise it is certainly that of the Madonna della Libera. In the city, in fact, we also have the presence of a church homonymous consecrated to the Virgin, who here it is celebrated on September 8thLet's discover the history of the miracles that consecrated this devotion and of the its diffusion especially in the south of Italy.
Miracles and iconography of the Virgin
The cult of the Madonna della Libera has very ancient origins. In fact, it is linked to thesiege that the Byzantine emperor Constans II held in Benevento in 663. On July 2 of that year, in fact, the Virgin appeared with the cross imprinted on her palm of the hand for free the city from the Eastern invader. This figure of the cross, from that moment, entered therecurring iconography used to depict the Madonna della Libera. She, symbol of struggle and liberation of the peoples, often appears sitting on the throne with Jesus on her lap playing with a dove held by a thread. The cross is imprinted not only on the palm but also even on the neck of the Virgin.
This iconography derives from theByzantine icon which the Venetians stole in 1453 in Constantinople. This depiction is found today in the homonymous sanctuary of Rodi Garganico, which arose following another legend. Here, in fact, the ship would have run aground who carried the icon. Following this event, the Madonna della Libera became the patron saint of the municipality in the province of Foggia, which celebrates it every July 2nd.
Spread of the cult of the Madonna della Libera
The two legends, as mentioned, are set in Southern Italy and it is precisely in this area that his cult is more deep-rooted. Suffice it to say, in fact, that even those who venerated her with particular regard were San Pio of Pietrelcina, where she was celebrated on the first Sunday of August. The friar, speaking of the Virgin, repeatedly described her with affection and devotion. 'To our marunnella. Also to cercemaggiore, in Molise, his cult is very much felt. Here, in fact, in the second half of the fifteenth century, he was erected a shrine to contain a statue of the Virgin. A chapel dedicated to her is also located in Maiori, where its recurrence it is celebrated on Easter Monday.
His cult is also deeply felt in Aquino (province of Frosinone), where there is a monumental Romanesque church consecrated to her. The procession in which the faithful carry the Virgin through the town is very heartfelt. first Sunday in October. Furthermore, the cult of the Madonna della Libera is obviously deeply felt in the province of Benevento, precisely in MoianoIts anniversary falls here onSeptember 8th, just like it happens in MarcianiseThis last municipality, however, is not the only one in Terra di Lavoro that hosts a place of worship consecrated to the Virgin of Libera. Carano, near Sessa Aurunca, in fact, there is a ancient sanctuary, a destination of pilgrimages for centuries.
