CHURCH OF THE FRANCIS OF PAOLA
Cent. 19th
After the existing chapel opposite the façade of the Mother Church was destroyed in the middle of the 19th century, a new church dedicated to St. Francis of Paola was built in 1884 next to the apsidal side of the Mother Church. The simplicity of its architecture reflects the modesty and humility of the saint to whom it is dedicated. There are no embellishments or ostentation, it speaks directly to the heart, inspiring prayer and meditation. The history of the church is tied to that of Santa Maria del Carmine (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), at that time standing in a state of disrepair in the road of the same name: Giro del Carmine. The two Confraternities of St Francis of Paola and Our Lady of Mount Carmel are based in this building. The church has a simple east-facing façade and the entrance stands below a semi-circular window with a bell gable above. The interior has one nave and two cross vaults.
The apse, behind the polychrome marble altar, contains a recess with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with Child. The image of the Madonna is also depicted between St. Joseph, St. Blaise and souls in purgatory in the 18th century painting by GiuseppePorta, situated on the door of the sacristy. In a recess in the right wall is the statue of St. Francis of Paola. On 16th August, the day of the festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the statues of the two saints are carried around the roads of the town in prayer, song and devotion, accompanied by the town band. After the religious rites, the members of the confraternity distribute blessed bread to all the devotees. In this moment, faith is intimate and welcoming, far from grand proclamations but close to the human need for comfort and hope.