Our Lady of Sorrows

It was certainly the Order of Servites between the end of the seventeenth and the early eighteenth century to introduce in the then “chapel” of St. Elias, there was in fact still a real church, the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows that only in Easter in 1800 it was enthroned in the main altar of the new church.

Our Lady of Sorrows

By an unknown author, but typically Spanish and of exquisite workmanship, highly admired by Cardinal Ernesto Ruffini, he has never undergone any restoration work, however from the past to the present day, small changes have changed its appearance. In the nineteenth century there were three swords that pierced the chest and then, in the early twentieth century, become seven. Even the clothes that lined it were slightly different, embroidered in silver and with a different design from the current one.

Our Lady of Sorrows

It was in the 50s that the statue of the Virgin assumed today’s appearance: dress and cloak with a new design embroidered in pure gold, lateral belt, before it was placed at the center of the dress, and only one sword in the chest. Thanks to the fervent popular devotion, numerous votive offerings have created a real outfit for the Virgin: petticoats with various embroideries, purple dress for the holidays and black for Good Friday, collars and handkerchiefs, belts and various objects.

Our Lady of Sorrows

Anche oltre oceano, negli USA, nelle comunità di emigrati Santeliesi di Milwaukee, San Diego e San Francisco, l’amore per l’Addolorata ha fatto si che venissero fondate delle congregazioni in suo onore e nelle rispettive chiese la collocazione negli altari della riproduzione in legno e in marmo della tanto amata immagine.
Carica di energia di fede, consegnataLe da generazioni di Santeliesi, che davanti a Lei hanno gioito, pianto e pregato, la “VirginiPerdolenti” non ha mai fatto mancare le sue grazie e benedizioni alla gente del piccolo borgo della provincia palermitana.

Our Lady of Sorrows Final Reconstruction

In fact, on the occasion of his feast, in September each year, in thousands, even from neighboring countries, they rush to thank her and honor her memory.
And it is in this month that it is solemnly exposed and adorned with a refined dress of violet-colored silk moella embroidered in gold, with a splendid black velvet cape with opulent gold embroidery that comes from the head to the feet, with sandals and the belt, the fine collar of Brussels, the precious earrings and the handkerchief, and finally with the sword and the golden silver diadem that complete the splendid and celestial image.