Nestled in the charming town of Alcamo, Italy, the Church of the Holy Family, known locally as Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia, is a hidden gem of historical and architectural allure. This quaint church, affectionately referred to as Chiesa Mezza or Culliggeddu due to its modest size, is located at the ground level of the former Jesuit College, under the wing that overlooks the bustling Piazza Ciullo.
The origins of the Church of the Holy Family trace back to the vision of Father Vincenzo Abbati, who passed away in 1654. His remains were initially interred in the Church of the Stellario before being moved to the Church of the Gesù upon its completion. The church became home to the Congregation of the Madonna del Lume on April 25, 1745, a group known for gathering every Sunday for vespers. This congregation was dissolved by royal decree in 1770, following the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1860.
In 1866, the administration of the church transitioned to the Congregation of the Holy Family, founded within the Jesuit College by Father Domenico Maria Lo Jacono in 1824. The church's history is marked by its resilience, having been closed after the Belice earthquake in 1968 and subsequently restored with the generous support of Nicolò Cassarà.
Stepping into the Church of the Holy Family, visitors are greeted by a single nave adorned with three altars. The main altar, crafted from white marble and embellished with red stucco columns, dates back to around 1860. It originally featured a painting by the local artist Giuseppe Renda, now preserved in the sacristy, and replaced by a wooden statue of the Holy Family in 1952.
Each side altar holds its own story. On the left, a mysterious crucifix of unknown origin, once found in the attic of the former Jesuit College, was restored in 1901. The right altar displays the Madonna del Lume, a painting from 1740, also restored in 1901. This artwork is adorned with silver crowns and ornaments, adding an air of reverence and history.
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Adjacent to the main altar is the Chapel of the Passion, established by the Congregation of the Most Holy Crucifix. It houses evocative statues depicting Christ's Passion, including Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Sorrowful Mother. These statues were originally part of the Church of Santa Maria dello Stellario.
Visitors will also find a striking painting of Saint Michael the Archangel, historically used by Father Pugliese to ward off rain during the Patronage festival. The church's walls are adorned with four oval paintings by Gioacchino Speciale, created in 1955, replacing earlier damaged works. These paintings beautifully depict scenes such as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the Flight into Egypt.
The church's interior is a testament to artistic craftsmanship. The wooden pulpit, decorated with intricate carvings of carpenter’s tools and the emblem of Saint Joseph, won first prize at a Montecatini exhibition in 1926. The cantoria, accessible via a staircase carved into the wall, features an harmonium and a finely crafted wooden balustrade.
In efforts to enhance the church's luminosity, a new wooden door with glass panels was installed in 1954, complemented by a redesigned cantoria supported by marble-based columns. The church's sacred furnishings, donated by the benefactor Francesco Guarrasi Anna, include richly embroidered vestments, a silver thurible, and a Gothic-style monstrance.
The Congregation of the Holy Family hosts the annual Festival of the Patronage in Piazza Ciullo, a vibrant celebration that brings the community together. During the festival, a stage is set up in front of the Church of the Gesù, where indigent families are invited to represent the Holy Family and partake in a meal served by congregation members.
In conclusion, the Church of the Holy Family is not just a place of worship but a symbol of Alcamo's rich cultural tapestry. Its walls echo with stories of faith, resilience, and community spirit, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the historical wonders of this picturesque Italian town.
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