The sanctuary of Gemona |
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Collection title
Sereno Variabile
First broadcast date
10/16/2010
Abstract
The report presents the most ancient sanctuary in the world dedicated to Sant' Antonio of Padova, in Gemona. The comment also makes reference to the history of the place and to the important works of art kept inside ; detailed map of Friuli Venezia Giulia in graphic frame.
Architectural structure of Sanctuary and details of various sacred objects and works of art in Sanctuary of Sant 'Antonio in Gemona.
Broadcaster
RAI - RAI Due
Primary theme
Historical heritages
Credits / Cast
- Refrigeri Mario - Author of original work
- Vale Mauro - Participant
- Bettin Luigi - Participant
Map locations
- Italy - Eastern North - Friuli Venezia Giulia - Gemona del Friuli
Original language
Italian
Context
The Sanctuary of Gemona
Nora Demarchi
Near Italy's border with Austria, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the town of Gemona has the first shrine dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, who, in 1217, built a small chapel here dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is still open to the public.
St. Anthony of Padua's original name was Fernando Martim de Bulhões, and he was born in Lisbon in 1195 (thus for the Portuguese he is Santo Antonio de Lisboa). At the age of fifteen he entered the Order of Canons Regular of St. Agustin at Coimbra, but in 1220 decided to join the order of St. Francis of Assisi, where he was given Anthony as a first name. His talent as an orator and scholar was such that Francis sent him to preach in Italy and then the south of France. His knowledge of theology was deep and his preaching very successful, resulting in the conversion of many heretics and counteracting the spread of the Cathar heresy. He moved to Bologna, then Padua, where he died at the age of 36. He was canonized in 1232, less than a year after his death, and declared Doctor of the Church in 1946. He is commemorated in the Catholic Church every June 13th. His cult spread, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. He became Portugal's national saint, and Portuguese explorers spread his name throughout the world. He became the patron saint of sailors, the shipwrecked and prisoners. From the 17th century, St. Anthony of Padua was also called upon to find lost objects, restore health, and for help granting a wish.
It was because of his ability to grant people's wishes that the walls of Gemona's sanctuary are covered with ex votos. An ex voto (or specifically ex voto suscepto or per gratia ricevuta, from the Latin “as a result of a vow made” or “for a grace received”) is a Catholic practice which can be either a request for divine intervention or thanks for a wish fulfilled. The believer may associate his prayers with a small object, usually a metal heart or a candle, or he may make a gift of something to thank God for his intervention. Often in these cases a painting was commissioned or made, either showing the moment the believer asked for help or illustrating the danger he faced, but from which he emerged unscathed thanks to the intervention of the supernatural being. The painting was then donated to the saint as a gift, a votive offering – an ex voto.
Thus the sanctuary at Gemona, with its corridors packed with votive pictures, is clear proof of the strong faith people had and still have in Saint Anthony, for even today many look to him for hope and relief.
Bibliography: brief but to the point
Larrarin, P. 1987 : Il libro dei santi, Padova, Edizioni Messaggero.
Leonardi, C., Riccardi, A. e Zarri, G. 1998 : Il grande libro dei santi, Milano, Edizioni San Paolo.
Baudin-Croix, M. 1998, Sant’antonio di Padova, Padova, Edizioni il Messaggero.
