Il Santuario della Foresta

Rieti-Santuario-S-Maria-della-Foresta-web

Il Santuario de La Foresta retains a simple, humble air suited to the memory of Saint Francis, who stayed here with his brothers in 1225. Founded on the spot where there was once simply a tiny 11th century church dedicated to San Fabiano (still visible), the chaplain’s quarters and vineyard, and a small cottage, where Saint Francis was guest, over time a 15th century cloister and the 14 Stations of the Cross in Neapolitan majolica were added. Be sure to visit the Domus, where Francis and his brothers slept and where you can still see traces of smoke from their fire, and the Grotta di San Francesco under the dormitory, a cavity in the rock where the saint would pray. The grotto, seen as a wound in the side of the rock symbolic of the wound in the side of Christ, is a common element among Franciscan sites where Francis lived and prayed. According to legend, it was here that Saint Francis began to compose “The Canticle of the Creatures”. Today the convent continues its Franciscan mission by hosting the “Mondo X” community for troubled youth. The convent also welcomes pilgrims during their journey.

Source: “La via di Francesco” – Edizioni San Paolo S.r.l.

Comune: Loc. Santa Maria della Foresta (Rieti) | Indirizzo:

Contatti