Location Alcamo, Trapani, Italy Municipality Alcamo State Italy Province Province of Trapani | Rite Catholic Territory Alcamo Region Sicily | |
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Patron saint Maria del Soccorso (Rescue) Similar Scala dei Turchi, Necropoli di Realmese, Grotte di Scurati, Castello di Venere, Acquarossa - Italy | ||
The ex Church of Saint Maria del Soccorso (often called Church of Perpetual Help) is a Catholic Church located in Alcamo, in the province of Trapani.
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Description
It is one of the most ancient churches in Alcamo, as it was probably founded in the 15th century by a group of merchants from Genoa, who were members of the confraternity of the Holy Mary's Rescue. It is situated in corso 6 Aprile, opposite the Mother Church. Originally it was in Gothic style, with a nave and two aisles, but its form became eliptical during the restoration made in 1739.
The interior is well balanced and full with stuccoes made by Nicolò Curti, brother of Lorenzo Curti who carved the wooden statue of Our Lady of Miracles. On the high altar there is the 16th century sculpture of Our Lady of the Rescue (Madonna del Soccorso), realized by Bartolomeo Berrettaro. ].
In the most popular iconography the Virgin Mary is represented armed with a club, while hitting a demon terrified at her feet.
The main portal, carved in white stone, with the impost and architrave with moldings, is surmounted by a lunette assigned to Berrettaro; it represents the image of Our Lady of the Rescue among Angels.
Works
Madonna del Soccorso
The cult for this Madonna started in Palermo in 1306, following the apparition to the Augustinian Friar Nicola La Bruna. People say that the monk, tormented by an incurable disease and very close to death, had been healed thanks to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who asked him, in return for it, to propagate the news of the miracle and to have her invoked as Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Thanks to the Augustinian Friars, the veneration for Our Lady of Perpetual Help spread all over Italy. Another title given to her is Our Lady with the Club, because she is represented while brandishing a small club to hit the demon crouched and terrified at her feet.