Mary Immaculate
Cent. 19th
This sacred shrine is the only one of the ten in Palo del Colle with an ogival arch, distinguishing it from all the others. Mary Immaculate is worshipped in the “Church of Purgatorio” in Piazza Santa Croce and this shrine recounts a long tale of faith dating back to the 1800s. The work was commissioned by the noble and wealthy Gaeta family, who gave their name to the arch which displays the painting. It has become a symbol of devotion but the artist who produced the work is unknown. The Madonna is dressed in a white tunic with a blue cloak draped from her left shoulder down to her waist. She is balancing on a crescent moon in the sky, while angels surround her in a delicate celestial procession. In the background is a sea of white clouds and the tones of the sky, from light blue to dark green, create an atmosphere of great serenity.
Over the years this arch and the icon within it have become the beating heart of popular devotion, tended with love by the women who live nearby. Each year, in preparation of the festival of 8th December dedicated to Mary Immaculate, the community gathers to recite the rosary and sing hymns in honour of the Madonna. During the year the icon is not forgotten: fresh flowers are placed beneath it, candles are lit and a lamp is always lit as a symbol of unshakeable faith. Taking care of this shrine is an act of devotion passed down from generation to generation with the same spirit of love that inspired the tradition. The women of the town still gather beneath the arch to recite the rosary with the same faith of centuries ago, keeping alive the tradition which binds the community to Mary Immaculate. This arch recalls the memory of a community who has always found protection in the Madonna, and who have always gathered together in prayer, protecting the spirituality that has always guided Palo del Colle.