Two shepherdesses, Fabiana Cecchino and Serafina Giovanna Valentino, saw the Blessed Virgin Mary first as the Pieta — holding the body of her crucified Son — and later as Our Lady of Sorrows, in a rocky cave near Castelpetroso in the Molise region of Italy. The apparitions were accompanied by a healing spring that appeared at the site.
History
On March 22, 1888, Fabiana Cecchino and Serafina Giovanna Valentino were tending their sheep near Castelpetroso when they saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a cave, kneeling beside the body of her crucified Son in a scene reminiscent of the Pieta. The apparitions continued through June 1890, with many subsequent witnesses. A healing spring appeared at the site. The local bishop investigated and approved the apparitions in 1889. A grand neo-Gothic sanctuary, the Sanctuary of the Addolorata, was built on the site and consecrated in 1975.
Messages
The apparition was primarily visual — Our Lady appeared in sorrow, contemplating the sufferings of her Son, calling the faithful to meditate on the Passion of Christ.
Associated Miracles
A healing spring appeared at the apparition site; numerous cures have been reported at the sanctuary.
Scientific Investigation
Bishop Macarone-Palmieri of the Diocese of Bojano investigated and approved the apparitions in 1889.
Spiritual Significance
The Castelpetroso apparitions emphasize devotion to the sorrows of Mary and meditation on the Passion of Christ. The shrine has become the most important Marian pilgrimage site in the Molise region.
